Itching

[frenchfries22]

I have been itching like mad for the past two nights so badly that I had to get up at 2:30am and run a bath to try to relieve it. I am 34 weeks pregnant and have checked all the books etc although its not generally on my hands and feet, which is mentioned that could be an issue. Is this normal or should I contact the midwife/ doctor for advice. I have washed all my bedsheets and am trying oilatum and E45 cream tonight to see if it can be relieved. It feels like chicken pox without the pox if you know what I mean! Any advice would be greatly appreciated not sure if I am perhaps being over dramatic but it is driving me mad.

Definitely contact your MW and arrange to get your Liver Function Tests and bile Acid levels checked.

The issue with itching in pregnancy is that it could be Obstetric Cholestasis (OC) which can be dangerous if not treated and managed. Itching that starts on the hands/feet is typical of OC, but so is itching that is worse at night.

You need to get checked quickly because untreated OC can get serious very quickly towards the end of the 3rd trimester. If it's diagnosed and you're put on meds then it's a lot safer, although if your Bile Acid levels are high, early induction is usual.

If your LFTs and BA levels come back normal but the itching doesn't go away, you must get rechecked after 7-10 days as the bloods may only show as positive after the itching has been happening for a while.

Thank you so much for your quick response I will make an appointment for the doctor tomorrow. I had read about OC but since the itching is generally all over not specifically on the hands and feet I wasnt quite sure whether to go or not. I dont think its worth the risk not going to get it checked out.
Thanks again

OC itching is all over, it just sometimes starts in the hands/feet only or is worse in the hands/feet. FWIW though, when they mean hands/feet that actually includes your fore arms and lower legs!

Itching that is worse at night is classic of OC.

Btw, if your pee is very yellow or your poos are strange (e.g. yellowy, floating) then this must also be mentioned to the doctor as these are signs of jaundice, that soemtimes (but not often) occurs with OC.

Yes please do see the doc, sounds exactly like my friend's symptoms who did have OC - can be easily diagnosed but as japhrimel said can be a bit dangerous for your baby if left.

Perhaps you could ring your hospital maternity unit today - they might want you to go in for a quick blood test to rule it out.

Based on my experiences, if you see your GP, check that "Bile Acids" is actually on the blood test request form before you leave (they usually have to write it in). It's the far more important test, but some doctors/areas don't do it at first because it's a bit more expensive or harder to get done than LFTs. But LFTs are no predictor of risk with OC and aren't often even used for diagnosis.

My GP forgot/didn't know this and if I hadn't specifically asked and insisted on getting my BA levels checked and rechecked, I wouldn't have been diagnosed and that is dangerous with OC.

Thanks so much I called the midwife and she was great told me to go straight down for blood tests and was really helpful. Have smoothered myself in E45 itching cream in the meantime and hope to get some sleep tonight! Thanks again your responses put me into action quickly!

Glad you're getting checked out. OC is pretty rare (around 1% of pregnancies) but it's not something to mess about with, so it's always best to get properly checked out.