Obstetric cholestasis...ADVICE ASAP PLEASE!!

[JA1988]

I could really do with hearing from anyone who is currently going through this or has now given birth following the diagnosis of OC.

I have spoken to 2 midwifes who BOTH fobbed me off and just told me to use E45 (this all started around 3 weeks ago), on Friday just gone I decided enough was enough as the itching was still affecting me and I just had a feeling something wasn't right so I rang antenatal day unit and demanded a blood test.

I was called 24 hours later (yesterday evening) to say the results show an abnormally raised level and to come in first thing this morning for further tests. Today they took more bloods, urine, did BP and alo fetal monitoring and came back with diagnosis of OC.
Fetal monitoring was fine, ie movements and heartbeat both good and they have prescribed me a menthol cream for the itching as well as tablets to reduce the bile level and then they have scheduled me for a scan this tuesday to check my gall bladder and also to check growth and wellbeing of baby. This is all good however I am really concerned by the fact that when I questioned induction, she merely said that I would be monitored every week and no need to induce which is worrying the hell out of me as I notice a lot of people with the condition are not left past 38 weeks which is what all info online says aswell.

I am supposed to be having an appointment this week with a consultant once I have had the ultrasound so I really want to know what I should be doing or asking as I am scared to be left past 38 weeks.

Any advice would be really greatly appreciated ladies xx

 

[lizziedripping]

Hey hun. I was tested for this in my twin pregnancy, didn't have it, but as a result was in touch with the wonderful ladies over at https://www.ocsupport.org.uk/. You can subscribe to their site, and they personally answer any queries you have immediately.

Good luck, and try not to panic, I do know that OC is taken VERY seriously, and the consultant will probably discuss induction with you when they see you. Don't be fobbed off tho hun, you have every right to push for delivery of the little one, if nothing else than to ease your physical symptoms and understandable anxiety xxx

 

[MissRichards]

I have been itching like mad all day, scalp, palms, ankles, feet etc HELP

 

[May.Baby.x]

All i can say is do not give up and be fobbed off when you have this condition. I was on all the medication from 33weeks with my daughter, once weekly scans of cord and placenta, once fortnightly growth scans and due for induction at 37weeks. When 37weeks came along my consultant said she would only induce me if i stopped all drugs and my bloods showed any abnormalities again, but would not let me go further than my due date. I refused to stop medication at the most dangerous time but ran out at nearly 39 weeks. Cut along story short.. I was induced 10days late like anyone else, baby had been in distress "a few weeks ago" (from my stained waters), run some more bloods and results were higher than ever. Thankfully my daughter arrived safely (boarderline special care although thankfully didnt need it) although was re-admitted at 3days old for jeundice.
With this pregnancy both midwife and consultant were horrified by my past experience and advised me to make a formal complaint against my consultant and accept counselling, neither of which im going to do.
Just please make sure you stand your ground with these doctors and demand the care you deserve. Like i told my consultant, its not her babys life shes messing about with.
Hope all works out for you. xxxx