I’m Kirsten, the Northern California ambassador for ICP Care, and mom to one itchy baby girl – Harper.

I found out I had intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy when I was 31 weeks pregnant. Four days after testing positive for COVID, my hands and feet began itching intensely. I hadn’t ever heard of itchy hands or feet as a COVID symptom so I was curious and began “googling.” This is when I learned of cholestasis of pregnancy for the first time – it’s not something I had ever been made aware of during OB/midwife appointments, or through any media or friends. I was lucky enough to find the ICP Care website right away, and began reading about the symptoms and severity of cholestasis during pregnancy.

My husband and I decided the seriousness of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy warranted an emergency visit to Labor & Delivery, as I didn’t want to wait to see my midwives when I was negative for COVID. I was so lucky to be in the care of a midwife in L&D who immediately diagnosed me with ICP based on my symptoms alone. She wrote a script and urged me to begin Urso immediately. I know not everyone gets a provider who truly understands intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy right out of the gate, so I am extremely grateful to her for being so knowledgeable and proactive. My care team and I decided to deliver early at 37 weeks and on July 4, 2022, my “itchy baby” Harper made it safely into our arms!

I would like to help the community and healthcare providers understand what cholestasis of pregnancy is, to take seriously the severity and urgency of this condition, and to be educated on the most up-to-date treatment & delivery protocols. My hope is that most people’s experience being diagnosed and treated for cholestasis during pregnancy may go as smoothly as mine.