ICP: A midwifery perspective

Annette Briley; Megan Cooper

doi:10.1177/1753495X241257709

ICP: A midwifery perspective

Obstet Med. 2024 Sep;17(3):152-156. doi: 10.1177/1753495X241257709. Epub 2024 May 28.

Authors

Annette Briley^{1

2}, Megan Cooper¹

Affiliations

¹ Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia.
² Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, Australia.

PMID: 39262906
PMCID: PMC11384816 (available on 2025-09-01)
DOI: 10.1177/1753495X241257709

Abstract

Background: ICP is a liver condition specific to pregnancy affecting 0.5-0.6% of pregnancies in Australia.

Aims: to review the SOMANZ guidelines and extrapolate information relevant to midwives proving care for women with ICP.

Findings: Multidisciplinary input is essential in caring for women with ICP and their families. Non-fasting TSBA samples ≥19 µmol/L are diagnostic in the presence of pruritus. Peak TSBA denotes the severity of the disease. Increased risk of stillbirth is small when peak TSBA ≥100 µmol/L.

Conclusion: Midwives play an essential role in supporting women with ICP helping them navigate complex appointments and manage the pruritus and concomitant issues.

Keywords: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP); midwives; peak total serum bile acids (TBSA).

Publication types

Review