Itching like crazy!

[SassyPants87]

Currently 38 weeks and up at this time itching like mad, it’s driving me crazy! Started off on bump and now it’s everywhere, chest, neck, arms! I’ve had a little itching on feet and upon googling I’ve come across cholestasis! Does that sound anything like it? I have got little rashes on my body and thoughts cholestasis doesn’t cause rashes unless anyone else’s experience say otherwise?
Think I might call the maternity helpline tomorrow and see if they want me in to check over

My SIL had itchy hands and feet. Wasn't full on cholestasis, but raised bile levels can cause this. I would try to get in touch with someone if possible - they can test for it.

I also had itchy bump at times - think due to none of my t-shirts being long enough, so jumpers coming into contact. Used cream - helped. Hth.

Yes I had choleostasis! Sounds just like it. Get checked out as soon as you can. They will do blood tests and give you something to help with the itching.

@Longsleepneeded how long did you have to wait for blood test results? I’ve already pushed back on induction (as don’t felt like there was a good enough reason to be induced) so I’m worried they’ll push for it even more which I will of course accept if it’s cholestasis

Call the maternity helpline first thing, in case it’s cholestasis. They’ll get you in asap to check.

Actually, I’m sure our helpline was 24 hours.

And agree with PP, sounds just like it, I had it too.

I had cholestasis which was diagnosed at 37 weeks both times, blood test results come back in a few hours but if you've got it they'll want to induce you either same day or day after if you're already 38 weeks.

With DC2 I pushed back and asked for a sweep instead, lucky for me he was born at 38+1 after two sweeps but if it is OC then you need to know, and you need to get baby out really

Call maternity asap as you need checking for cholestasis.
If it's not that it could be polymorphic eruption of pregnancy. If so the only thing that helps is oral steroids or delivery. Personally I'd opt for delivery.

Thanks everyone. I’ve got an appointment this morning at clinic for a blood test and should have the results by tomorrow. I’m prepared for early arrival of baby though in case I need to be induced!

Look up PUPPP rash. It's very common to appear in last few weeks of pregnancy. Itching usually starts on bumps (often in stretch marks) and then spreads.

It's the most horrible thing I have ever felt and went everywhere (except neck and face). I itched until I bled and they wouldn't give me any treatment besides antihistamines which did not help at all.

Mine started on bump and after 1 to 2 weeks covered my whole body. I was only 33 weeks when I got it. It apparently lasts up until labor but thankfully mine cleared up after 4 to 5 weeks at 37/38 weeks with just the occasional itch now and again.

I was tested for cholestasis but it was negative. Cholestasis does not usually have any rash associated with it but you should be tested to be safe.

As horrible as PUPPP is, it's does not cause any health issues for you or baby besides tests your sanity from the itch.

@SassyPants87 how did it go? I had oc but didn't know about it at 40 weeks pg and they induced me that day. Hope your OK!

@EMC2022 i did read up about PUPPP and if it isn’t cholestasis is definitely seems like it could be PUPPP

@OutofControl3 I had my bloods done this morning and won’t get results until either tomorrow or Monday so I’ll know more then. Itching is still driving me crazy though!! Hoping that if it is cholestasis I can have a little say on induction day as my toddler turns 2 on Tuesday and don’t want them to share the same birthday! Is that odd? Lol

I had cholestasis too , no rash though but itching everywhere even on soles of feet. This was nearly 20 years ago. I was also slightly yellow ish looking on my face but people thought I had a tan ! I was induced at 38 weeks, that didn’t work for me and ended up having emergency caesarean. Baby absolutely fine, and bile levels went down very soon after birth. Good luck I’m sure you’ll be fine whatever the result. I get it’s very worrying.

Also had cholestasis. Bloods came in Friday, I turned 37 weeks on that next Sunday. Was put on meds (which didn't work) and due to be induced the following Thursday, given sweep on Monday which started labour and had my baby Tuesday.

@SassyPants87 well I think they will let you have a say on induction as long as baby is OK, I'm pg again and if it comes back I have oc it means I will have to go in a week before Xmas which isn't ideal as have other children so would like to prolong it if possible, midwife says that's fine so long as checks are done regular, This is my 4th baby and didn't have oc in my 1st 2 pregnancies it's the same partner too! So no change if u know what I mean. Did you have it with your other child?

Cool baths, stay away from scents also no scented candles or fragrance that can irritated the skin drink lots and lots of fluid too!

My hospital always got the blood done within hours urgently. Fingers crossed they come back sooner rather than later

@EMC2022 is this what your rash looked like? It’s much more red in real life. Woken up to it spreading all across stomach and chest now. The itching is just driving me crazy. Hoping I get the cholestasis results back today so can either rule it out or get baby out

Got my results back and I don’t have cholestasis wooo! But definitely seems like PUPPP going to docs tomorrow to get something for it because it’s driving me CRAZY!

Ooh your poor bump! 😕 Glad it's not Oc tho! X

Mine started out like hives in my stretch marks and then turned into a giant red rash all around my tummy and thighs (pic below). My arms and legs had the more spread out hive like rash which actually itched even worse than the horrible sunburn looking one.

I pretty much moisturised all day and I found oatmeal baths helped me a lot and were soothing. I used the Aveno baby oatmeal bath mix. It would help for an hour or two.

I feel so bad for you. It really is terrible and I feel the phrase "wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy" perfectly describes PUPPP.

The only thing I can say is the unbearable, insane itching only lasted for 1 week after it had spread and then it slowly died down. So although they say it lasts until labour I do feel the peak only lasts a week or two.