Celina Jaitly has recently shared her harrowing experience with a rare pregnancy condition that endangered the lives of her unborn twins. The actress took to social media to recount her battle with cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver disorder she faced during both of her twin pregnancies.
In a heartfelt Instagram post titled "When the Itch Could Have Taken My Babies: My Battle With Cholestasis," Celina revealed she was born with a genetic predisposition to hyperovulate, leading to two spontaneous twin pregnancies. She explained that this trait runs in her family, often with tragic consequences, noting that her mother also carried twins but lost them after a fall, and her great-great-grandmother died from complications during a twin pregnancy.
Celina described her pregnancies as overwhelming, marked by gestational diabetes, severe Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), and cholestasis. Cholestasis, she explained, is an under-recognized condition more common in twin pregnancies. She described the symptoms as "itching palms, soles, sleepless nights, and a deep fear for your baby's safety," emphasizing that it is not "just a pregnancy itch" but a warning sign from the liver.
The actress credited her gynecologist for the early diagnosis of cholestasis, which is crucial for managing the condition effectively. She was then referred to a hepatologist in Dubai, a Jordanian doctor who, according to Celina, showed immense compassion. She recalled a moving moment when the doctor prayed with her during treatment, highlighting the importance of compassion in patient care.
Celina also highlighted the risks associated with cholestasis for both the mother and the baby. For the baby, it increases the risk of preterm birth, fetal distress, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid, which can lead to complications during delivery. In severe, untreated cases, it can even result in stillbirth. For the mother, the condition causes intense itching, particularly on the hands and feet, due to the buildup of bile acids in the bloodstream.
To manage the condition, Celina was treated with Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA). She urged pregnant women experiencing persistent itching to take it seriously and request a bile acid test. Celina hopes that by sharing her story, she can raise awareness about high-risk pregnancies and offer support to women facing similar health issues. She battled gestational diabetes, cholestasis, and other medical conditions while expecting.
Celina's story serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and compassionate care in managing pregnancy complications. It also highlights the strength and resilience of mothers who navigate these challenges to bring their children into the world.
