Infant Massage

Infant massage has been used for thousands of years! It has been most prevalent in Africa and South American cultures. The Western world has recently become interested in infant massage as it has scientifically proven benefits to both mama and baby.

The History of Infant Massage

In countries such as Nigeria, India, Bali and Fiji, infant massage is considered a routine part of the newborns life from the moment baby is born until baby is almost one year old.

In 1993, the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine studied mothers in Kolkata who performed traditional infant massage on their newborn babies as part of their everyday and evening routines. After the massage routine, which is loving but vigerous, 100% of the babies slept soundly!

In other countries, baby massage was performed daily after the child's evening bath and the results were the same - content, sleeping babies.

What Environment Should the Infant Massage Take Place In?

The room should be warm, a little warmer than room temp at about 25°C. The room should be quiet. Some background music can help, but make sure it is soothing music. Turn the TV off. Lay your baby naked on a soft towel or blanket. If you think baby is cold, then make the room warmer.

Time for Infant Massage

You can massage your baby at any time of the day, but is best done after your baby's bath, and especially in the evening before he goes to sleep for the night.

The Type of Touch

Baby massage should not involve a lot of pressure. To determine the correct pressure to use: close your eyes and massage your eyeballs.

Strokes to Use

When massaging the small areas of baby, like the face, use only your fingertips. Larger areas are better massaged with the flat palm of your hand.

Oils to Use

Grapeseed is the best oil to use. Avoid nut-based oils, because they can cause an allergic reaction. Regular baby oil is not recommended. Many manufacturers now make specially designed baby massage oils. Some aromatherapy oils can be particularly beneficial (such as lavender to soothe and calm), but it is important that they are correctly diluted with a carrier oil (like grapeseed oil).

Method of Infant Massage

• Starting at your baby's face, use your fingertips to gently stroke upwards over her cheeks, forehead and chin, gently circling her eyes, ears, nose and mouth.
• Next, massage your baby's arms. Start by circling them at the shoulder, before moving down his arms to his wrists. Gently use your fingertips on his palms.
• Moving on to your baby's legs, use your whole hand to massage in an upward direction, gently bringing your child's knees up to her tummy (this can help to relieve colic and gas pains). Use your fingertips to massage circles on your baby's feet.
• At your baby's tummy, use gentle circles in a clockwise direction starting at his belly button, and gradually increase the size of the circles.
• Finally, use your palms to sweep slowly and gently along your baby's back up to her shoulders. Do not massage her spine.
• Once you have finished your infant massage session, dress your baby and make sure he is comfortable. If your baby seems distressed at any time, or does not appear to be enjoying his massage, stop and comfort him, and try infant massage again another time.

If baby is in "gassy pain" try these tips to soothe his tummy:

• Very gently stroke your baby's tummy from top to bottom using the outer edges of first one hand, then the other, in a motion like a waterwheel.

• Push his knees onto his tummy, and hold for a count of ten.

• Massage the tummy with one hand following the other in clockwise circles. Picture in your mind-and tell your baby-that a gas bubble is leaving his body.

• Walk your fingers across your baby's tummy from the right to the left side, then down toward your baby's left hip (to move gas toward the rectum). Repeat sequence as needed

Natural Herbs to Assist Women Conceive

Most fertility problems are caused by hormonal imbalances. Clinical studies indicate that women who have unexplained infertility or those who are struggling to conceive after the age of 35 could be helped by getting their hormones back into balance. Some examples of hormonal imbalances are:

1. An estrogen imbalance (usually excessive) can cause conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis, which cause problems within the uterus. An issue in the uterus can make implantation of the fetus difficult.
2. The hormones FSH (Folicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) are responsible for ovulation. An imbalance in these hormones can reduce or stop menstruation altogether and make ovulation infrequent, giving you less chances to conceive.
3. Men with low sperm counts often lack sufficient levels of testosterone to produce the millions of healthy motile sperm required to conceive a baby.

Fertility Prescription Medications

While there are many drugs on the market that work on hormone levels, they all have side effects. Some of these side effects are dangerous and can actually stop you from getting pregnant. For example Lupron can stop menstruation, and Clomid can cause Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. Clomid is a medication prescribed to women who are lacking in estrogen, thus making ovulation infrequent. Studies have indicated that women taking Clomid have a 20% chance of miscarriage and a 1% chance of stillbirth. There is also an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Similarly, Lupron can decrease sperm production and testicle size in men.

