Abstract: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy （ICP） is classified as high-risk pregnancy that is a pregnancy-specific disease characterized by maternal pruritus in the third trimester，raised serum bile acids and closely related to adverse fetal outcomes，hence ICP has gradually drawn attention of obstetricians. However， so far， the etiology of ICP has not been fully understood due to its complexity. The possible factors of the cholestatic effects can be reproductive hormones and their metabolites in the bodies of genetically susceptible women. Besides that，environmental factors and other factors could be involved in the pathogenesis as well. The etiology and pathogenesis of ICP are yet to be further explored.

Key words: Cholestasis, intrahepatic, Pregnancy complications, Pregnancy outcome, Review