Itching

[Smking21]

I have recently found out I am pregnant. I am 7 weeks but I can't stop scratching. Has anyone else experienced this and has any tips to help. Can't take anti histamine or steroid cream. Any advice please.

I'd see your GP/midwife. There is something called cholestasis (sp?) I think, that can occur in pregnancy, though I think it's usually later on. Sorry for being so vague! But get it checked out.

it's probably not anything to worry about but I would speak to a doctor if you have any "new" ailments that can't be explained in the usual way (like change of washing powder, using a new skin lotion etc). itching can (and I stress it is rare) be a sign of complications such as liver problems, but this is VERY rare (i.e. 1 in 1000) or it may be hormonal changes making you itch

What skin products are you using? My skin becomes more sensitive when pregnant, eg I can't use radox in the bath because it makes me itchy and brings me out in a rash.

Try reducing what you use and/or look for products for sensitive skin.

YY to washing powder/softener too

Iv been to the doctors an they have done bloods an said everything is fine it's just my hormones changing. Just the itching is frustrating and never ending

I am now 14 weeks and from day 1 had itchy skin, mainly ankles/calves and round my boobs and haven't changed any products.
Midwife mentioned the importance of itchy palms/feet but none there, I think dry/itchy skin is pretty common - I just use a body lotion most days to keep my skin moisturised.

Vaseline aloe Vera gel is your friend, I am 28 weeks pregnant with dc3 and with each pregnancy I have suffered with severe itching which was not cholestasis. I have suffered dreadfully with this pregnancy early on and it did calm down once past the first trimester. Cold compresses do help and making sure that you don't get too hot, as does minimising any scented products, I also use Sanex zero shower wash.

Thank you very much cathpip I shall try it all. Hope it goes soon x

I've been itching all over since very early on. Ended up with massive red scratches all over my stomach and legs from scratching in the night. I am around 10 weeks now and I've either got used to it or it's got better. Either way it's not driving me mad anymore so hopefully it will pass for you as well.

I hope so. Iv noticed it does get much worse of a night. Hopefully I'll get used to it soon x

Obstetric cholestasis is rare because it (used to be) under diagnosed. It can be serious for the baby in the a latter stages of pregnancy so you must get it checked out.

You need liver function and Bile salts tested. The British Liver Trust has some good info.

Be firm with your HCP that you want to be checked for it. I had to bypass my (not very good) midwife and go straight to my GP who took me seriously. I've had it in 2 pregnancies....positive outcomes in both, but lots of careful hospital management and inductions at 37 weeks.

i was prescibred anti histomene tablets when i was heavily pregnant with my second as i came out in a huge rash all over my belly that was driving me insane. so it must be ok to take them? - well my DD came out fine anyway!

Are you taking Pregnacare since getting your BFP??

i was, from before the BFP actually, and come 6 weeks i was tearing the legs and back off myself with itch.

I came off pregnacare and lo and behold the itching stopped.. so it must have been somethign in them... i now take Solgar folic acid, Vit D and some calcium/magnesium..

I'm pretty itchy at the best of times but pregnancy makes me much worse. It's the hormones, I think.

I take Antihistimes (which helpfully also combat pregnancy insomnia)
I was taking them anyway but asked the Dr after a pharmacy refused to sell them to me. He said not to worry and offered a prescription.

They also help piles.

Funny you should say that chica...I too clawed my leg and back skin off between 7-12 weeks pregnant and it was much better when I stopped the pregnacare. My legs still show the scars.

Hope you get relief soon OP.

Suzietwo. I was told by my doctor that I can't take antihistamines because they can harm the baby.

I have only just recently started taking pregnacare and had the scratching for 4 weeks so it's not the pregnacare for me.

Ah well. My baby is clearly dooooooomed.