The Natural Approach

Thankfully there are natural alternatives to these drugs. There are herbs that have been used for hundreds (and in some cases thousands) of years to help men and women to conceive. Modern research has confirmed that these herbs work to help you conceive faster. Double-blind clinical studies put the herbs through the strictest and most vigorous testing.

Chaste Tree (Vitex)

Chaste Tree is used to balance the hormones and increase ovulation by increasing the release of progesterone, the hormone required for ovulation to take place. Also known as Chasteberry, Doctors at Stanford University School of Medicine found that it could increase progesterone levels by an average of 56% and increase the average number of days in the Luteal Phase with basal temperatures of over 37 degrees by 42% Researchers at Basel University, Switzerland found that the herb PMS symptoms by 42.5% over a period of 3 menstrual cycles, and double-blind placebo-controlled studies have proven that Chaste Tree contains compounds beneficial for regulating menstruation. 93% of women in one study noticed a decrease of PMS symptoms after talking Chaste Tree for just 3 months. An Austalian Reasearcher at the University of Queensland noted that Chaste Tree is sometimes used by Professional Practitioners to help women avoid miscarriage.

Green Tea (Matcha)

A 2006 double blind, placebo-controlled study carried out by Stanford University of Medicine found that mixing Green Tea extract with Chaste Tree and other vitamins and minerals normalized menstrual cycles in women with both long and short cycles, and resulted in 26% of the women becoming pregnant (compared to just 10% in the placebo group) making it a 260% increase in fertility. Another 2004 study which contained Green Tea and Chaste Tree extracts resulted in 33% of the women becoming pregnant (and none of the women in the placebo group managed to conceive). The Epigallocatechin Gallate in the Green Tea extract was reported in the Food Chemical Toxicology Journal to assist fetal development, as it protected animal fetus from toxicity.

Dong Quai

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong reported use of Dong Quai to help infertile women to conceive. Dong Quai is used in Chinese Medicine for at least 2000 years to treat female reproductive problems including infertility, frequent miscarriage, ovarian function disorders, uterine cramping, fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, painful periods, heavy periods, amenoria. Dong Quai is rich in plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) which help to bring the body back into hormonal balance. It is also a good source of Vitamin B12, folic acid, choline, and iron.

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh helps to balance estrogen levels and relieve menstrual complaints. A 2002 Biomedical Pharmacotherapy report showed that women taking a mixture of Black Cohosh and Dong Quai reduced menstrual symptoms by 54%. Unlike many estrogenic substances, Black Cohosh is safe for women with estrogen-related problems such as endometriosis and fibroids, as it does not stimulate endometrial tissue. Black Cohosh also has anti inflammatory and antioxidant benefits and protects against aging and DNA damage. This is particularly helpful for women who are over 35 or who have been exposed to toxicity.

Muira Puama

Muira Puama has been used by indigenous cultures in South America for aphrodisiac purposes and this has been backed up by the The Institute of Sexology in Paris, which found that 65% of women with a low sex drive who took a blend of Muira Puama reported an increased libido. In the USA, herbalists use Muira Puama to ease menstrual disorders such as PMS, menstrual cramps, and to increase fertility. Muira Puama supports the central nervous system and has antidepressant qualities, helping you prepare mentally and emotionally for conception.

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng has been used in Chinese Medicine to help the body to deal with both mentally and physically stressful situations, and to boost energy levels. It stimulates the endocrine system which contains all the glands responsible for fertility and hormone balance. Siberian Ginseng has anti-aging properties and is particularly useful for older women and it has been widely used as an aphrodisiac and as a general fertility tonic for both men and women. Siberian Ginseng also stimulates the flow of blood to the reproductive organs, and has been used to improve uterine muscles and boost the chances of successful implantation after conception.

Administration

Tea

Some people like to buy each herb separately and boil them up to three times a day. This will create a potent mixture of herbs that will help them get pregnant in the fastest time possible.

Tincture

Steeping herbs in alcohol for a few days will create a tincture to be taken one per day.

Capsule

You can purchase your herbs in capsule form from any natural health store, or even the supermarket. This is the most popular and most convenient way to ingest your fertility herbs.

