Celina Jaitly Opens Up About Battling Cholestasis and Gestational Diabetes During Twin Pregnancy
Mumbai, June 19 —Actress and former Miss India Celina Jaitly has candidly spoken about the severe health challenges she faced during her twin pregnancies, offering an eye-opening account of the physical and emotional toll associated with high-risk motherhood.
In an emotional Instagram post, Celina revealed that she suffered from gestational diabetes, severe symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), and a rare liver condition known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) — a combination that not only jeopardized her health but also posed serious risks to her unborn children.
A Personal Revelation With a Purpose
Celina, who is known for her performances in Bollywood films like No Entry and Tom, Dick and Harry, shared her experience to spread awareness about maternal health, particularly around the conditions that are often overlooked or misdiagnosed.
“When the itch could have taken my babies: My battle with cholestasis,” she captioned a series of photos with her children. “Both my pregnancies were overwhelming... It nearly broke me.”
By breaking her silence on such a personal health struggle, Celina aims to support women who are silently suffering and to encourage open conversations about the realities of pregnancy.
What is Cholestasis of Pregnancy?
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a liver disorder that typically occurs in the third trimester. It disrupts the normal flow of bile acids from the liver, causing a build-up in the bloodstream. This condition often presents with severe itching, especially on the palms and soles, and can be misattributed to common pregnancy symptoms.
However, the consequences can be serious, particularly for the baby. These include:
- Preterm birth
- Fetal distress
- Meconium-stained amniotic fluid
- Stillbirth, in severe and untreated cases
For mothers, while the most noticeable symptom is persistent itching, cholestasis may also result in jaundice, fatigue, and compromised liver function.
A Genetic Pattern and Personal History
Celina disclosed that her tendency to hyperovulate — a rare genetic trait leading to spontaneous twin pregnancies — is a familial one. “I was born with a rare genetic gift… this trait has passed down generations of women in my family,” she wrote.
Her post also recounted a tragic family history. Her mother, too, once carried twins but lost them in a fall. Her great-great-grandmother reportedly died due to complications arising from a twin pregnancy — underscoring the often-unspoken generational trauma tied to maternal health.
Diagnosed in Time, Treated with Compassion
After experiencing symptoms of cholestasis, including relentless itching and sleepless nights, Celina was diagnosed by her gynaecologist and subsequently referred to a hepatologist.
“A Jordanian doctor in a Dubai hospital held my hand and said a prayer,” she wrote. “That moment of compassion stayed with me... it reminded me how important kindness is in healthcare.”
She was treated with Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA), a standard medication that helps reduce bile acid levels in the blood and alleviates itching and liver stress. While this treatment is considered safe and effective, it requires timely diagnosis and constant monitoring, particularly in high-risk pregnancies.
Other Health Challenges: Gestational Diabetes and SPD
In addition to cholestasis, Celina also battled gestational diabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels spike during pregnancy. This can increase the risk of:
- High birth weight in babies
- Premature delivery
- Preeclampsia
- Risk of Type 2 diabetes in mothers post-pregnancy
Celina also experienced Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), a painful condition that affects the pelvic joints and can severely impact mobility. The actress described her overall experience as physically grueling and emotionally draining, yet transformative.
Raising Awareness Around Maternal Health
Celina Jaitly’s public disclosure is not just a personal story but a powerful call to action. In many cultures, complications like cholestasis and gestational diabetes are underreported, often due to lack of awareness, access to prenatal care, or fear of stigma.
Her openness helps highlight:
- The need for routine liver function and bile acid tests in late-stage pregnancies
- Importance of listening to your body and seeking expert guidance
- The vital role of empathetic healthcare providers
- A broader conversation around maternal health challenges, especially in twin pregnancies
A Reminder for All Expectant Mothers
Celina’s story serves as a reminder to expectant mothers to take symptoms seriously — even something as common-seeming as itchy skin — and to prioritize medical consultation over assumptions.
“Cholestasis isn’t ‘just a pregnancy itch,’” she cautioned in her post. “It’s a warning from your liver that something’s wrong.”
Timely diagnosis and treatment not only save lives but also reduce trauma, ensure better birth outcomes, and support the well-being of mothers — both physically and mentally.
Final Word: Compassion and Courage
In a social media landscape often flooded with picture-perfect portrayals of pregnancy and motherhood, Celina Jaitly’s brave account stands out for its honesty, vulnerability, and commitment to maternal health awareness.
Her message is clear: High-risk pregnancies require not just medical attention but compassion and community support. And by speaking up, she’s offering exactly that to countless women who may be silently enduring the same battle.