Pharmafile Logo

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.

- PMLiVE

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 

Cultivating Interest in Infectious Disease Education at ID Week 2024

IDWeek starts tomorrow, October 16, and Medscape is bringing outcomes and education! We are excited to announce Medscape is presenting six posters that highlight the significant impact of our educational...

Medscape Education Breathes Life Into Pulmonology: Showcasing Success at CHEST 2024

Medscape Education showcases its strong track record in providing high-quality education in the field of pulmonology at the annual conference of the American College of Chest Physicians in Boston, Massachusetts,...

Successful Education at ESC

With World Heart Day just having passed (29th September), Medscape wants to take the opportunity to look back and recap what was accomplished at ESC 2024.  At this year’s event,...

How women are revolutionising rare disease

Women have played a crucial role in rare disease awareness and better care, overcoming gender biases and systemic challenges to drive progress in this often-overlooked field.

Gaps in obesity care and education

Yesterday marked World Heart Day, and Medscape is at the forefront with a featured article in Media Planet's cardiology campaign highlighting gaps in obesity care and education. This important piece...

Realizing the Potential of Virtual Patient Simulation With Real-World Outcomes

We're celebrating Healthcare Simulation Week 2024 by highlighting the transformative power of our multi-award-winning medical simulation programs, which have proven impact in delivering significant improvements in clinical skills and outcomes....

Reaching Young Professionals at HFSA ASM 2024

HFSA will kick off at the end of September, and Medscape is proud to support the careers of young clinicians through the sponsorship of the Professionals in Training Lounge. “Providing...

Medscape Education and Comprehensive Medical Mentoring Program Partner to Empower the Next Generation in Dermatology

In a significant stride toward fostering diversity and inclusivity in dermatology, Medscape Education and the Comprehensive Medical Mentoring Program (CMMP) have established a unique alliance to address critical gaps in...

Making at Impact at the Alliance Industry Summit

The Medscape team will be returning to the Alliance Industry Summit in Philadelphia this year, bringing with them Best in Class Outcomes and support for the event. As part of...

Hear From Her: Extraordinary Women Who Are Redefining Healthcare Leadership

That’s a wrap for Season 2 of Medscape Education’s Award-Winning Podcast Series, Hear From Her: Women in Healthcare Leadership! (Not to worry, Season 3 is just around the corner.)  And...