Fetal complications of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy include intrauterine death, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, spontaneous preterm birth, and NICU admission.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only intrauterine death
• D. Only NICU admission

Answer: (A)

Fetal complications of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy include intrauterine death, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, spontaneous preterm birth, and NICU admission.

This statement is true because ICP elevates maternal bile acids that cross the placenta and can disrupt fetal well-being. Higher bile acids are linked to fetal distress and hypoxia, increasing the risk of stillbirth. Meconium passage into the amniotic fluid is more likely with fetal distress, leading to meconium-stained fluid and potential meconium aspiration. Preterm birth can occur spontaneously or be triggered by management decisions due to concerns about fetal status, and neonates born in pregnancies affected by ICP are more likely to require NICU admission for respiratory or metabolic support.