How can Ursodeoxycholic acid help patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?

Ursodeoxycholic acid is used in the management of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) primarily because it reduces bile acid concentrations in the maternal bloodstream. In ICP, there is often an accumulation of bile acids due to impaired hepatic excretion, leading to symptoms such as pruritus and potential fetal complications.

By administering Ursodeoxycholic acid, the bile acid levels can be decreased, which not only alleviates the maternal symptoms but also minimizes the risk of fetal complications associated with elevated bile acids, such as fetal distress or stillbirth. This action is crucial as it helps restore some degree of normalcy in the metabolism of bile acids during pregnancy.

While other options may be related to metabolic processes in pregnancy, they do not specifically address the primary mechanism by which Ursodeoxycholic acid exerts its beneficial effects in the context of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Therefore, its role in reducing bile acid concentration is essential for both maternal and fetal health in affected pregnancies.