Itchy!

[Poppyismyfavourite]

Hi All,
I'm so unbelievably itchy! Mostly at night, I wake up about 2 for at least an hour and just can't stop scratching!! I've made my legs bleed :(
Is this something I should be worried about? I made the mistake of googling and now I'm worried I have Cholestasis...

I do have sensitive skin anyway, and yesterday spent a couple of hours cleaning out a red mite infestation from our chickens' house, but it's been going on a couple of weeks now...

I'd ring your midwife and get her to check for OC. I had it with my second pg, and whilst I was only moderately itchy, I ended up with more frequent appointments and induction on my due date. Good luck!

I've texted her saying I'm super itchy and asking her to call me
How do they check?
It sounds quite scary - risk of stillbirth, low birth rate etc...

It's either a blood or urine test, can't remember which. But if it is that, they'll put a plan in place for much closer monitoring. How far along are you?

18 weeks today
But I've been itchy for a week or so

Aargh and we're going away for 2 weeks on sunday...

Are you itchy anywhere specific? If it’s the back of your hands and feet with no sign of rash or irritation then that’s potentially more likely to be OC (based on my experience) - it does sound scary but it isn’t risky until much closer to your due date so try not worry too much - just make sure they test for it if you’re concerned and then if it is then they’ll monitor you regularly. The itching is horrible though so you have my sympathy!

It's a blood test. I was so bloody itchy in my first pregnancy - didn't have OC, apparently the hormones can cause itching too. When it was found not to be OC the midwife recommended piriton (can't remember which one though) to help with the itch so might be worth checking to see which one is suitable.

It's kind of everywhere - legs, tummy, back, boobs, crotch...
I've called and they've booked me in for a blood test this afternoon. She said it's unlikely to be OC but they're happy to check for peace of mind.

thanks, yes she said I can take piriton so I'll pop into the pharmacy on my way back

I think everywhere is probably a good sign to be honest but even if it is then don’t worry, it’s really only a minor complication though I know it’s a bit of a shock to get diagnosed!

I've got ic, diagnosed with blood test. The guidelines in UK are to induce between 38-39 weeks and they'll give you meds to take daily and weekly monitoring x

Thanks guys! I'm kind of feeling like I overreacted now and wondering if I should cancel the blood test later...

Also turns out DH is itchy too, and he obviously doesn't have OC, so I'm thinking it might be the chickens...

Don't cancel the blood test, better to be checked out and it is a quick and easy thing to do. It would be very early for OC to occur yet, so do be reassured by that.

Yep defo worth getting it checked, and then if it is the chickens, hopefully you can get some antihistamine to help reduce it!

Well I had the blood test and bought some E45, and I've just gone and doused the chickens in mite powder, so hopefully it'll resolve one way or another!

Please don’t cancel the blood test. I was diagnosed with ICP (obstetric cholestasis) at around 34 weeks. I’d been itchy for a few weeks but put it down to eczema. I was given medication to lower the bike acids and reduce the itching (which is now known not to work) and was induced early at 37 weeks. This was over two years ago and the guidance has recently changed since some new research published recently.
Please check out the ICP support group on Facebook. I wish I’d known about it when I was pregnant. It is run by a fabulous lady who works with the researchers.
I hope your results are ok, but if they do show ICP then you will be monitored and probably get to see your little one on ultrasound a bit more often.

When I had OC (in two pregnancies) it came on after 20 weeks and was hands and feet only. It was very, very strange and completely agonising. To the point I thought I was mentally ill, insane! Before I was diagnosed the first time.
Luckily they can manage it with medication.
I was still induced at 37weeks both times.

How you getting on?

Much less itchy last night thanks! But I put my E45 on before bed and I was so tired I could have slept through anything.
I'm going to call after lunch for my blood test results.

Just got the results and it's all perfect, liver fine and bile too. They did all the normal tests like iron as well apparently, and they're all perfect too.

So that's a relief! They said to just keep an eye on the itching and let them know if it's still bad in a week.