**this article has been published in Karmal Health and Natural Health eZine

Natural Relief for Morning Sickness

Morning sickness affects nearly 85% of pregnant women at some point during their pregnancy. Unlike it’s name tends to insinuate, morning sickness can hit at any time. For some women this lasts only briefly but for some it can last the whole pregnancy. It can be unpleasant but is not usually dangerous. There are many natural ways to alleviate morning sickness, and make your day more bearable.

NOTE: Always make sure your doctor or midwife is aware of your situation. Vomiting during pregnancy can lead to dehydration and malnutrition if it continues long enough. In some cases it may be an unrelated illness and should be investigated.

What Causes Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness is partially caused by the many hormonal changes occurring in your body.

• HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin): This hormone rises quickly in the first trimester and levels off by week 12, which is why a lot of women feel better by this time.
• Estrogen: This hormone also rises rapidly in early pregnancy and levels off by week 12. It is believed that estrogen plays a part in heightened sense of smell as well; certain aromas instantly trigger the gag reflex.

Ways to Ease Morning Sickness

Good Nutrition

1. If you’re hungry, eat!: Never allow your stomach to be fully empty. Eating small meals throughout the day will help keep your blood sugar from dipping too low and triggering nausea. Try eating carbohydrates before you get out of bed (crackers, toast, dried fruit, popcorn, granola bars, etc.).
2. Protein: Protein is the best source of sustained energy and will be one of your biggest friends when preventing nausea. Eat some just before bed to avoid feeling queasy in the morning.
3. Complex Carbohydrates: Avoid refined grains and simple carbs like pasta and sugar. These foods not only have little nutrition but can lead to low blood sugar. Enjoy whole wheat pastas, breads, and other whole grains.
4. Drink: Dehydration is a major cause of nausea. Aim for 2.5 liters of water, unsweetened juices, and herbal teas.
5. Avoid foods that can cause gas and bloating. Drinking carbonated beverages can help get rid of stomach gas.
6. Avoid sucking on hard candies on an empty stomach. Although this may temporarily relieve your nausea, the digestive juices you stimulate could make matters a lot worse.

Herbs & Supplements

1. Avoid taking your supplements on an empty stomach.
2. Herbs. There are a variety of herbs that can help with nausea like dandelion root, wild yam, vitex, false unicorn, and black horehound. Find someone knowledgeable in the use of herbs during pregnancy to instruct you in their safe use.
3. Ginger has has been clinically proven to relieve nausea. Take 250 mg three to four times per day in capsule form (do not exceed 1 g) or drink 5-6 cups of ginger tea throughout the day.
4. Digestive teas such as fennel and spearmint may also be of benefit if indigestion leads to your nausea.
5. Acupressure: ‘Seabands’ are designed to offset motion sickness. They firmly press an acupressure site that lies 1/6th of the way between your wrist and elbow, in the middle of the inner side of your forearm.
6. Vitamin B6: Taking 25 mg of B6 throughout the day (do not exceeding 150 mg.) may help ‘shut off’ the nausea ‘control-center’ in your brain. Many women are deficient in B vitamins at the onset of pregnancy, especially those who were previously on oral contraceptives.
7. Homeopathics: Try remedies such as nux vomica, ipecac, and sepia.

General Health

1. Make sure you sleep when you’re tired: Exhaustion can aggravate nausea, and baby-making is tiring work!
2. Indigestion: Try using digestive enzymes such as papain and bromelain at mealtime to aid digestion.
3. Keep active: CO2 buildup in the blood can contribute to nausea, which can be reduced with the help of cardio activity.
4. Aromatherapy: Many essential oils are not to be used during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. However lavender oil, when inhaled, may help relieve nausea.
5. Avoid smells, tastes, and textures that trigger your nausea.

Most of all, enjoy your pregnancy! you’re building a life and the trying times of morning sickness will soon come to an end.

Health Benefits of Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is one of 8 B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose). The fuel is then “burned” to produce energy. B vitamins also help the body to metabolize fats and protein and are necessary for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. They also help the nervous system function properly. All B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning that the body does not store them.

What are the Benefits of Vitamin B6?

• Vitamin B6 balances hormonal changes in women such as premenstrual fluid retention, pains, emotional symptoms, premenstrual acne. It also aids in reducing the nausea and fatigue that is so common in early pregnancy.

