My name is Adrienne Butler and I am the proud mother to three children (born in 2017, 2021, and 2024).

I was diagnosed with ICP in 2021 at 33 weeks with bile acids in the 40s, which jumped to 100 by the time I was 35 1/2 weeks. I had itchy feet and assumed it was from the summer heat, but my doctor ordered the blood test just to check and I’m glad she did. I was induced as soon as those results came back at 100 and my daughter arrived the next day after we started the induction process. She was healthy and we brought her home after a day or two, just for extra monitoring of her blood sugars and she was a little jaundiced.

Then in 2024 I was diagnosed with severe, early onset Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy at 14 weeks with bile acids at 100. I was once again prescribed Urso, and then later on Cholestyramine, to try to manage my bile acids. They reached into the 200s. I was induced at 34 weeks on the dot and after a fairly quick induction and a placental abruption during delivery that almost resulted in a c-section, my daughter arrived. She stayed in the NICU for 18 days for some respiratory and feeding support and has thrived at home ever since. She is loved on frequently by her older brother and sister.

I had never heard of ICP before, and now I tell everyone I know. My 2024 case was especially unique because I was also asymptomatic. I wasn’t itchy the 2nd time around, and during both ICP pregnancies I did not become jaundiced or experience any right upper quadrant pain. Being on so much medication for so long during my 2024 pregnancy was physically and emotionally challenging. The ICP support community, my family, and my doctor were all critical my well-being, and therefore the well-being of my children. I am beyond grateful and want to help spread awareness so that we can learn more about Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, support those going through it, and save lives.