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Model and former actor Celina Jaitly recently opened up about her battle with cholestasis, a liver condition that threatened both of her twin pregnancies. In an Instagram post, she wrote, “When the itch could have taken my babies: My battle with cholestasis. I was born with a rare genetic gift, a tendency to hyperovulate. I had two spontaneous twin pregnancies, a trait passed down through generations of women in my family. I later learned my mother, too, had carried twins after my brother and me, babies she tragically lost after a fall in Ranikhet. Even my great-great-grandmother died from complications during a twin pregnancy.”
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She emphaised that both her pregnancies were overwhelming. “I had gestational diabetes, severe SPD, and in both, I developed #choleostasis of pregnancy, a rare liver condition more common in twin pregnancies. It nearly broke me,” shared Jaitly.
Jaitly added that the symptoms of the condition are “itching palms, soles, sleepless nights and a deep fear for your baby’s safety”. “Cholestasis isn’t just a pregnancy itch. It’s a warning from your liver that something’s wrong. After my wonderful gynaecologist diagnosed me, I was referred to a hepatologist, a Jordanian doctor, who held my hand in a Dubai hospital and said a prayer. A man of science and faith. That moment of compassion stayed with me and reminded me of how important compassion is to a patient.”
She also listed down the symptoms:
Cholestasis can have serious impacts:
For baby:
Preterm birth
Fetal distress
Meconium-stained fluid
Stillbirth (if untreated)
For mother:
Intense itching
Elevated bile acids
Risk of preeclampsia
Emotional exhaustion
“I was treated with Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA), which lowers bile acids and eases symptoms. Oat baths and pregnancy-safe topicals also helped,” said Jaitly.
Advising pregnant women experiencing persistent itching, especially at night, to ask for a bile acid test, she continued: “Early detection can save lives.”
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What exactly is cholestasis?
Dr Tripti Raheja, lead consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi said Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) is a liver disorder that occurs in late pregnancy, usually in the third trimester. “It affects the normal flow of bile acids from the liver, resulting in a buildup of bile acids in the blood. The most striking symptom: s
evere itching, especially on the palms and soles, often worsening at night. While the mother usually recovers after delivery, the condition can be dangerous for the baby, increasing the risk of preterm birth, fetal distress, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and even stillbirth if not diagnosed and managed early,” said Dr Raheja.
What to note?
*Don’t ignore the itch. Itching in pregnancy is common, but if it is intense, persistent, and without a rash, especially on the hands and feet, it needs urgent attention.
*Blood tests matter. A simple blood test, serum bile acids, and liver function tests (LFTs), can help diagnose ICP.
*Symptoms may appear before lab changes. So clinical suspicion is crucial; if in doubt, test again in 5–7 days.
*Management involves:
* Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to reduce bile acid levels and relieve itching.
* Close fetal monitoring, including frequent non-stress tests and biophysical profiles.
* Early delivery (typically between 36–37 weeks), depending on bile acid levels and fetal condition.
* Risk factors include multiple pregnancy (like Celina’s twins), family history of ICP, personal history of liver disorders, and certain ethnic backgrounds.
Here’s why it may happen (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Can it be prevented?
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Unfortunately, ICP cannot be prevented, but early detection is crucial to preventing complications, said Dr Raheja.
Pregnant women and their caregivers should:
*Stay alert to unusual itching.
*Avoid assuming it’s “normal” unless assessed.
*Advocate for timely testing and follow-ups.
*Trust maternal instincts, itching that feels “not right” deserves attention, said Dr Raheja.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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