• Helps to control your mood, behavior, and fights stress and fatigue. This is due to the fact that B6 is responsible for helping to create serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the “feel good” chemical. A lack of serotonin can also cause depression.

• Helps to keep our skin moisturized and looking healthy.

• Can assist in the prevention of dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.

• There is a suggestion that vitamin B6 may be of benefit for children with learning difficulties. Again, these issues are due to a lack of chemicals in the brain that are produced by vitamin B6.

• Assists in the balancing of sodium and potassium and promotes red blood cell production.

• The immune system also benefits from B6. Many studies indicate that a deficiency of it can increase the chances of a person developing cancer.

• Fights the formation of the toxic chemical homocysteine, which is important in keeping the heart healthy.

Vitamin B6 Deficiency

Our body operates like a machine. When we don’t have what our body needs, it does not operate as it should and certain symptoms may occur. Symptoms occur during later stages of deficiency, when intake has been very low for an extended time. The symptoms of a B6 deficiency include frequent headaches, tingling in the extremities, sensitivity to cold, carpal tunnel, irritability, insomnia, and general weakness. There may be skin changes such as dermatitis and acne and asthma and allergies may develop. Bone deteriation (osteoporosis and arthritis) can also occur.

Food Sources of Vitamin B6

The foods highest in vitamin B6 are brewer’s yeast, eggs, chicken, carrots, fish, liver, kidneys, peas, wheat germ, walnuts, and green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin B6 Dosage

Males and females: 25 mg per day, no higher than 100 mg per day. If 100 mg per day is exceeded, toxicity may occur such as nerve damage. This nerve damage is reversable and only present while taking high levels of the vitamin.

Other Facts

• Vitamin B6 taken in excess of 2000 mg per day may cause neurological damage.

• People taking their B6 dose late at night sometimes experience very vivid dreams.

• People taking antidepressants, contraceptive pills, or on a high protein diet may need more of this vitamin. As this vitamin is readily lost in the urine, it must be taken regularly to ensure an adequate amount in the body.

• Exercising may aid the production of vitamin B6.

Remember: It is important to have a physician evaluate any symptoms so that appropriate medical care/dosage can be given.

Abolish Toxins from your Home with Natural Cleansers

A lot of store-bought cleaners are harsh, and when used on high traffic and high "touch" areas can pose health hazards. Imagine this: you wipe your cupboard with your chemical all purpose cleaner. Sure, it has disinfected it and there are no more germs on that surface. However, now when you place any food objects or dishes on that surface, you're now transferring the harsh chemicals onto your food and dishes.

There are some very basic ways to clean your home and not worry about the toxic ingredients affecting your families health.

In the Kitchen

Oven Cleaner

• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 1/2 cups baking soda
• 1/2 cup water

Plug the holes in your oven with aluminum foil. Mix the ingredients listed until it forms a smooth paste. Spread the paste in the oven. Leave it overnight.
In the morning, mix:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup vinegar

Add the ingredients to a spray bottle and spray the oven with this mixture. Wipe and rinse with clean water.

Note: the mixture needs to be rinsed well or it will leave a white residue.

Glass Cleaner #1
Pour plain club soda into a spray bottle. Spray it on the glass or mirror. Use a microfiber cloth and wipe until it's clean and streak free.

Glass Cleaner #2
Pour 1/4 vinegar 3/4 water mixture into a spray bottle. Spray it on the glass or mirror. Use a microfiber cloth and wipe until it's clean and streak free.

In the Bathroom

Toilet Cleaner

• 3 cups white vinegar
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Pour the ingredients slowly into the toilet bowl. Leave it for 15 minutes and then scrub.

Bathtub and Shower Cleaner

• 1 part vinegar
• 1 part water

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the shower walls and tub. Leave it for at least 1/2 hour. Rinse with clean water. If you need extra cleaning power, use liquid laundry detergent and a plastic sponge. Avoid soap, which can leave a residue.

Rust Remover
Mix a small amount of cream of tartar with water until the consistency is like toothpaste. Smooth the mixture on to the stains. Use a sponge to scrub and wash off.

