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Pregnancy

Aaaaagh, the itching!

53 replies

lookout · 17/09/2011 15:23

Over the last few days I've started to get horrible itching all over my body but especially on my feet hands arms and legs. I've been reading up on OC and have got myself a bit worried about it. I am seeing the GP on Friday but do you think I should go in on Monday and get it checked? Also are there any other symptoms that might confirm what it is? I'm 35 weeks btw.

OP posts:

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PamBeesly · 17/09/2011 16:55

Hi Lookout,

I'm sorry to hear that you are having a horrible time with the itching. Is the itching caused by hives/a rash or can you not see anything? I've had terrible itching all over my body, particlarly hands, legs, arms, feet since I was 8 weeks, I'm now 17 weeks and have been seen by the dermatologist twice. She says that its polymorphic eruption of pregnancy and there isn't anything they can do for me. I think you should go to your doctor Monday and get your liver function test done so they can rule out OC. There are lots of pregnancy related skin disorders that cause itching (I've learned all this at the dermatology clinic and online) the main one is PUPPP/PEP and very often the itching is on the stomach and worse in the stretch marks. I found nothing helped me for a while, I couldn't sleep, I was prescribed Piriton but they did nothing, I use E45 Itch Relief and that is giving me a bit of relief so I'd recommend that until you see your doctor. Make sure you emphasise how awful the itching. Other things that may soothe you are Aveeno Menthol mosituriser and cool oatmeal baths, also make sure you are very dry after the bath and shower. Good luck

VivaLeBeaver · 17/09/2011 16:56

You should be seen before Friday. Can you ri g labour ward and ask them if they think that waiting till Monday is ok?

TheOriginalFAB · 17/09/2011 16:57

I would phone your midwife asap as you need tests and make sure you keep an eye on the baby's movements. Any changes - be it to more or less movements - need checking.

lookout · 17/09/2011 17:18

There is no rash visible anywhere, just scratch marks! Baby is moving fine, and I have a home Doppler and can hear his heart beat is normal. I will make an appt on Monday for the GP, but perhaps I should ring the FAU now. I don't like making a fuss over nothing is the problem, and don't want to bother them if it's just normal pregnancy itching.

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PamBeesly · 17/09/2011 17:23

I think you should ring and put your mind at ease, and see your GP Monday

TheOriginalFAB · 17/09/2011 18:06

If is enough for you to post then imo it isn't normal itching and you need to be checked. We nearly lost our son and I would hate for anyone to have to go through what we did.

lookout · 17/09/2011 18:06

Am phoninh now. Thanks everyone.

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VivaLeBeaver · 17/09/2011 18:09

Please don't ever let a home doppler fool you into thinking that baby is alright. It really worries me that people can be given a false sense of security by these. And I mean this generally not just you. I'm sure your baby is OK but am glad that you're phoning now.

TheOriginalFAB · 17/09/2011 18:14

I agree that using a home doppler shouldn't give you false reassurance. No one can say for sure if your baby is okay but obviously we all hope she/he is.

lookout · 17/09/2011 18:23

Ok, thanks, I'll keep that in mind over the next few weeks. They have asked me to go in, with an overnight bag in case . Will let you know later. Thanks again.

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PamBeesly · 17/09/2011 18:41

Good luck lookout

CoffeeIsMyFriend · 17/09/2011 18:43

good luck, as someone who had OC in first pregnancy please go in.

starkadder · 17/09/2011 20:21

Hi there

It does sound a bit like OC but don't think that means your baby is going to be distressed or anything like that. I had OC and they do tend to induce the baby early, in which case the risks to the baby are no higher than for a "normal pregnancy. So please don't get panicked, but you did the right thing to make an appointment.

Also, they can give you medication to ease the symptoms - apparently - I was not in the UK when I had it and all I got was some talcum powder...!!

lookout · 17/09/2011 22:54

What a hassle that turned out to be.

