Obstetric cholestasis & Itching.

[Little_Roo]

So for the past couple of days I have been crazy itchy on my hands and feet (I have scabs from itching so much). I thought maybe its just due to antibiotics I have been on for a chest infection so took cool baths and applied chamomile lotion to sooth it. It was really annoying me last night so I posted on my fb to see if any of my friends knew what I could do to ease it and then one of them insisted I rang delivery suit (it was gone 12). I rang, the midwife asked a few questions and told me to go in.

After a few hours monitoring and blood test I was seen by the doctor. She explained she thinks I may have Obstetric cholestasis. My blood test did come back clear but she said this is common at the start especially after only 2 days itching. I have to go back for further test and scans on tuesday. (i will be 36wks and have already been having growth scans as baby is small).

Anyway they have prescribed me piriton and ursodeosycholic acid to help with the itching and it has eased it some but its still there.

Anyone know what else can do or use to sooth it?

 

[Sealgirl]

I got a cream called balneum which really helped the itch. I'm surprised they gave you urso without a definately diagnosis as it's quite a new drug and some doctors are not happy prescribing it. Though I took it, with no problems.

Are you going to be induced? I don't mean to scare you, but there is a risk to baby post 38 weeks and therefore you should probably speak to your midwife about getting a plan in action.

I was induced successfully at 38 weeks with my little girl. I've had itching again this time, but my liver isn't anywhere near as bad so I've opted for going naturally which my consultant is happy with. Though she has said she isn't happy for me to go past 40 weeks, so I may be getting induced anyway. Xxx

 

[Little_Roo]

Thank you for your reply, I will get some of that cream and give it a go

The doctor did tell me to expect to have my daughter early as not only do they suspect the OC but my bp was up and I had pre-e with my first (this is my second). She is also small so induction was already being talked about. I had also been told I wouldnt be aloud to pass 40 weeks.

Hopefully I will know whats going on Tuesday. xx

 

[jenmcn1]

I had obstetric cholestasis with my first baby. Detected at 23 weeks. I went for NST's twice a week for the last few months to make sure all was ok with baby. I didn't end up with jayndice(which can be part of it), but as a precaution I was induced at 37weeks. Had a big healthy baby boy. All was fine!! It's good that it hasn't developed until now for you. They usually don't let moms go past 37 weeks with this condition. So expect an induction very soon. Once baby is delivered the itching will subside.

 

[julesmw]

I had this with my son, and my doctor induces at 36w 0d because he says the risk is 37 weeks and after and he stays very clear of the danger zone. I was diagnosed around 24 weeks and had weekly visits and twice weekly NST's starting at 32 weeks. He was born perfectly healthy and went home with me.

Good luck!

 

[GeLiNeisMe]

I'm 28 weeks today and I started with the itchiness to my hands and feet about a week or 2 ago. Told my OB about it and got labs done. My liver function tests were normal but my Bile salts came back elevated. Got a call yesterday saying it looks like I do have Cholestasis. I'll be getting more labs done this afternoon and picking up the Urso. Just got 2 calls from my health plan to set up the first non-stress test at 32 weeks and then another one for an ultrasound with the specialist on that same day (May 6).

I'm trying not to stress out too much about but this pregnancy is my first.

I was planning on taking off for Maternity leave 4 weeks before my due date which is June 30th, but now that I have the Cholestasis and I was told I would most likely be induced 2 weeks early, I'm wondering when i should actually start my leave.

Any advice on when I should actually take off for my leave? I need to fill out the forms and have my OB sign them when I make my decision because I would need to give to my HR asap now that it could be earlier.

 

[jenmcn1]

I'm 28 weeks today and I started with the itchiness to my hands and feet about a week or 2 ago. Told my OB about it and got labs done. My liver function tests were normal but my Bile salts came back elevated. Got a call yesterday saying it looks like I do have Cholestasis. I'll be getting more labs done this afternoon and picking up the Urso. Just got 2 calls from my health plan to set up the first non-stress test at 32 weeks and then another one for an ultrasound with the specialist on that same day (May 6).

