Obstetric cholestasis - should I get a test?

[Jood]

I am hoping someone with experience with OC can advise me. I am 25 weeks into my second pregnancy and suffering from badly itching breasts. They are uncomfortable all day and are waking me up at night. I am scratching so much they are bleeding sometimes. I don?t having itching anywhere else except a small patch on one ankle (!)

I have read a bit about OC and am wondering if this is a possible cause? It does not seem typical ? usually hands and feet ? but cannot think of any other reason. I had a bit of itching in my first pregnancy, but mainly on my bump where the skin was thinner. My breasts have not got particularly larger this time round, only 1 cup size up, so that seems unlikely to be the cause.

I mentioned the itching briefly to my GP when it started and was less severe, and she told me to just stop using any products with soap in, which has not made any difference. I loathe being the person who goes to a medical professional saying ?I read this on the internet and think I have it?? so want to be pretty sure before putting myself through that.

So is this pregnancy paranoia or should I grit my teeth and call the midwife? If the vote is for paranoia, any advice on how to control the itching?

I had this all over with my first PG. I would see your GP, I wasnt put on medication at the time but I was later asked by another Dr why I hadnt been given medication for it. It got so bad I couldnt wear clothes. Which was attractive.

i would have the test. its just a blood test at the end of the day and can only tell you yes or no.
It could just be stretching as itching is hands and feet as well as other parts.

I have a few threads going on this at the moment. I have it and will be induced next week.

thre is also a general itching thing you can get in pregnancy whihc isn't OC. unfortunatly my bile acids are so high there is nothing else it could be !!

Thanks for the messages. I gritted my teeth and called the midwife, and in fact she brought up the possibility of OC and asked me to come in tomorrow for a blood test. Is there any particular type of test I should check she is sending off?

LeonieD - I'll check the PUPPP possibility too - I had thought that always had a rash associated with it which I haven't got.

I have also ordered some calendula cream which is supposed to help so I'll give that a try too.

Thanks again
Jood

its liver function tests (LFTs) they need to do to check the level of your bile acid and AST (i dunno what that is!)

she will know what to do, don't worry. Will take a few days for results to come back and they will ring you if they need to contact you urgently so make sure they have your daytime contact number and know that they can leave a message.

I'm scratching too - nearly 24 wks - breasts, legs, a bit on tummy. Had suspected OC in 1st pregnancy...am thinking of calling the midwife...i've never heard of PUPPP

Thanks MoM, will let you know what happens.

Much sympathy Harriet. I am now covered in lovely chalky calomine which helps for about 5 minutes and then I realise I am scratching again. Very tricky to scratch nipples while in the office...

how did it go?
(was it today?)