Unbearable itching

[NickysMam]

I've just been to the GP and he prescribed me antihistamines. He said "these aren't usually safe to take in pregnancy but you're 21 weeks so all the major organs are formed" I took the prescription and asked the pharmacists and they all said I shouldn't take it.

I've been given aqueous calamine cream or whatever it's called to relieve it but ny goodness it's soooo itchy! started with my forarms and spread to my shoulders, back thighs and hip area.

Help me! I'm moisturizing, avoiding hot showers, drinking plenty of water etc.

sleeping is a nightmare and I'm breaking a lot of skin in my sleep scratching. argh!!

to add, I don't have any rashes or spots. just scabs from scratching my skin to non existence!!

You should get in touch with your midwife for a liver function test (blood test) and one for uric acid (I believe?) As severe itching can be a sign of a pregnancy liver problem called obstetric cholestasis (sp?)
Though it would be very early onset its still worth checking out.

Vaseline aloe Vera hydrating gel is your friend!! I suffer from really itchy arms and shoulders when pregnant, I was always prescribed an aqueous cream with menthol in it as the cold helps relieve the itching, that works but so does the aloe Vera gel, ice packs are also good. If it helps my boss is a dr and she has said that taking the odd antihistamine is fine after the first trimester, just limit them to when the itching is at it's worst. I also find that I itch less when I sleep on my own, as dh heats the bed up too much, try booting your other half to the spare room for a couple of nights and see if that helps!

yes definitely talk to your midwife. intense itching can be a sign of obstetric cholestasis

It's the bile salts in your blood that need checking (as well as liver function), do get in touch with a MW! Which antihistamines did your GP prescribe?

As others have said, get your bloods checked relatively urgently. OC can have tragic consequences.
If the bloods come back clear, like mine did, you can take anti histamines. The NHS Choices website says loratadine. I took a stronger one, but only at night time, on my GPs recommendation. All pharmacists will say no officially, as none of them have been tested in pregnancy.