Itchy

[katiemumma20]

Hi all. I’ve been itchy since really early on in pregnancy which pretty much feels exactly like when I’ve had dry skin pre-pregnancy, and when I mentioned to midwife around week 10 she said she didn’t think it was anything to be concerned about. However now I’ve got these itchy spots on my legs (photos attached). Anyone had anything like this before? I am fully aware itching is a symptom of OC/ ICP the liver problem, so please don’t reply if you’re just going to say “itching can be a sign of OC, you should get it checked out.” I know that already and that’s why I asked my midwife about the itching at 10 weeks. I want to know if anyone has had an itch that came with these itchy spots. I am now 18 weeks. Thank you

I don't really have an answer here but around 18 weeks I came out in horrible itchy spots (30-40 at a time at its worst). At the time I was convinced we had fleas or bed bugs, it was horrendous. I went to the GP and showed the consultant too - the GP categorically told me they were insect bites, because of the way they were in groups of 2 or 3 all over my body. The consultant was less certain, she agreed they could be insect bites but also said you can get lots of skin changes in pregnancy so could be something like that. Then suddenly they just disappeared pretty much overnight. Still no idea what they were, I don't think they can have been insect bites because why would they suddenly have disappeared like that?

But generally I'd say to see the GP just to rule out anything worrying.

Hi OP, just to reassure you on the OC front - that almost certainly isn't OC as one of the characteristics of OC is that there are no visible spots or rash of any kind on the skin to accompany the itching (at least not until you are covered in scabs and scars from the constant scratching!) I hope you get it sorted soon whatever it is xxx

I've been really itchy from about the same time as you and I have noticed it's in areas covered by clothes or after bathing so I think my skin has just become much more sensitive. I've tried changing to a gentler washing liquid and soaps and that has helped a bit but I still have my itchy moments. It does seem to be fairly normal and I think midwives only start to worry if it's concentrated on the hands and feet.

That said though, if you are worried it's always better to be safe than sorry so definitely contact your GP. Midwives are great but if it's something unrelated to pregnancy or less common then they might not pick up on it. It's always better to get checked out and it not to be anything than the alternative.