Finally diagnosed with cholestasis and waiting for an induction. Terrified.

[Sandrine1982]

Hi there. So I'm 38 weeks pregnant today and the hospital called me yesterday to tell me to come in for a check up as my latest blood test results were not very good. [I have been itching for 3 months and complaining about this at every appointment, so my midwife has been prescribing liver function and bile acids tests every 2 weeks]. So yesterday the doctor said my bile acids were borderline (11) and since they were steadily increasing with each blood test (from 2 to 3 to 7 to 11 since June), there was no point in waiting around as the baby was full term. They said to call a number this morning to schedule an induction today. Now we're in limbo waiting to get a bed in labour ward because apparently it's busy today. I'm really scared. I was hoping to have a natural birth, in a birthing pool without an epidural. I thought I was open minded but when it was all sprung on us yesterday I suddenly felt panicked and not ready. They examined me and although my baby is well engaged and head down, my cervix is still posterior and the baby is back to back. I feel like she's not ready just yet, but I know the bile is probably toxic to her so the induction seems like the best option. I just feel like crying all the time because this is not the birth I was hoping for, and it doesn't help that we're waiting around at the flat not knowing when we're going to be called to come in.

Sorry for the rant, I just wanted to see if there are ladies out there who have been through this and their induction was not a horrible experience. Any hand holding would be greatly appreciated xxx

Try and focus on the positive. Very soon you will meet your baby!
All too often our plans will not pan out the way we want them. Life has a way of challenging us just when we think we’ve got it all sorted.
The most important thing is that your baby arrives safely, and that what you and the drs want.
My induction wasn’t the dream birth I’d hoped for. Neither was my 2nd birth..... we cannot prepare ourselves for the unexpected however much we try.
Good luck! I hope you’re not waiting around too long to hear.

I had a 37 week induction due to my
Liver function dropping really badly.

I was 1cm dilated & they put the propess pessery in at 9pm. Woke up at 2am with contractions, 9am sent up to delivery. 1pm waters broke & 2pm baby out.

If the baby is back to back DO NOT lie down, they can’t move & you will be in agony.
Need to be on your knees & stretch your back out during each contraction.
Google back to back positions.
Have you done any hypnobirthing?

My last was back to back & I stretched out over my sofa & she eventually rotated in my pelvis.

They can monitor you with you on the bed on your knees, tell them baby is back to back.

Good luck, you will be fine.

Here to handhold x I was diagnosed with cholestasis at 31 weeks with ds and due to be induced at 36 weeks. We didn't make it that far though and he arrived at 35 weeks, perfectly fine! I know it's scary but try to focus on the fact your baby will be here very soon

I was induced at 38 weeks for exactly the same reason. Mine ended up in a (non-emergency) c section as my body just wasn’t ready to go into labour but the induction itself was not a horrible experience at all. Also just to add the c section I ended up having was a lovely experience! Good luck, and I know it’s difficult but try to relax

Oh thanks so much, guys. It's nice to see other people had similar struggles. I'm glad it turned out ok for you. xx

BTW, @queenofmycastlex and @Electrocute1980, do you remember what your bile levels were towards the end?

@sandrine1982 I don’t sorry, I just remember them saying they were high and getting higher, but my DS was born and was totally fine and as soon as I had him I stopped itching which was amazing!

My DD was born naturally at 37 weeks after a sweep given for cholestasis. I am posting because you ask about bile salts. Mine were well over 100 and climbing (urso was ineffective for me) by 37 weeks and DD was, and is absolutely fine.

Wow thanks to both. It's reassuring to know that babies are generally fine and I feel a bit ridiculous worrying about my levels which are still so low compared to other people. We're still waiting for a call from the hospital because they didn't have a bed yesterday. Interesting (and reassuring) to see that they're not treating us as a priority. xx

I'm sorry I don't remember the number but I know it was extremely high - I was kept as an inpatient for about a week before I had ds in preparation for induction at 36 weeks. It's so strange though, everything went completely back to normal and the itching stopped as soon as I had him! Hope all is going ok x

Sorry no advice but I remember you posted on my thread when I thought I had OC!
Good luck for your induction even though it's not what you hoped for, just take it as it comes and try not to think about the could haves as you will drive yourself nuts!

Handheld and x

Im nearly 23 weeks and my bile acid results came back last week at 11 it's driving me insane because ive been so itchy for weeks bleeding all over my body itching that much and creams and antihistamines aren't working got a blood test next week to check levels again
as apparently 11 is normal range

Hello @Chazspence12 how are you getting on? Definitely keep getting tested because 11 is considered borderline (if I remember correctly). And if you have symptoms, the level is likely to go up as you are approaching term. You will likely be induced but that's nothing to worry about. I can't believe this old post popped up - my DD is already 6 years old and doing well :)