Grapefruit Extract - Natural Disinfectant

Grapefruit Extract can be the single greatest addition to everyday soaps and detergents. Only a few drops are needed to strengthen any cleanser’s ability and truly make a household free from problems caused by many types of bacteria. It's known for its natural antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties, as well as for its ability to fight fungal and viral infections.

Toothbrushes: soak brush for 15 minutes in a ½ cup of water with 10 drops of grapefruit extract to eliminate any bacteria.

Laundry: 15-20 drops of grapefruit extract added during the rinse cycle of a load of laundry gets rid of mold, odor and any residue or grime not removed by soap alone.

Fruit/Vegetable Wash: Contamination is a real concern with more and more fruits and vegetables being imported daily. Add 10 drops grapefruit extract in 2 cups of water and spray onto the food. This mix can also be used to extend the shelf life of all vegetables and fruits by 3-4 times, especially berries.

All Purpose Cleaner

Pour 2 cups of water, 2 cups of vinegar, 1/8 cup baking soda, and 18 drops of tea tree oil or grapefruit extract (tea tree oil also has natural antibacterial properties, though stronger than grapefruit extract and should not be used on food or food preparation surfaces). Pour into spray bottle and spray on surfaces and wipe with a cloth.

Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths have split microfibers that are divided into thousands or even millions of tiny hooks and hairs that dislodge even the tiniest pathogens, and "rid of them". These cloths are highly absorbent (can absorb 6-8 times it's own weight in liquid). The tiny hooks are so small that they can pick up bacteria as small as e coli bacteria and the common cold virus, all with just a bit of water and absolutely no cleaning products.

Sepia, Natures Wise Old Woman

Women these days have very hectic lifestyles. There are stresses with work, family, and finances. There are environmental toxins and poor diet. There is also a disconnect from our bodies and how nature has a perfect plan for the way we function. Homeopathic medicine is a medical system that uses highly diluted doses of natural substances, such as Sepia, to stimulate a person’s immune and defense system. Sepia has a broad range of action over the female body and treats a wide range of diseases. Sepia is a pure ink pigment found in cuttlefish; when threatened, it releases spurts of dark ink, or sepia. The ink is collected for preparation and diluted with large quantities of milk sugar for final use.

Uses

Sepia is mainly used for gynecological complaints such as premenstrual syndrome, painful or heavy menstruation, hot flashes, emotional and physical symptoms during and after pregnancy, candida, and sagging or prolapsed uterus. It is used for women who suffer pain during sexual intercourse or feel exhausted afterward. Women who dislike being touched either premenstrual, during menopause, or as a result of emotional problems are also helped by Sepia. Homeopathic physicians prescribe Sepia to patients whose symptoms include apathy and moodiness. It treats symptoms such as exhaustion and muscle weakness, indigestion, gas and tenderness, headaches, nausea, dizziness, hair loss, itchy or discolored patches of skin, circulatory problems, and profuse sweating.

Premenstrual Syndrome

Sepia can help the woman with premenstrual pain and cramps. It is an anti-spasmodic and helps to regulate the pain caused by the over active uterus. There will be improved blood flow to the abdominal region, reducing pain and cramps caused by blood congestion. Sepia will also help with indigestion, by aiding the digestive system to absorb vital nutrients. It is also an energy enhancer; the chemicals in sepia help improve the respiratory system by increasing the absorption of oxygen levels in the bloodstream.

Menopause

There are lots of homeopathic remedies to consider when dealing with menopause consider, however Sepia outranks them all with distinct indications that are so commonly associated with menopause. The most predominant issue with menopause – change in temperament. From being calm and gentle before menopause, a woman can become irritable. She is sometimes unable to show affection towards family members. The feeling of sadness, with no desire to socialize and no interest in her day to day life makes her feel almost depressed. She tires easily. Flushes of heat in various parts of the body, which may be also associated with excessive perspiration, are common. She is not interested in sex, and may experience a dragging or bearing down sensation in the uterus, feeling as if she has to cross her legs to hold it in. Heavy menstruation is possible, as is little or irregular bleeding. Backaches are often part of the symptom pattern. For this woman, Sepia can work wonders. Sepia 200 c, two doses every week for a period of one month, makes this transition through menopause a comfortable one.

