I am the proud mom of my itchy baby, Petey, and currently expecting a daughter in August 2024.

My cholestasis story began when I was diagnosed at 21 weeks gestation during my pregnancy with Petey, back in 2020. Friends told me itching was normal, but I knew the level of discomfort I was feeling was beyond normal skin stretching itchiness. I’m thankful that I had a provider that trusted me and even though she thought it was early and the symptoms weren’t necessarily what she had seen before (including a slight rash on the tops of my feet), she ordered a blood test, which confirmed heightened bile acid levels. My cholestasis symptoms were thankfully managed by the Ursodiol I was prescribed and I was later induced at 37 weeks. After 3 days of labor, our little miracle was born and after about a week of NICU time, we were able to go home as a family.

I am thankful to say that so far, I have not been diagnosed during this pregnancy and my bile acid levels have remained low, but I am always on the lookout for symptoms and every time I itch, I wonder if it’s the onset of cholestasis. When I first experienced symptoms, I had never even heard of cholestasis and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of a cause that helps spread awareness and help those that are diagnosed.