Why We Must Stop Normalizing the “Pregnancy Itch”
February 18, 2026 | HearFromHer, RareDisease
In the world of rare diseases, success is often measured by the speed of diagnosis. However, for women facing rare liver conditions like Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP), the medical system often defaults to “normalizing” debilitating symptoms.
Listen to the full episode here.
In the latest episode of the Hear From Her podcast, Tatyana Kushner (Weill Cornell Medicine) and Andrea Goldstein (Mirum Pharmaceuticals), discuss why this status quo is dangerous. While ICP might present as “just an itch,” it is a complex condition where elevated bile acids can lead to severe risks for the infant, including respiratory distress or stillbirth.
The Data Behind the Disparities Recent research led by Dr. Kushner suggests a 70% recurrence rate for ICP in subsequent pregnancies. Furthermore, the data reveals significant racial disparities; for instance, while Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) was long thought to be a condition primarily affecting Northern European women, it is now clear that women of color face significant barriers to diagnosis and access to care.
Listen to the full episode here.
The Future of Care: Genetics and Advocacy
- Genetic Insights: Lowering the threshold for genetic testing can help women understand their risks before they even conceive.
- Interdisciplinary Action: Effective management requires a “bridge” between hepatologists and OB-GYNs to ensure symptoms aren’t dismissed at the first point of contact.
- Clinical Courage: Despite the challenges of conducting trials in pregnant populations, “compassionate use” programs and innovative research are paving the way for new treatments.
As Andrea Goldstein puts it, “Every failure in a study leads to key learnings that help us be successful the next time.” For the modern clinician and patient alike, the goal is clear: don’t just learn the system—have the courage to change it. Listen to the full episode here.
Follow us for updates on upcoming podcasts and more insightful conversations.
For more information, please contact Jelena Spyropoulos.
About Medscape Education
Medscape Education (medscape.org) is the leading destination for continuous professional development, consisting of more than 30 specialty-focused destinations offering thousands of free CME and CE courses for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professional
This content was provided by Medscape Education
Company Details
Latest Content from Medscape Education
Why Modern Dermatology Demands Curiosity Over Precision
In the high-stakes world of healthcare research and product development, success has long been measured by rigid definitions of precision and predictable trajectories. However, as Dr. Hawa Dumbuya, Director of…
The Heart of the Matter: Medscape Education’s Cardiology Footprint at ESC 2026
For more than 30 years, Medscape Education has built independent, accredited cardiovascular education designed around one goal: improved patient outcomes. This year at the European Society of Cardiology Congress (ESC…
More Than Pink Walls: What Women-Centric Care Actually Requires
The phrase “patient-centered care” is tossed around freely in healthcare corporate boardrooms. Yet, for more than half the population, that promise routinely fractures. In the latest episode of the Hear…
Women in Healthcare Leadership Have a Lot to Say. Medscape’s Hear From Her Wins an APEX Grand Award.
Medscape Education has been honoured with the prestigious APEX Grand Award for Publication Excellence at…
Moving Beyond the 10%: A New Era in Preterm Birth Prevention
For decades, the rate of spontaneous preterm birth in the United States has hovered stubbornly around 10%. Despite advancements in other areas of medicine, prematurity remains the second leading cause…
Medscape Education to Showcase the Impact of Neurology CME at EAN 2026
Medscape Education, the leading global provider of continuing medical education (CME), has announced its agenda for the upcoming 12th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) 2026 in Geneva,…
Medscape Education Recognized With 2 Spring 2026 Digital Health Awards for Excellence in Clinical Education
Medscape Education has been recognized with 2 prestigious accolades at the Spring 2026 Digital Health Awards. The premier digital education platform earned a Gold Award for its PIONEER initiative in…
Medscape Education Brings AI to the Hematology Frontline at EHA 2026
Medscape Education is supporting a dedicated AI symposium at the 2026 European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Congress in Stockholm on June 11, 2026.
The Ripple Effect: Why Connection is the Heart of Healthcare Leadership
In the fast-paced environment of clinical medicine, it is easy to focus solely on data and outcomes. However, as Dr. Toyin Nwafor (Gilead Sciences) and Dr. Shirin Mazumder (University of…
Beyond the Nudge: Why Mentorship is the New Healthcare Currency
In the latest episode of Hear From Her, the conversation centers on a striking reality: women in healthcare often face a “confidence gap” that their male counterparts do not. While…