Depression

Bouts of depression resulting from loss or lack of sunlight can be treated with Sepia. An individual needing Sepia will be indifferent, weepy, angry, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Moodiness and depression (particularly in women) that includes tearfulness, anger, a desire to run away and escape, feeling over-burdened, desperate, unable to cope or about to lose control. A person who is exhausted after prolonged stress and strain and argumentative, mostly with loved ones. Fear is also a prominent emotion in a depressed individual. Fear of going crazy, of having some incurable disease, or of impending doom.

Administration & Side Effects

Sepia is available in C potency’s—one part sepia and 99 parts milk sugar. Sepia is most often prescribed in the 200 C potency, which is in the high range of of C potency’s. It is prescribed for the stubborn symptoms listed above. The available forms are sugar pellets and as a liquid. Because it is a homeopathic remedy, the above ailments can be treated without a prescription. Homeopathic remedies are not known to produce side effects, as they have no effect except when matched with particular symptoms. Individual aggravations may occur, such as headaches and nausea.

Crazy Itch; Cholestasis of Pregnancy

If you've been pregnant before you know that you get itchy. It's not uncommon to feel itchy, especially around your growing belly and breasts as your skin stretches to accommodate the baby. Hormonal changes may also be partly to blame. However, if you find yourself itching considerably more than normal and all over your body, it is important to bring it to your health care providers attention. You may have Cholestasis of Pregnancy (also known as OC (obstetric cholestasis), pruritus gravidarum., and ICP (intraheptic cholestasis of pregnancy).

What in the World is ICP?

ICP is a specific liver condition of pregnancy. The normal flow of bile is impaired in a woman's body resulting in itching that can vary in severity and type. The itching can be bothersome to severe itching. The itch is often worse at night. There is rarely jaundice when suffering with ICP (less than 5% of ICP patients present with jaundice, so if your doctor tells you that you cannot have ICP because your skin is not yellow,I suggest getting a new doctor). Although ICP has been reported as early as a few weeks pregnant, it is more common for it to begin in the third trimester, when hormone concentrations are at their highest levels. The figure for the percentage of women for whom ICP will recur in future pregnancies is as high as 90%.

What Causes ICP?

Researchers are currently investigating genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. There has been some research that indicate a particular gene mutation in some ICP patients, but much is yet to be defined. In some cases ICP is suspected to be caused by a sensitivity to the hormone estrogen.
 
What are the Symptoms of Cholestasis of Pregnancy? 

Symptoms of ICP can vary in severity and type, but the most common ones include: 

Itching all over, but often more severe on palms and soles Dark Urine and/or Pale Stools (grayish in color) Fatigue or Exhaustion Sleep Deprivation from Itching Loss of Appetite Mild Depression

Less common symptoms include:

• Jaundice 
• Nausea
• Severe Depression 
• Upper-Right Quadrant Pain  (gall-bladder area)
  

ICP carries an increased risk of premature labor, fetal and maternal hemorrhaging, fetal distress, and most importantly, stillbirth (intrauterine death of baby).   

Who Gets ICP?

1 pregnancy in 1000 is affected by ICP. Women carrying multiples and those who have had previous liver damage may be more likely to develop ICP. The incidence of ICP also shows a striking geographical pattern, with a higher prevalence in Scandinavia and South America. The highest rates of ICP are noted in Chile, specifically in the Araucanian Indians, where as many as 28% women are affected. Mothers and sisters of patients of ICP are also at higher risk of developing the condition, proving that there is a definite genetic predisposition.

What are the Risks to Me and My Baby?

ICP poses several serious risks. ICP is associated with an increased risk for infant stillbirth, premature labor, fetal distress, and hemorrhaging in both mother and child. If the SBA (serum bile acids) rise above 40, the risk to baby greatly increases. Basically, in a nutshell the bile acids that are building up in the body will pass into the brain of the baby and slowly poison them.

How is ICP Diagnosed?

Due to the fact that itching is considered a normal part of pregnancy, testing for ICP is often overlooked. Some doctors will even dismiss the complaint of itching altogether. This can be a dangerous mistake. Any complaint of itching during pregnancy should be taken seriously and be evaluated.

