Myth busting

Research into ICP has overturned many previous beliefs about the condition. On this page we list two common misconceptions.

Myth: ICP can’t develop until the third trimester

It’s true that ICP most commonly presents late in pregnancy, but it can be diagnosed as early as 8–9 weeks. See, for example:

Williamson C, Geenes V. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 2014; 124:120–133. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000000346.

Myth: The itch only occurs on the hands and feet

In fact, itching in ICP can occur anywhere on the body. ICP Support conducted a survey of over 800 women who had been diagnosed with ICP, asking them where on their body they itched. The results are shown in the following image.