Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common liver condition specific to pregnancy. Affecting around 5,500 women a year in the UK it is associated with fetal distress, spontaneous premature birth and in its most severe form, stillbirth. It's main symptom, itching, can sometimes be so severe that women have reported feeling suicidal.
ICP Support is the leading research-based charity for ICP and our Support & Information Hub provides the most up-to-date information on ICP to thousands of families and health professionals every year. There is still a lack of understanding and no standardised management of ICP among health professionals - women tell us they are often given incorrect advice or are refused testing because GP’s mistakenly think it’s too early in pregnancy to have developed ICP. This lack of knowledge together with the worry of a potential stillbirth means that women can experience overwhelming anxiety and we provide support through our dedicated social media groups, online meetings, and a dedicated telephone supportline. A recent survey conducted by the charity (2021) showed that after accessing our support and information, 68% of respondents felt less alone, 92% felt more informed and 62% felt more in control.
Our vision is that every ICP baby is born safely
We provide information and support to women and their families
We advance education for the benefit of the condition
We promote, support and raise funds for research into the condition, the useful results of which will be desseminated for the public benefit