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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Itching in pregnancy

17 replies

Peachytea · 07/10/2019 14:25

Hello,

I started itching last week, mainly on the legs and feet, and after a couple of days on my arms. Went to triage to get checked as I heard itching could be a sign of something to worry about. Today I phoned and they let me know my liver results have come back normal.

After speaking to another lady who had cholestasis, she told me to keep an eye and in case the itching continues go back and get retested. However the midwife didn't seem interested and said there was no need for further blood tests.

Not sure if I'm panicking for no reason.

OP posts:
mynameiscalypso · 07/10/2019 14:26

I had a lot of itching in my pregnancy - I was prescribed a steroid cream which really helped. My liver tests were all normal too so it was just one of those pregnancy things!

Original poster
Peachytea · 07/10/2019 14:27

Forgot to add, I'm 34+4 today and next time I see my midwife is in two weeks.

OP posts:
HermioneWeasley · 07/10/2019 14:28

Pregnancy itching is a thing. A terrible, terrible thing

Original poster
Peachytea · 07/10/2019 14:32

@mynameiscalypso I will go to see GP and ask for a cream that work, as all home remedies not doing much.

@HermioneWeasley I didn't believe it, especially this far in pregnancy. It seems that anything that touches my skin makes it itch.

OP posts:
Mayjane5 · 07/10/2019 14:35

I had icp with my first pregnancy at 34 weeks, itched everywhere, bile acids can rise in 24 hours so if you do carryon itching ask to be retested, other symptoms include dark urine/pale stools. You could phone your material assessment unit at the hospital if you are concerned

Mayjane5 · 07/10/2019 14:36

Maternity assessment unit that was meant to say ☺️

PettyPrincess · 07/10/2019 14:43

Pine tar soap helped me. I was eventually diagnosed with OC at 39 weeks and induced after having blood tests every week (normal) for months!! My bloods shot up to 20 something the last week so just keep an eye on how much your itching.

Original poster
Peachytea · 07/10/2019 14:48

@Mayjane5 I'm worried they won't take me seriously if I show up again, but reading now online I should have the blood test repeated. I asked what to do if the itching continues and was told to go see my GP Confused bit worried now.

OP posts:
Original poster
Peachytea · 07/10/2019 14:49

@PettyPrincess I'm having a c section at 39 weeks so will try and get another blood test before the date. My midwife appointment is a lifetime away and am worried about the damage to baby (of it's OC)

OP posts:
PettyPrincess · 07/10/2019 14:52

If the itching gets worse you can always go to the Day Assessment init got blood tests if your hospital offers that? I used to rock up when I was worried and they would check for me. My levels were apparently really high, this was confirmed on Sunday and my daughter wasn't born until the Thursday and she is fine!

Do you have any type of rash with the itching?

stupidis · 07/10/2019 14:58

Arrrrgh I had PUPPP when I was pregnant with first.
Absolute nightmare and I thought I would go mad with the itch and pain.
Could you try putting oatmeal in stockings and lying in a bath of them?
In the end the obstetrician gave me steroids as the risk to the baby was less than me going absolutely bonkers.
It's supposedly more common if you're having a boy, but I had a girl.
It disappeared as soon as she was born.
Best of luck with pregnancy.

Original poster
Peachytea · 07/10/2019 14:58

@PettyPrincess no, only itching, no rash

OP posts:
PettyPrincess · 07/10/2019 15:11

I would defO go back for repeated bloods. They are supposed to repeat them until you deliver or until the itching stops!

chomp · 07/10/2019 15:19

The protocol at my hospital (I'm a midwife) is that we offer weekly blood tests if itching is ongoing, as the symptoms can often occur before liver function tests become deranged. Itching is very common in pregnancy however, so try not to worry too much, but definitely ask for the bloods to be repeated if the itching doesn't go away.

Mayjane5 · 07/10/2019 15:54

Yes if it carry’s on definitely ask to be retested just go straight to the hospital unit they get the results quicker. Not all midwifes are clued up about the condition so you really have to stick up for yourself and don’t take no for an answer. Hopefully it’s nothing to worry about. Icp support on Facebook is a good place to ask any questions or concerns you may have

Original poster
Peachytea · 07/10/2019 16:59

I will wait a week from last blood test and call again for more tests. @Mayjane5 I had the impression that the midwives thought there was no need for further tests, but as the itching last all day and came suddenly I think it needs checking.

OP posts:
Pipersouth · 07/10/2019 17:04

I had obstetric choleostasis and the itching was hideous. I woke up one morning with scratch marks all over my chest. Levels kept going up and down all over my last 6 weeks of pregnancy - worth getting levels checked again if you aren’t confident

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