I'm trying not to stress out too much about but this pregnancy is my first.

I was planning on taking off for Maternity leave 4 weeks before my due date which is June 30th, but now that I have the Cholestasis and I was told I would most likely be induced 2 weeks early, I'm wondering when i should actually start my leave.

Any advice on when I should actually take off for my leave? I need to fill out the forms and have my OB sign them when I make my decision because I would need to give to my HR asap now that it could be earlier.

Personally I would take your mat leave around 4 weeks prior to your estimates induction date. Just Incase they have to induce you earlier than expected. It's a personal choice though. With monitoring closely most women go to a full 37 weeks before induction. But things like this are difficult to predict.

 

[GeLiNeisMe]

Personally I would take your mat leave around 4 weeks prior to your estimates induction date. Just Incase they have to induce you earlier than expected. It's a personal choice though. With monitoring closely most women go to a full 37 weeks before induction. But things like this are difficult to predict.

Thanks for the advice. That's what I was originally thinking since who knows how I'll be feeling during that time too.

 

[Little_Roo]

Well I went in to hospital for my bloods, scans and monitoring.
Apparently my LFT's were up the other day and I do defiantly have OC but they took lots of bloods to check everything.

I have to go back to DAU twice a week now for monitoring and am also booked in for growth scan on tuesday and to antinatal clinic thursday. The midwife wants to get me booked in for induction soon, as i am 36 weeks today and she doesnt want me to go over 38.

To be honest with my BP rising, baby being small and now this OC I want to be induced sooner rather than later. I need her in my arms safe were we can look after her.

 

[Boothh]

Argh it's good to know others know how annoying the itching is lol!
My LFT came back borderline so had a repeat today, and seeing the consultant a week on Tuesday! I'm thinking of going to the gp to ask for piriton before then though because it's soo annoying! I keep making myself bleed from itching.

 

[Little_Roo]

The itching is driving me potty.lol

Tbh im suprised they are only seeing you a week on tuesday. How far gone are you?

Im was 35+3 when they first did my bloods and they said they wanted me back in 2 days. My LTF was raised but only slightly ( hense my first confusion of thinking they were clear.lol). They also started treatment there and then.

If I was you I wouldnt bother going to the gp hun, I would ring the hospital and tell them you cant cope with the itching, explain you are due to go back a week on tue but you need help sooner as its so underable. Its likely they will get you back in and do your bloods again as the midwife told me they see a elevation within days. The medication they put me on reduces the bile or something so does help with the itch. They have also given me piridon but said it may not even help. Currently im still itchy and was a ogre last night due to the frustration of it. xx

 

[Boothh]

I'm nearly 31 weeks, I just had my bloods redone today. My consultant appointment was already scheduled so they just said they'll check the result from today's blood tomorrow and let me know if I need seeing sooner!

 

[Little_Roo]

Oh thats good. If they come back raised they'll probably call you in and give you the meds. My miswife said they have to act fast with OC.xx

 

[GeLiNeisMe]

I'm at about 28 1/2 weeks right now and I'm getting kind of worried about how much the itching will progress as I move forward with this pregnancy. I just started the Ursodial this past Tuesday. I was up in the middle of the night scratching all over! It's nuts!

 

[Little_Roo]

Aww.. no. Poor you, thats a while to have this crazy itching. Hopefully the meds will kick in better and give you some relief.

Mine is still driving me mad but luckily I was given a date for induction today. 22nd April so I will be 37+6. Im feeling excited now I know when to expect her. Part of me really hopes she decides to come of her own accord in the mean time though. The midwife said her head is really low in my pelvis now so fingers crossed. My bum has been feeling very heavy the past couple of days and i keep feeling like she's going to pop out of their.lol xx