Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP)

We are joined for this episode by a world expert on ICP as well as someone who has experienced the condition.

This session will focus on to date, evidence based information on what ICP is, how to recognise it and how midwives (and students) can manage and support women and families experiencing this condition.

Caroline Ovadia is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics at King’s College London, and an Honorary Consultant Obstetrician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. She qualified in Medicine from Oxford University in 2005; following clinical rotations in Oxford and Wales, moved to London in 2010 to undertake an Academic Clinical Fellowship at Imperial College London. In 2014, she commenced an NIHR BRC Clinical Research Fellowship in Translational and Experimental Medicine and King’s College London, following which she was awarded Clinical Research Fellowships by Tommy’s Charity and the University of Gothenburg, during which time she completed her PhD. This studied the role of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment in cholestatic pregnancy, under the supervision of Professors Catherine Williamson, Lucy Chappell, and Dr Peter Dixon.

Caroline’s academic interests are in the maternal and fetal influences of metabolic disorders of pregnancy, particularly concentrating on gut-derived endocrine signals and the prevention of adverse perinatal outcomes, including stillbirth. She has published work in major journals, such as the Lancet, Hepatology and the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Clinically, she has undertaken advanced training in maternal medicine and advanced labour ward practice, and jointly leads the diabetes and endocrinology obstetric antenatal service. She is a co-investigator for clinical trials in cholestatic pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Caroline is a member of the British Maternal Fetal Medicine Society and the Society for Endocrinology.

Caroline believes strongly in engaging the public in medicine and science; as such she is a Key Collaborator on contextualising “The Birth Rites” art collection, has spoken at the “Pint of Science” international science festival, undertakes live social media interactive sessions, regularly speaks at schools and is a medical advisor to the charity ICP Support.

Ali Gilroy has a background in psychology, completing an MSc in Health Psychology in 2010.

She was diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy during her first pregnancy, having never heard of the condition before then. When seeking information about her postnatal health she discovered the research-charity ICP Support.

In 2021 she began working for ICP Support as their Engagement and Development Officer. She is currently on maternity leave with her second little itch and will return at the end of October 2022.

Live on Maternity and Midwifery Forum | 7pm London, UK | Wednesday's throughout 2022.