PItyriasis Rosea - read something scary on web and need reassurance please

[HairyToe]

I am 14 weeks and have been dignosed with Pityriasis Rosea. My doctor assured me it is harmless to me and baby and will clear up in a couple of months. I was relieved and have been joking with friends and family about how unattractive I will be through my 'blooming' phase.

Stupidly kept'Googling' the condition and found lots of sites echoing the doctors information and also a few refernces to it being more common in pregnancy (as the doctor mentioned). Then came upon a scary study indicating 'deleterious effects on pregnancy of pityriasis rosea' - miscarriages, low foetal movements, premature delivery etc etc. Now terrified. Why did I carry on looking? Can anyone offer any reassurance?

Crying now - had such a hard year - pregnant and early miscarriage in March, pregnant again in April, missed miscarriage found at scan in June. Thought with this pregnancy I was through the worst - now this.

[JennstarOfWonder]

Hairytoe. Don't read anymore. You've been through a lot this year. I suspect I have it too, in fact you've prompted me to realise that is what it is. Had it before years ago.

[JennstarOfWonder]

I've also just googled it now, and although I am no expert, the women in the study I read all had it very badly, and got it as a result of being immunocompromised. I would guess they were more likely to miscarry due to their other problems, not because they had pityriasis. The pityriasis was likely another indicator of their other problems. Please don't worry.

[HairyToe]

Thank you for your replies Jennstar. Had to log off and go to bed last night. I hoped there would be some additional factors in the study but I was too scared and confused to read on.

Trying not to worry but from the start I've found it hard to believe this pregnancy would actually end with a baby. After two scans I was just starting to think posiively and enjoy being pregnant now another thing to worry about. I keep reminding myself that all the other sites, including the NHS sites, say it can't harm the baby.

Thank you for taking the time to reassure me- I appreciate your kindness.

[HairyToe]

Trying hard to take Jennstar's sensible advice but still dwelling. Feel so tired and emotional at the moment.

Don't want to sound needy but has anyone got experience of this/positive stories or can offer reassurance? Part of me has convinced myself something awful is going to happen. Finding it hard to relax.

Thanks

[hohohoIdolikeTurkey]

Hairytoe - sorry you are so worried and I can't help you specifically.
I spent my first pregnancy worried about everything. I had a few ailments along the way which I managed to find bad associations with on google. Everything was fine in the end. I think worrying like crazy through your first pregnancy is actually quite normal. It won't stop when baby's born though. Give it another 18 years or so .

[HairyToe]

thanks hohoho - I've got two children already but those pregnancies were much easier for a few reasons. I've had two miscarriages since which knocked my confidence and have made me more than a bit paranoid. And this pregnancy I have been so ill and tired (probably due to running around after said 2 children!) and one illness after another - colds, coughs, strange vaginal discharge (TMI!).

[stinkybear]

Hi,

I had Pityriasis Rosea earlier this summer and it started when I was 7 weeks pregnant. I freaked out as DS2 had shingles at the time, but there was no connection. Apparently it's something to do with having a 'compromised immune system' when you are pregnant, hence all the coughs and colds as well (totally normal, but poor you). It ain't pretty, but it didn't do my lovely dd any harm at in the slightest (she's 6 weeks old now) and the doctor said it was nothing to worry about (as did my two SILs who are doctors). It's just 'one of those things', I guess, so please try not to worry (hard I know!). Also the rash tends to stay on your torso and upper legs so at least it can be hidden from the big wide world and the doctor can give you some cream to stop any itching. Hope that helps.

[HairyToe]

Thank you so much stinky bear - was hoping to hear from some people who had had it in pregnancy and were fine. Yes I'm not worried about the rash itself - not particularly vain and I know its only temporary-just about any effect it may have on the baby inside.

Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl

[kbug]

I know this is an old conversation, but I stumbled across it in Google searches because I too was just diagnosed with Pityriasis Rosea and am 17 weeks pregnant. I read a couple of articles stating that there was no real risk, but then found the same article you read referencing a new study finding the opposite results. How long did your rash last (if it's gone) and did you have any complications with your pregnancy? Thanks for any info - there isn't much out there on this subject for pregnant patients!

[Lizzyreb]

I had this when I was pregnant with my daughter, just towards the end of the first trimester I think. She is now a fit and healthy stroppy teenager, so enjoy your bump whilst you can!