obstetric cholestasis - itching driving me mad...any advice..?

[blueberry69]

I have just been diagnosed with OC at 31 weeks. Being closely monitored and facing an early delivery at 37 weeks (although potentially earlier if baby in distress).

Has anyone else had this and if so do you have any advice to reduce the itching. It is unbearable and is stopping me sleeping. I have been given what seems to be the typical selection of OC medication: incl UDCA, vitamin K and aqueous menthol cream, but wondered if anyone knew of anything else i could do to get some relief (including diet/lifestyle)

Thank you

Hi, I had this with my first pg, 13 yrs ago, and I was at Queen Charlotte's hospital where they were testing four drugs. I was too late diagnosed to try more than one, but it might be worth asking if they did develop any of them further.

It was the soles of my feet with me as well, I was put on valium in the end as I couldn't sleep and taken off it for five days of itching hell before the baby was cs at 38 weeks. Maybe they don't do valium any more tho! But it really helped, nothing else did.

I should hope your consultant is taking it seriously. While it is unpleasant for mum, OC can be fatal for the baby so make sure you are keeping a close eye on the baby's movements.

am not even under consultant care - when i say doc i mean GP! Which is why i am wondering why i havent been referred to an ob/gyn?

bile acid levels over 10 are considered abnormal. Over 40 and current research suggests the risks to the baby start to increase in the last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy.

there is a school of thought at the moment that it is not necessary to deliver the baby early if the levels stay below 40.

my levels have just shot up to 170 and am now being super monitored. Only 34 weeks so they won't deliver just yet. The thing to keep an eye on is any decrease in foetal movement.

thanks blueberry, will definitely ask what my levels were when i go to docs on tuesday..

Another update on me - have finally being diagnosed with OC after all this time! Am off to the hospital to pick up some meds, have a liver scan on thursday to rule out gallstones etc,and have been offered an induction. Only took about 6 visits to the hospital and 10 blood tests!!

Thanks to you all for advice and comments x

32 weeks with interhephatic cholestasis