Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP)

What started out as an itch during pregnancy almost meant the death of my baby.

And I never knew what was happening until I was 28 weeks pregnant and began to itch so severely that I was sleeping on our leather couch at night. The itch was worse when you were hot and throughout the night. The leather couch was cool to the touch, but it didn’t help with the burning underneath my skin. There was no rash and no physical signs of the itch besides my scratch marks, the skin underneath my nails, the bags underneath my eyes from lack of sleep…It is indescribable and there is no relief except for ice packs and sarna lotion( it has menthol in it).

My baby’s life was at risk due to a little known condition called Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy also known as (ICP). Up to 2 pregnant women out of every 1000 in this country is diagnosed with ICP.

Latina populations, women carrying multiples and women who have had IVF treatment appear to have a higher risk. It is usually hereditary in families with liver issues as well.

If left untreated, ICP complications include fetal distress, meconium staining, maternal hemorrhaging, and if untreated up to a 15% chance of stillbirth.

I’m writing to you to share my story in hopes that you will join my efforts to raise awareness about

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) during/for June ICP Awareness month with awareness day

of June 10.

I’m working with the nonprofit organization ICP Care and, together, I know we can make a

difference.

When I first was diagnosed with ICP, I expected to learn that it was another typical inconvenience brought on by pregnancy hormones. It was devastating to learn that not only was it serious, but that the life of my unborn child was at risk.

And remember, this all started for me with an itch.

Here’s the good news…

With proper treatment and management, the risks can be reduced, resulting in the safe arrival of ICP

babies. That’s why I am asking for your help to spread the word about Intrahepatic Cholestasis of

Pregnancy (ICP). You can raise awareness just by featuring ICP symptoms and treatment or covering my story.

Together, we can save babies lives.

Let’s discuss how you can help me make a difference in this cause. My contact information is below. In

the meantime, to learn more about ICP Care please visit www.icpcare.org. ICP Care can also be found

on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Samantha Matthews ICP Care Awareness Volunteer

(enclosed is a picture of my daughter with her ICP awareness shirt and her birth announcement)