Im Really Itchy

[PummelHorse]

I'm 31 weeks pregnant and for a while now my skin has been really Itchy and irritated, especially my boobs, nipples and legs. It's constant and I'm lathering myself in moisturiser but within seconds the irritation is back again to the point I'd happily scrub my skin raw if I could stand the pain.

Now I've noticed my boobs in particular are dry/flaky and starting to crack. This is before baby is even born and the whole breastfeeding stage begins.

Would it be worth seeing if the GP can prescribe me anything?

Speak to your midwife. I had this and was diagnosed with cholestasis by a blood test. Baby had to be delivered at 37 weeks due to my bile acids being so high.

Oh the itchiness is the worst so I emphasise. Didnt get anything for it so I’m no help there. I used to have lots of baths to take it away.

I would mention to midwife / GP as PP has said in case it is related to choleostasis. Might not be but even if not they may be able to suggest something and if it is then is important to be checked.

I had obstetric choleostasis and they had to check my bloods regularly. Before they bloods showed OC Drs thought it was just generic itching and gave me this wonderful moisturiser called dermacool which is a menthol like moisturiser that kind of tricks your brain into feeling cold rather than itchy. Highly recommend that but not in the nips, that would be punishment

Yes dermacool is fab! As is Eurax. Cholestasis itching is usually in the hands and feet, but mine was my hands and legs so I thought I'd mention!

My belly was sooooooo itchy at 28 weeks, then started with pain in my belly, thought was contractions, was my liver...my bilirubin was through the roof.

I agree with people saying get this checked our, my friend had itching in pregnancy, turned out it was her liver

She (and her liver) are absolutely fine now but she needed some extra attention during her pregnancy to keep an eye on her

Yes, get checked out by your medical team - it's hopefully nothing, but it could be obstetric cholestasis - the old name for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, basically where your liver enzymes go wonky, which can be dangerous for the baby. ICP Support are an excellent small charity focused on this - get in touch with them.

https://www.icpsupport.org

In the meantime, try putting on a damp T shirt/leggings straight from the washing machine spin cycle - it'll really help with the itching. Ask me how I know.... :)

I had a very itchy belly on the last 3 months. The only thing that helped was Eurax - instant relief!

It went as soon as I gave birth thankfully!