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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Worried myself self diagnosing on the internet

16 replies

Firstimemummy15 · 15/01/2015 09:33

So I'm the first to tell people pregnant or not to not use the internet to self diagnose and what do I find myself doing?!

I'm 39+2 and the last week have developed stretch marks on my stomach with have become itchy and I have scratched them raw. Mentioned it at a routine midwife appointment in Monday and told to get some e45. This has not helped at all. Since yesterday my arms and back of hand have started itching for no reason. The internet says it can be to do with liver problems and can correlate to stillbirths. I phoned midwife this morning and going in for bloods but just needed to get this off my chest!

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Beggy15 · 15/01/2015 09:47

Do not use the internet to diagnose it always gives you the worst possible outcome.

jmojo · 15/01/2015 14:16

You did the right thing as itching (classically of palms and feet) can be a sign of obstetric cholistasis. Abdominal itching is very common anyway as you say just generally in pregnancy.

Some of the liver tests come back the same day. As you are term if the results show a problem they may decide to start you off or they may monitor you every couple of days (baby'd heart rate). So make sure you are prepared just in case they want to get going!!

Usually still birth and cholistasis is associated if someone develops it but is left undiagnosed. I have seen many (diagnosed) women with it and they go on to have happy healthy babies.

Good luck!

Original poster
Firstimemummy15 · 15/01/2015 19:20

Thanks jmojo. The midwife I saw was different from the one I spoke to and said that no bloods were needed - if my palms of hands were itching they would but as it's the back it's not an indicator! I wouldn't have minded them starting me off! They checked baby and all is well and the itching is just one if those things. Thank you for your post though, was reassuring Smile

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jmojo · 16/01/2015 03:27

Pleased you were ok!!

JennyBlueWren · 16/01/2015 10:46

Ooh my feet are really itchy -hadn't thought it might be anything to worry about. Strangely I've always had itchy arms and hands (preg or not).

Original poster
Firstimemummy15 · 17/01/2015 17:19

My itching is just getting worse, my hands and arms have developed a rash and the e45 and piriton are not doing anything! Will be ringing the doctors for an appointment on Monday for sure!

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jmojo · 17/01/2015 19:42

Yes, go see them and ask them just to check your LFT's and Bile Acids (liver function tests) just in case.

Original poster
Firstimemummy15 · 17/01/2015 21:58

Thanks jmojo, I hate 'pestering' the midwives and doctors but would rather get it checked and drive them mad than there be something wrong!

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DoNotDisturb · 17/01/2015 23:03

Google PUPP. It's a nasty pregnancy rash but often starts in stretch marks..

Ps it's totally harmless to baby if it's PUPP

woodwaj · 17/01/2015 23:07

Google puppps and have a look at the images. I have been diagnosed with this last week after itching like a crazy person since NYE! There was no rash just itching at first. I was finally prescribed dioderm steroid cream and it cleared up the rash after 4 days. Still itchy but i can live with it now! Do you know what your having?

Original poster
Firstimemummy15 · 18/01/2015 23:10

Thank you, have googled PUPPPS and the rash looks very similar. I have managed to book an appointment to see the doctor tomorrow morning so will go armed with this OUPPPS name and see what they say. I've literally scratched the skin raw in places and and proper fed up! Not sure if it's wishful thinking or Brixton hicks but get some tightening and uncomfortableness too!

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woodwaj · 19/01/2015 09:37

Hopefully it will clear up as soon as you have baby - which will be soon hopefully!!

Let us know what the doc says!

Original poster
Firstimemummy15 · 19/01/2015 12:40

So I've just got back from the doctors who said straight away to check my liver function test! I've been given hydrocortisone cream too. She did seem to think it would go away once was here.....I'm due tomorrow but not holding much hope for then! Asking as I can stop the scratching in the meantime I will be happy - baby def is with the amounts of kicks I'm getting Smile

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woodwaj · 19/01/2015 13:46

I would be concerned if they didnt do the liver test they did it to me too. Get your cream on asap it will help. Normally if the liver is the problem the will induce early but your so close to the end anyway!! Your doctor sounds good!

Original poster
Firstimemummy15 · 19/01/2015 16:18

Thank you woodwaj, I'm a little annoyed that the midwife didn't do it last week but hey oh not not a lot I can do about it now! Cream is working better than the e45 so here's hoping I sleep a bit better tonight. Thank for listening to my moans!!

OP posts:
woodwaj · 19/01/2015 16:44

I spoke to two midwives and they both said heatrash!! If looks could kill!!

Keeping cool helps until the cream kicks in!

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