*Please Read* Obstetric Cholestasis

[sparkle05]

See your midwife and get your bloods done. Do not let them fob you off. Keep talking until someone listens to you. Good luck

 

[abstersmum]

I assume you are in the us as you said ER I would ask for a second doctor and ask to take urso it's a medication to bring your levels down

 

[tink28]

ladies can anyone help me or offer me any reassurance as regards raised ALT levels?

Mine arent due to OC, I have gallstones and was admitted to hospital for 5 days 3 weeks ago, one was blocking my bile duct which caused me to have deranged LFT's.
at their highest my ALT levels were at 552 and I had raised bilirubin levels. bloods were repeated a week later and they had dropped down to 325, and my bilirubin level was back to within a normal range. I was really happy that the levels had improved but my midwife scared me by saying that the ALT level was still too high. She kept on saying that I had to call her immediately if I noticed any reduced movements but wouldnt really give me anything more to go on. She arranged for me to go to day assessment unit where I was put on a trace and all seemed fine with the baby. I spoke to a doctor who was happy with my results and said that the level had dropped dramatically within a week, and that my other levels being back to normal was a good sign.They are going to repeat bloods again this week, they didnt want to do it any sooner as they said that they needed to give them a chance to change.

Even though my levels had improved I am extremely worried as I feel that everyone is telling me something different and it scares me that different people's opinions could determine the wellbeing of my baby.

I was initially told by a different doctor when I was taken into a hospital that the raised ALT levels could poison the baby and there was a risk of them affecting the baby's liver and possibly even causing stillbirth ive since been reassured over this but those words have stayed with me.

I dont know if these complications with my liver results could mean id need to be induced early. im scared that something will be overlooked and my baby could of been saved and wont be.

sorry if this upsets anyone im just in a right state over this tonight, i suffer badly with anxiety and depression anyway and this is driving me mad with worry, i feel so out of control with it

 

[louise1302]

are they monitoring your alts regularly to ensure theyre dropping? im sure its the bile acids that cause the harm(allegedly) in oc hence the urso tablets- do you know what your bile acid levels are?

id definitely be asking to see the consultant again and dicussing early(38 week) induction and extra monitoring(i had twice wekly ctg and blood tests)

there is evidence though that raised alt on their own arent actually harmful as this ust shows your liver isnt functioning normally ie the gallstones so try not to worry too much just monitor the babys movements x

 

[tink28]

thank u Louise that is reassuring to hear
I had more bloods taken today and they are checking the bile acid levels this time which they hadnt done before so hopefully this will rule out OC.
im going to ask for them to continue to monitor all the lfts just to be on the safe side too x

 

[MissRichards]

Blood tests confirmed I have this. I am now on ursodeoxycholic acid an weekly vitamin K injections. I was admittted to antenatal ward for 3 days last week as they wanted to give steroids for babys lungs in case of early delivery. I have bloods done twice a week an baby monitored twice a week. I will be 31 weeks on sunday. Booked for a growth scan on 2nd feb, havin him by c section at 37 weeks x


I truly sympathise with anyone who has this, it is horrible

 

[Koromaru]

Well I'm itching all over but it's winter which means dry skin and almost every of my pregnant girlfriends are itchy too. Pretty hard to guess if it's OC from that.

 

[Sugababe82]

x

 

[meliarose]

wondered if anyone could help, my bile acid levels was, and the consultant wants to see me again :s this isnt Obstetric cholestasis though is it?

 

[orangefish]

Im 34 weeks with my second child.
Im feeling very run down right now and for two days now, ive noticed some itching.

Last night it was like my belly was on fire - I had to itch it soooo much that I woke with tiny blood dots due to blood raising to the surface of my skin (on bump)

Then through out the day ive noticed some itching on my hands, feet, back and scalp.

Not sure if im imagening it. Its not severe, just mild at the moment. Does OC start of mild?

Will be seeing midwife monday x

 

[Sab4kids]

I am 27 weeks with my 4th and I have had intense itching all over for weeks. It is weird as it has moved around my body, First it was my back-which still itches, then my right forearm, my calves, thighs then now its my left shoulder. Some on the top of my belly but mainly my lower back and left shoulder. Nothing is there on the skin it just intensley itches and itching it is so satisfying that i usually break skin. I did mention it 2 months ago to my doc and he didn't seem concerned. I have since changed to a mw and see her on the 16th of Feb so I should mention it again and request a blood test. What do you think?

 

[MissRichards]

I got diagnosed with this at 29 weeks an given 400mg twice a day of ursodeoxycholic acid, weekly vitamin k injections and weekly scans and bloods, havin baby on 28th feb at 37 weeks 1 day

 

[heyyady]

The itching has been increasing for almost two months now- My dr just shrugs it off and says sorry it's part of pregnancy- but it's SO bad I'm having panic attacks! It's not constant though- if it was OC wouldn't it be all the time? I sometimes go days without an attack!?

 

[HodgePodge]

I've was diagnosed with OC at 18 weeks. I have found that the itching isn't continual unless I get really too hot. The cooler I keep myself the less I itch. I also found that bathing in oatmeal lotion really helps. Why don't you ask your doctor if it could be OC?? If not maybe ask for a second opinion. It's a very easy blood test to find out and i've been on medication since 18 weeks and my itching has almost stopped. It is more common in multiple pregnancies so could be OC. If you've any more questions or want anymore info then PM me!!! Hope you get less itchy soon heyyady

 

[bethsbooboo]

I've been itchy for over a week now, do you get a rash with OC though? I went to my docs who said it's a normal pregnancy rash and gave me some steroid and aqueous cream. I saw my midwife two days ago and she sent me for a blood test to test liver function so I'm now waiting on results. My rash is virtually all over and driving me insane, I can't sleep and am finding myself getting more down about it everyday.

 

[HodgePodge]

No you don't get a rash from OC at all. I was itching to the point where I was taking skin off and making myself bleed but no actual rash

 

[loz27]

i have been itching all over for several weeks now. it seems to be worse at night and keeps me awake
i had this too at the end of my first pregnancy and made myself bleed itching. i had my bloods taken and was told i has something raised but that it wasnt oc and was induced at 40 weeks. i never really asked any questions.
i have just had my bloods taken to test for this today so just waiting for results now but if i do have this i will not be able to have my baby in local birth centre and will probably have to be induced again. hopefully abit earlier than 40 weeks though this time if it is the case as the itching drives me nuts

 

[Aleksandra Dr]

Thanks the info is sooo useful!

 

[leanne4stars]

i think i have OC again i have the same itch from within on hands and feet waking me up at night tests were fine 2 wks ago but i'm guessing i need another one now x will ring midwife in morning x

 

[jimjams79]

Does anyone know if there is meant to be a correlation between ALT score and amount of itching?

I was first tested at 31 weeks when i complained to midwife about the itching and have been tested weekly since 34 weeks.
Have confirmed OC but scores are marginally improving each week and yet the itching seems to be getting worse??

Also consultant doesn't think there's any need to induce me early providing I am monitored weekly and her movement is ok which seems to be different to everything that i have read elsewhere but apart from being uncomfortable for me seems like a good thing. Anyone else the same?