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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Itchy, twitchy and sleep deprived!

18 replies

fifitot · 26/04/2010 16:29

30 weeks and feeling as described. it's a kind of general, non-specific tingling as opposed to a proper itch and only needs a little scratch but it's popping up all over my body.

It is like restless legs only everywhere! I haven't slept properly for about 2 weeks because of it - jumping and twitching round the bed.

It's worse at night but notice it sometimes in day. Mentioned it to MW a while ago but she didn't seem concerned about Colestasis (Sp?) as she said that is quite a harsh itch and often only on palms and soles of feet.

Going to try and see her again tomorrow as can't continue like this. Any suggestions?

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Original poster

fifitot · 26/04/2010 16:49

Can I just add, it feels like I am wearing a prickly, hairy jumper and trousers! Does this sound like OC?

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Original poster

fifitot · 26/04/2010 21:03

Just bumping as a bit concerned.

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MaryBS · 26/04/2010 21:06

Thats not how I felt when I had OC, but you can get tested for OC, and she should consider testing you.

greensnail · 26/04/2010 21:14

I've had OC in 2 pregnancies and while I wouldn't describe my itching the way you describe yours, I think if its persisting and worrying you its definitely worth asking your midwife to do blood tests to check for OC. Mine has never been limited to hands and feet, although that is where the worst itching is.

You might find smothering yourself in aqueous cream helps the itching and try to keep yourself as cool as possible at night.

Original poster

fifitot · 26/04/2010 21:17

Thanks - going to try and see MW tomorrow and ask for test just in case. I am already twitching and it's nearly bed time. Poor me!

Mary - when you say you didn't feel like that - how did you feel?

BTW - thanks for posting all.

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MaryBS · 26/04/2010 21:41

I itched really badly, but on the palms of hands and soles of feet, although just thinking about it did make me itch elsewhere. It was particularly bad at night, on my feet.

Original poster

fifitot · 27/04/2010 08:01

Thanks

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Trillian42 · 27/04/2010 16:23

fifitot - I have similar symptoms but with a strong itch on legs, belly and soles of feet at evening/night time (35 weeks). GP is pretty sure it's not OC as symptoms don't match exactly but did a blood test to check. She prescribed Piriton (the antihistamine) while we're waiting for the results to see if it helps. I don't think it helps the itch, but it does make me drowsy so I slept properly for the first time in weeks!

I also slather on the aqueous cream, and have taken a scissors to the t-shirts I wear as pyjama tops so that the belly area (but not the back) is cropped. That has helped an enormous amount, though they look very strange!

Original poster

fifitot · 27/04/2010 19:36

I used some of my daughter's excema cream last night which helped and am going for a blood test - though not til next week.

Is Piriton OK in pg then? I might just take some if it is - cheers.

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Trillian42 · 27/04/2010 21:09

It's one of those drugs that they don't say definitively is completely safe - because tests have never been done on pregnant women - but GPs/obstetricians will prescribe it if they think it's necessary. It won't work if it is OC though apparently.

greensnail · 27/04/2010 21:13

You can take piriton in pregnancy, but only a maximum of 3 tablets in 24 hours which I think is less than the normal maximum dose. I also take it at night, don't think it does a lot for the itching but it does help me to sleep through it!

Why are they not doing the blood test till next week? Surely if they think there's a chance you've got OC they should check now.

Original poster

fifitot · 27/04/2010 21:52

Oh they didn't think it was OC from my description and I couldn't even get in to see my MW before next week. It's hopeless here - the ante-natal unit is closing down and we are all being shared between 2 other hospitals. Even talking to someone is a nightmare.

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greensnail · 28/04/2010 09:08

Oh no, that sounds a bit of a nightmare. Fair enough if they don't think its OC, but if they're suggesting a blood test they must think that there's at least a small chance that it is. If you're worried or if the itching gets worse I would go to your GP tbh, they should be able to organise the blood test for you a bit quicker than that!

Original poster

fifitot · 28/04/2010 20:38

yes it is a bit of a nightmare. Had a bad night last night, resorted to a teaspoon of DD's Piriton syrup! Got me off eventually.

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greensnail · 29/04/2010 13:54

Oh dear, glad you got some sleep eventually. I honestly would go to your GP if I were you. I know how horrible it is to be awake all night itching. If it is OC, the sooner they diagnose it the sooner you can start treatment and also they will keep a closer eye on the baby. If its not, then the GP may be able to prescribe some other creams that might help.

Trillian42 · 29/04/2010 21:18

I forgot to say, my GP also prescribed hydro-cortisone cream, but said to be careful using it. I have avoided it so far - it seems wrong rubbing steroids into my belly

Got my results back - it's not OC
So just generic third trimester stuff!

greensnail · 30/04/2010 13:23

Brilliant news that its not OC Trillian. Hope the itching improves soon.

Nikkiweath · 10/05/2010 15:04

I had OC when I was pregnant with my 2nd baby and it was the worst thing i have ever been through. I started itching at 29 weeks, it started just on my hands and feet then by 34 weeks my whole body was itching and it drove me insane. They told me they would induce me at 37 weeks at the latest because there was a risk of still birth but I didn't even get that far as my ALT levels were so high and I got insomnia. They Prescribed me Tamazepam at 34 week to help me sleep but I didn't want to take them incase something went wrong.
In the end my ALT levels were so high and I hadn't slept for 4 days solid and they induced me at 35 weeks.
If you get even the slightest itch you should demand a blood test straight away as I had slight itching for a couple of weeks before I mentioned it to the midwife as I had never heard of obstetric cholestasis before. Some only get it mild but some get it really bad.

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