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.

As you can see, while the hands and feet are the most common locations for the itching, the rest of the body is also commonly affected by the itch.