SO SO ITCHY!!!

[Yuckyyuckyuckity]

32 weeks pregnant with my second and parts of my upper body have been crazy itchy for weeks now- arms, underarms, all around my boobs and upper back, and my neck. Starting to get it on my jaw and lower cheeks now.

It's driving me absolutely crazy. Strangely no itching at all on my bump or lower body except sometimes around my previous csection scar but that feels more like 'normal' itching not this relentless itchiness that I'm getting in my upper body.

Have had negative blood tests for ICP so it's not that. There's no rash at all, my skin does go red from me scratching but otherwise looks normal, and it's not especially dry. I moisturise daily and I've not changed any products like laundry powders recently.

I know increased itching can be normal in pregnancy but this feels on another level, I can't sleep because of it sometimes. Anyone else had the same? Any suggestions? My midwife didn't seem concerned (once it was confirmed I didn't have ICP) but thinking maybe I should see a GP in case it isn't pregnancy related? Or just suck it up? I've had random itching episodes in the past when not pregnant but it's never lasted this long, my boobs in particular have been itchy since about 16/17 weeks.

Yep itching like crazy here too.Same in that they checked for the conditions related to pregnancy and all fine apparently so it’s just pregnancy hormones etc. My arms & legs look like they have been attacked by cats even the doc commented! Had it during first pregnancy too 😩 try oat based shower / bathing product see if that helps & cerave.

I would get a GP appt, if nothing else they can prescribe an aqueous cream and antihistamines (pretty sure piriton is ok but look at BUMPS ). Oat baths are a good shout too

Haha yeah, I'm sleeping with my hair brush to scratch my back in the night

Keep repeating the icp tests- it doesn't always show up on them.

Could it be the beginning of obstetric colisotis (*sp)? I had this with my second child and it as induced due to it. Definitely bring it up with your midwife or dr soon.

@Yuckyyuckyuckity
I'm close to 16w and I have a constant itching between my boobs and underarm. I oil my body and it helps with the itching. You can use an organic oil as long as you're not allergic. I'd refrain from fragrant oils and lotions. Maybe you could even try an unscented lotion. The itching happens because the skin is stretching so yup just another pregnancy moment!! Good luck!

31 weeks pregnant and I had the same thing! I thought it was my washing tabs so moved to non bio powder to see if it helps (it didn’t!) I find a bath sometimes eases the itch. My midwife doesn’t seem concerned though!

Your need regular Liver Function tests NON Fasting. Levels above 13/14 of bile salts is abnormal. Please don't ignore it. If the symptoms persist go back for the teat needs to be perfromed the same time each time and Non fasting.

I had ICP started at 37w3d and my levels were 15 so barely above but within 5 days went up to 19 and then 5 days later 28. I managed to keep it below 50 So was able to go full term - my choice. And had a natural healthy labour and baby. And 4 weeks later my levels went back down to 9.

Yes as it is all over it is likely ICP. Pregnancy itching that is normal ia usually focused on the stretching abdomen or cheat not all over.

I had ICP but my levels atayed below 50 so went full term and had my DC naturally. I am pregnant again and hoping I evade it this time as those 10days were horrid for itching!!! I cant imagine those who suffer for weeks and months!!

Piriton, maximum dosage, lots and lots and lots of cold drinks, fan on, non restrictive clothes and go for a fragrance free moisturiser.. also try to refridgerate your moisturiser if the cool brings some comfort.
My itching gets better when I feel cold.

I read somewhere menthol moisturiser, not that I've been able to find any!

My levels were borderline when I was checked weeks and weeks ago so I was just left to figure out what would bring me some relief.
3 and a bit weeks to go for me, cannot bloody wait for this itching to stop!

You have my sympathy. I developed PUPPS at week 39 - for me that means I have an all over itchy body rash. It looks like someone threw acid at my legs, arms and body.

things that helped me:

• oatmeal soak in the bath (Amazon sells)
• aloe Vera gel (stops itching but makes skin dry)
• jojoba oil for moisturising
• cutting down on dairy (certain foods can make the itching worse, I believe gluten can too but I was already gluten free)

I had this for a few months of my pregnancy. It stopped around 30 weeks. I had no visable rash and all tests came back clear of anything. No topical solutions worked. I figured it was what they call a neuropathic itch (common in pregnancy) the only thing I found helped was damp cold towels... and as much as it's unbearable try not to scratch. It used to make mine worse and never relieved the itch anyway... it's horrible, hope it passes for you soon.

Oh wow really need to go back if borderline the levels change hourly/daily. Y9ur Midwife should.know that. Please google ICP support - Jenny Chambers is amazing. She suffered with all her pregnancies and is an advocate for research and was involved in the new Royal College of OB guidenace that came out in 2022.

Super important to get the test done the same time e.g 9am an Nonfasting to get a true picture. Dont leave it the leveks can shoot up to dangerous levels.

Piriton you needn't run it by the Dr as no studies have been carried out on pregnant women. It can affect the baby. Pharmacists will.tell you speak to your OBGYN.

Calamine lotion from boots helped. Urso can work for some women (preacribed only)

Bile salt levels were 2 last week so definitely not ICP at the time but will mention to my midwife getting tested regularly if it can develop any time.

Yes physical symptoms can present before levels are high. So it is worth getting checked again. Just to be safe.