Had bloods done, then had to be monitored twice because the first 20 minutes showed up a lot of uterine activity that the mw was worried about. She then wanted the doc to examine me so had to wait for him. Turns out cervix still closed (phew) and long, so extra monitoring was for nothing. However, he wants me to go for a growth scan cos he measured 39 fundal height (I think he's wrong cos I just got dh to measure me and I measured normal, but will go for scan anyway in case). Then, sod's law, the doc was called away to an emergency c-section before he could write up my notes. So I had to sit there for an hour and wait for him to get back! By which time the bloods were back and all clear. However, I am still itching like mad so was told to go back in a week if it hasn't cleared up and was given antihistamines. Watch this space I guess...

Thanks for all the advice and reassurance.

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LDNmummy · 17/09/2011 23:41

Might be PEP or PUPPS like I have. Mine has been very severe but is starting to ease up a bit.

I started a thread about it here

I hope it isn't PEP or that if it is, it isn't as bad as mine. I would mention it to the doctor as hardly anyone seems to know about it even though it seems quite common.

lookout · 18/09/2011 09:04

LDN, just read your thread, that sounds awful. While mine is bloody annoying it doesn't sound as dreadful as yours. The antihistamines aren't doing anything yet but I don't know if they have a cumulative effect? Have also been somthering myself with E45 which gives temporary relief, so I am smothering that all over the itchy parts. Nobody mentioned any other diagnosis which is a bit frustrating, but if this continues, I will call them back. Should I really wait a week though? It sems like a long time to wait with this bloody awful discomfort.

Thanks again for all your posts, you've all been really helpful.

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TheOriginalFAB · 18/09/2011 09:14

It might feel like a hassel but the hospital staff were only trying to make sure your baby was okay.

lookout · 18/09/2011 11:23

I know FAB. I was feeling ungrateful this morning. I woke up too early. They were all very lovely to me, and I shouldn't be griping about it because it could have been that they couldn't have cared less. Sorry for sounding so moany earlier.

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starkadder · 18/09/2011 14:51

The only thing I found helped with the itching was to have a bath in oatmeal: cut the foot and about 6 inches off the end of a pair of tights, put some oats in (about a cupful) tie up tightly, and chuck in the bath. It does help, if only while you're in the bath and for about 10 mins afterwards...but sometimes it meant I could get to sleep.

Since then, a friend has had terrible itching (not pregnancy related actually) and she got some cream/gel which had menthol in it - apparently worked really well. I plan to invest in some if I get OC again this pregnancy...

lookout · 20/09/2011 15:33

Still itching so am expecting to go back this weekend for more tests.

Thanks for the advice everyone about different things to try. I am coping atm with E45 Itch Relief, even if it's only temporary, it does help.

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TheOriginalFAB · 20/09/2011 17:39

Keep an eye out for changes in movements.

acatcalledfelix · 20/09/2011 17:55

Can I jump on here? I had tests for OC a few weeks ago that came back clear (am now 35 weeks). I'm still itching, though it's not unbearable by any means. I had a MW apt last friday and mentioned it and she said as long as one test for OC has come back clear then there is no need for any more and I should just use E45 as needed. I was monitored the other other night for a couple of hours (I've now got back problems so was generally being checked over) and all seemed fine. But bubs has definitely become more active over the last couple of days (can become quite painful too, hence another thread of mine).
Last night I was really quite itchy to the point that I had scratch marks all over my arms. It's not as bad today, but I am still itchy.

So is is right that once one test for OC is clear no further tests are needed? I'm starting to get paranoid about stuff now and am worried I can;t see the woods for the trees!

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PamBeesly · 20/09/2011 17:59

acatcalledfelix you could have PUPPP, have you looked into it? There are a few different reasons why itching is more intense in pregnancy. I have been tested twice for OC once at the GP's and once at the dermatologist, both came back clear.

acatcalledfelix · 20/09/2011 18:02

Thanks pam. Is PUPPP bad in any way other than just having to cope with the itchching? It's very managable at the moment, so as long as all I need to do it put some cream on then it's one thing I can actually relax about!

PamBeesly · 20/09/2011 18:07

Its not bad for the baby at all, in the way OC can be dangerous unless you deliver earlier. Its just a pita for you :( Cool showers and loose clothes and lots of the itch relief cream should help you if its not too bad, hope it clears up for you soon

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