My name is Sarah Tallman. I was diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) during my first pregnancy in May of 2024. My symptoms first began in February 2024. My coworkers saw me itching and mentioned their own experiences with ICP and urged me to mention it to my doctor.

I mentioned it to my doctor, and initially we dismissed it as normal pregnancy symptoms. My wonderful doctor did mention ICP to me at that time, however she thought it was unlikely as I was not yet in my third trimester. My symptoms persisted, and new ICP symptoms occurred too. I had another appointment soon after, so I mentioned it again with more urgency to my doctor, having researched it a bit more. She immediately ordered labs to check my bile acid levels. In the meantime, she proactively prepared to prescribe me Ursodiol in case I did indeed have ICP. A few weeks later, my labs came back, and I was diagnosed with ICP. I was induced the day I turned 37 weeks pregnant and had my beautiful daughter the next day. While the delivery itself was fast, it was complicated by a hemorrhage.

I am extremely fortunate that my experience ended positively. I want to use my experience, and the knowledge I have gained about ICP since my daughter’s birth to raise awareness and resources for families affected by ICP in any capacity. Another goal of mine is to help spread awareness to healthcare providers. It is also important to me that I give back to ICP Care with my time, as I credit this organization with providing me with the knowledge I have now.