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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Itchy legs

13 replies

Halfpint1985 · 05/05/2019 08:04

I'm 27+6 and my legs have all of a sudden become ridiculously itchy. It literally kept me up all night last night.
I'm a mother of 3 already and don't remember this being one of the lovely "things" us women just have to deal with in pregnancy. Is this just another normal pregnancy symptom or is this something to get checked? Might sound daft I know but you never know do you.
Oh, just before people comment, I definitely haven't changed my washing powder etc and there is nothing else that has been changed either ☺️☺️ TIA xx

OP posts:

Teddybear45 · 05/05/2019 08:10

It could be developing varicose veins. Try moisturising and then putting on lightly supportive stockings / tights.

BarbarAnna · 05/05/2019 08:15

You would be wise to get checked for Obstetric Cholestitis (or something like that).

MustardScreams · 05/05/2019 08:16

Get checked as it could be cholestasis which is a liver condition in pregnancy.

NuzzleandScratch · 05/05/2019 08:22

I had this in pregnancy, turned out to be an underactive thyroid, def get checked.

Original poster

Halfpint1985 · 05/05/2019 08:26

I have consultant and growth scan on Wednesday is it ok to leave it until then or is it something which is needing addressing right away? I only ask this as it is obviously bank holiday weekend and to be honest my midwife is pretty useless at getting back in touch with me, my daughter's birthday is Tuesday also so thinking if it can wait until I go and see my consultant then that would be ideal. Obviously if it is something which needs urgent attention I will make arrangements for the kids and go and get it checked ASAP. As I've never experienced it before I am unsure what to do

OP posts:

CritterTamer · 05/05/2019 08:54

@halfpint1985 - is the itching just on your legs or other places too? (especially hands and feet?) I have obstetric cholestasis and to be honest if had itchy feet and legs a while before it suddenly spread to most of my body and I got it checked (only because a friend advised me to as I assumed it was nothing). As long as to are feeling normal movements from baby the best thing to do is call your midwife first thing on Tuesday and she will probably organise for you to go straight in for blood tests and foetal monitoring. You will then be able to discuss the results at your appointment on Wednesday as they will take a day to come back. If it is OC you will be put on medication to reduce the itching, and monitored closely with further blood tests each week. If your liver function is affected you will also be given a liver and gall bladder scan. It will also likely mean you will be induced at 37 weeks.

Having said all of the above, if you are noticing reduced foetal movements call your midwife immediately and do not delay until after the Bank Holiday. The main risk with OC is a very slight increase in the risk of still births so they will ask you to monitor baby's movements very closely (and induce at 37 weeks after which the risk is greater).

I hope this helps you - I know how horrific the constant itchiness is! Please feel free to PM me if you want to ask anything 😊

ryanreynolds · 05/05/2019 08:57

As others have said, get it checked.

I had all sorts of itchy issues so had lots of blood tests but nothing sinister.

For treatment I found a cold bath to dunk my itchy bits in helped, as well as acqueous menthol cream - magic stuff!!

Original poster

Halfpint1985 · 05/05/2019 09:41

It's hands and lower legs, shins and ankles mainly, hasn't spread above the knee. I'd never have thought anything about it with my hands as I always have itchy hands anyway but very unusual to have itchy legs. Had it just been last night I would have put it down to heat but it was in the day yesterday too and when I think back throughout all of last week.

I've had 3 sections and at risk of uterine rupture so little man is being delivered at 36 weeks, also going through a break up with the father so maybe stress has brought it all on. I don't feel stressed though, I'm busy with 3 kids under age 7 and under, happily busy I must add. I will try and find the number for the maternity ward and maybe ring them just for a little advice. I noticed last night my bump had gone considerably smaller but I put that down to a bad bowt of sickness the last couple of days. His movements seem normal for him though ☺️

OP posts:

CritterTamer · 05/05/2019 15:03

As long as movements are normal and you're going to be delivered early anyway then there's nothing urgent to worry about. Definitely get hold of your midwife and get the blood tests done soon though as if it is OC they will want to keep a closer eye on you, and will be able to prescribe something to help with the itching

Original poster

Halfpint1985 · 05/05/2019 17:16

Thankyou everyone for your advice and concern. I've just come back from Maternity Unit now. They did bloods and has me wait there for the results. One set have had to be sent off however but will be back ready for my consultant on Wednesday. They have indeed prescribed meds for the itching and have said they'll be keeping an even closer eye on everything. No changes to the care I'd be receiving from this point on anyways so all is good.
Movements are fine, think baby has enjoyed the peace away from my house for a few hours and my fantastic baby sitter enjoyed some Sunday earnings and a KFC for her trouble also.
I do like to turn to Mumsnet when worried or concerned. You're all so lovely and always seem to offer the right advice.
Thanks again to you all ☺️☺️

OP posts:

BarbarAnna · 05/05/2019 17:27

So pleased you got checked out.

Melrose86 · 06/05/2019 22:51

I had this too but it was nothing to worry about. It went away at about 28 weeks but my last week of pregnancy I got horrendously itchy feet which drove me mad! Went away as soon as I was in labour :)

SignedUpJust4This · 06/05/2019 22:53

I had this and they said it was low iron. Spat one iron supplements did make it go away.

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