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  6. Intrahepatic Cholestatsis of Pregnancy (ICP) or Obstetric Cholestasis (OC) (1137)
Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits. 

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number.  To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) or Obstetric Cholestasis (OC) (1137)

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Prevalence is influenced by genetic and environmental aspects.

In the UK ICP affects 7:1000 pregnancies – it is more common in Indian – Asian or Pakistani – Asian women where it affects 12-15:1000.

It is characterised by the presence of an itch with no visible rash and raised bile acid concentration of 19 micro mol/L or more.

The onset of symptoms is most common in the 3rd trimester but can be earlier in pregnancy.

Important points to remember:

  • Alternative diagnosis (such as pre eclampsia) should always be considered before a diagnosis of ICP is made
  • It is possible for other conditions to co-exist
  • Pruritis and raised bile acid concentrations should return to normal after birth (persistently elevated levels may point to other diagnosis such as non alcoholic fatty liver)
  • Around 25% of pregnant women develop itching – the majority of these do not have and do not develop ICP

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Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 26/03/2024

Next review date: 27/02/2029

Author(s): Mandy Reid; Laura Hopper.

Version: 2

Approved By: Maternity Clinical Governance Group

Document Id: 1137