Itching in late stage pregnancy (41 weeks)

[Rollermum]

Hello all,

I wondered if anyone else has experience of this? It started around 40+4 - an all over itch, not terrible but enough to make me grumpy and make it hard to sleep. There is no rash.

Blood tests have shown liver function is fine - so not obstetric cholestasis. But midwife said towards end of pregnancy liver can struggle to process mother and baby toxins and that can create itching. She said to lightly exfoliate all over and drink lots of water.

I did this but still itched last night. I wondered if there are foods drink I should avoid / or choose to make things a bit less itchy. Anyone else had this?

I should add - it is pretty mild itching, just annoying!

I suffered from 33 weeks, and it was OC. Ended up being induced 3 weeks later.

TBH I found nothing helped - sorry! Those three weeks were like a living hell! Literally felt like I had spiders crawling all over me.

On the plus side, you're nearly cooked! By all means try Calamine lotion, it can help a little bit. Certainly makes you feel like you're doing something in any case.

Good luck!

Oh my good Ocean I can't imagine having it that long! Did your results show OC straight away? I'm paranoid it might be developing but not have shown up. But, as you say, I'm nearly cooked (induction booked for 19th) so hopefully will be ok and just have to cope til then.

I had chicken pox as an adult and found calamine lotion a bit rubbish, so might just grin and bear it (aka complain constantly).

This happened to me with ds. Its awful. Mw said it was nothing and not to make a fuss. She suggested camomile lotion.

Couldn't stand it anymore after seeing her on the friday and as it was Sunday called the labour ward in desperation for more advice. Got told to come straight to hospital for test. Emcs as liver in big trouble.

Didnt have it with dd.

If you have had tests it should be ok, but if it gets very bad call someone, I'm not sure how fast these things escalate.

Hi Lavender - that sounds scary. Thanks, yes I am not sure how quickly things can go wrong but I will definitely call if it gets worse. Good you didn't have it the second time - I was sort of assuming I would.

The most important thing is to keep an eye on the baby's movements. If any change at all - increase or decrease - get yourself to the hospital.

Keep a packed bag in the car all the time too.

I took everything when I went in for an emergency check up and then didn't bother the next day when for a routine scan. Cue baby being born by EMCS and I had nothing with me.

Thanks MissStrawberry, Yes, I am doing. Bags all packed and in the car. Just wish baby would come and end the worry!

It didn't show up initially on the first test, but the itching was just getting worse and worse so I took myself into the hospital. It was diagnosed on the second lot of tests.

Agree with miss just focus on the baby's movements. Any chance at all, get yourself to hospital pronto!

Thanks Ocean. How much later were the second tests?

The itching seems stable and baby moving normally but wil keep an eye on and call if I need to / go in.

Thanks everyone.

About 4 days later I seem to recall! It was a rather busy 3 weeks! I was desperate for it all to be o.v.e.r!

Luckily, we have a beautiful 10 month old DD to show for it now

My itching was awful though, wouldn't describe it as mild. I'm sure you're probably ok, and it's as the mw suggested.

No intention to make you scared. If it gets impossible to sleep or do anything I would call the hospital just to see what they say. Could you have a curry or anything? :) I'm sure if you posted there are lots of old wives tales:)

When is the full moon? The Mw at the hospital told me it was mental in there with loads of babies coming during the full moon. Tides and water apparently.

I had terrible heartburn during my first prgcy too, never moved without gaviscon - none during the 2nd and I had stocked up:) still had sickness with both for months and months though.

If you need to be reassured, go in.

I had a terrible midwife who was all because I was teary about my baby's well being and she found the heartbeat within seconds. I could easily have been put off going back but thankfully when I did I got someone who was lovely, knew her job and cared.

I was really itchy with DS1 from about 39 weeks. I used the calamine cream (after trying the recommended lotion which was CRAP) and it really worked! Almost 39 weeks now with DS2 and started itching a couple of weeks ago, the creams worked a treat again this time too :) xx

Hey both, thanks so much. Pregnancy is fun isn't it?!

Lavender no it's fine, I'd rather know! Next full moon is 19th Sep - my induction day :)

Ocean yes def my itching is mild. I find nearly everything itchy at the best of times so I picked up on it early I think.

Today I've eaten pineapple, danced around and scrubbed kitchen and bathroom floors on hands and knees. Next step: pleading with unborn child.

Def will go in if needed. The MW at the hospital was great and v reassuring re going if need to.

Rachey has your itching been investigated re liver? Glad calamine is working for you.

Ice cold green aloe vera gel is your new best friend! Seriously, I got PUPP - google it, it is like hives all over! Apparently, if you are carrying a boy, the testosterone overload can sometimes ignite your immune system into defence mode! With DS1 and I lost count of how many bottles of the Hawaian Tropic aloe vera stuff I bought. Glad you've got an induction booked...just saying

Crayola, thanks for the tip! With ds I had severe itching after about 20 weeks, with dd I had mild itching. I am now 10 weeks pregnant with dc3 and have been itching like mad for the last 3 weeks, my aloe vera cream is helping along with ice packs, but im off to the supermarket to get lots of gel now!!