Cholestasis may lead to the following complications except –
**Core Concept**
Cholestasis during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, can lead to various complications due to the abnormal bile flow and bilirubin accumulation. This condition is often associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), which can have significant implications for both mother and fetus.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Neonatal jaundice is not a direct complication of cholestasis in the mother. Instead, it is a separate condition that can occur in newborns due to various reasons such as prematurity, hemolysis, or breast milk jaundice. Cholestasis in the mother can lead to increased levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the fetus, but this is not a direct cause of neonatal jaundice in the newborn. The fetus can develop severe jaundice due to the maternal-fetal transfer of unconjugated bilirubin, but this is distinct from neonatal jaundice that occurs after birth.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Intrauterine fetal death can occur as a result of severe cholestasis, particularly if it leads to significant fetal distress or hypoxia.
**Option B:** Meconium-stained liquor is a known complication of cholestasis, as the fetus may experience distress and pass meconium in utero due to the abnormal bile flow.
**Option C:** Preterm labour can also be a complication of cholestasis, as the condition may lead to uterine contractions and fetal distress.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to recognize that cholestasis during pregnancy can have significant implications for both mother and fetus, including increased risks of preterm labour, fetal distress, and intrauterine growth restriction.
**β Correct Answer: D. Neonatal jaundice**