Final answer:
Pregnancy-induced skin changes are a normal part of pregnancy and can include stretch marks, darkening of the skin, and acne flare-ups. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver disorder characterized by elevated bile acids in the blood. Laboratory tests can help differentiate between the two conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pregnancy-induced skin changes, also known as dermatoses of pregnancy, refer to various skin conditions that can occur during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. These changes can include stretch marks, spider veins, darkening of moles, acne flare-ups, and the emergence of blotchy brown patches of skin called chloasma. These skin changes are a normal part of pregnancy and usually resolve after childbirth.
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a liver disorder that occurs during pregnancy. It is characterized by elevated levels of bile acids in the blood due to impaired bile flow from the liver. Symptoms of ICP can include itching, particularly on the hands and feet, as well as dark urine and pale stools. Elevated liver enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase, may also be observed in blood tests.
Laboratory tests can help differentiate between pregnancy-induced skin changes and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. In the case of pregnancy-induced skin changes, blood tests usually show normal liver enzyme levels. However, in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, liver enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase, may be elevated. A direct Coombs' test may also be ordered in the case of jaundice in a newborn to evaluate for hemolytic disease.