Two tests should be administered to women who are experiencing itching which include the following:

• Serum Bile Acids (SBA): The serum bile acid test is the most sensitive indicator of ICP. This is a specialized test that should be administered after a period of fasting, as eating certain foods may increase bile production. 
• Liver Function Tests (LFT):
  
  A liver function test that measures the liver enzymes in the blood should also be administered when determining ICP, but should not be the sole criteria for a diagnosis! This is due to the fact that it is possible for a patient to have normalized liver enzymes and elevated bile serum results. In ICP, bile serum levels typically rise before liver enzymes increase. Receiving results of elevated LFTs before receiving the results of a SBA test should be considered protocol to administer URSO as a precaution to ensure the safety of the unborn baby.Standard liver enzymes include Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Trasaminase (AST), and Alkaline Phosphotase (ALK) and are often referred to as the transaminases.
  • ALT is the enzyme produced within the cells of the liver. The level of ALT abnormality is increased in conditions where cells of the liver have been inflamed or undergone cell death. As the cells are damaged, the ALT leaks into the bloodstream leading to a rise in the serum levels. Any form of liver cell damage can result in an elevation in the ALT. The ALT level may or may not correlate with the degree of cell death or inflammation. ALT is the most sensitive marker for liver cell damage.
  • AST also reflects damage to the liver. It may be elevated and other conditions such as a heart attack. Although AST is not a specific for liver as the ALT, ratios between ALT and AST are useful to physicians in assessing the reason for liver enzyme abnormalities.
  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALK) is another liver enzyme that is evaluated during a routine LFT, but because this value is normally elevated in pregnancy, it's contribution to the diagnosis of ICP is typically disregarded by specialists.

What is the Treatment for ICP?

Despite the possible outcomes of ICP, proper treatment for ICP provides a great degree of reduction in both fetal risk and maternal symptoms. The two most important factors in the treatment of ICP are reducing the bile acids in the bloodstream and delivering the mother as early as lung maturity will allow, often at 36 or 37 weeks gestation. In cases where bile acids do not respond to treatment, it may be necessary to deliver earlier than lung maturity to protect the child from the possibility of stillbirth. 

Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA), also known as Actigall or Urso is currently the front-line medication for the treatment of ICP. It is a naturally occurring bile acid that improves liver function and helps reduce total bile acid concentration in the bloodstream. 

It is also wise to eat well. A "liver cleanse" type of diet has been known to help ease the discomfort associated with ICP. Use this Diet

Check this out for more info on ICP

IMPORTANT
Remember: this is a VERY serious disease, with very serious risks. If you suspect you have ICP, please realize the uncommon nature of the disease and take into consideration the fact that your doctor may not be fully educated about the possible risks of ICP. In the past, ICP was considered to be a benign condition, and some doctors may still regard it as such. It has not been until more recent years that studies have revealed the serious risks ICP poses. A few tips for discussing testing, treatment and care with your doctor:

• When first mentioning ICP, it may be best not to mention you found the information on the internet, rather, print off a few medical journals from this site and take them with you.
• Give your doctor a chance. If they are not familiar with ICP, help to educate them. If things don't go well after at least some effort on your part to inform them, or they are still unwilling to test or treat you for ICP, then it may be time to change doctors. Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine - The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has a physician locator. 
• Bring this letter with you
  Click here to print an important medical journal to take to your doctor with the above letter

My Background With ICP
I have had 4 pregnancies. All of which I had ICP with, though only 2 were diagnosed. ICP tends to get worse with each pregnancy, increasing in intensity and earlier onset. With my first pregnancy I was told by friends and family that itching was normal, so I shrugged it off and suffered. Thank goodness my child and I were fine.

With my second pregnancy, I started itching at 36 weeks, mainly on my legs, feet, and hands. I scratched so hard that my legs had terrible sores all over them. After telling my OB that I did not think it was normal, he told me to "stop complaining". At which point I did just that. And I suffered immensely for the remaining 4 weeks. I bled a LOT after the labor, and later realized that is a maternal risk of ICP.

With my third pregnancy, I started itching and had a massive gall-bladder attack at 32 weeks, at which point I went into premature labor. My LFT results came back quite abnormal, and after much testing I was diagnosed with ICP at 34 weeks. I had a wonderful OB who thankfully knew all about ICP. I was prescribed URSO, and was induced at 36 weeks. Thankfully all was perfect! Due to their awareness of ICP, steps were taken to prevent hemorrhaging.

With my fourth pregnancy, I had a complicated issue to begin with, in which case ICP was intensified. I started itching at 28 weeks. I was induced at 32 weeks.