*Please Read* Obstetric Cholestasis

[pixie23]

My MW just rang, my blood tests came back abnormal (I think they were just testing bile acids at this point). I'm going back on Friday for more bloods and fetal monitoring. Is there anything you ladies recommend for helping to soothe the itch, I haven't been able to find anything so far - I was going to try using some calamine lotion. I figure anything that offers moisture will help protect my skin from all the scratching, even if it doesn't soothe the itch.

 

[MissMummyMoo]

Piriton helps and is safe to use, I was also prescribed Aqueous with arjun cream which smells sooo minty and makes you stink but really soothes the itching! Have they not told you to start taking Urso tablets? They will probably want to see if your levels have risen on Friday and prescribe them then if not.

I should be getting my date for induction next Monday when I have my consultant appt x

 

[pixie23]

No tablets yet, like you said -I think they're waiting to see what my levels are on Friday.
Thanks!

Be sure to update when they give you a date!

 

[MissMummyMoo]

How were your levels on Friday hun?

My induction is booked for next Friday, 19th. Will be having my bloods and ECG on Monday and they will also do an internal to see if I am favourable, if I am I will just go to labour ward on Friday and get my waters broken, if I'm not I will have to go in on Thursday and have prostin before the induction on Friday I should have my baby boy by next weekend x

 

[pixie23]

My Friday levels came back (my bile acids were at 15 when the acceptable level was 14 and now they've just dipped barely back into the safe range), but my itching has really increased over the past couple days. I had tests done again today and will go back in again on Friday. They've offered me tablets, but the itching is manageable most of the time, just been getting bad the past couple days so I've passed on the tablets for now until I really feel I need them (which if I stay this itchy for long I'll be needing them soon). My LFTs have come back normal so far, but they did other testing that could contribute to a rise in bile acids and those came back normal as well so the diagnosis is still OC at this point. The MW is convinced I have it, just that the bloods are teetering at the moment.

You will be holding your LO so soon!

 

[MissMummyMoo]

It's good that the levels are still quite low though, maybe it's just general pregnancy itching.

At their highest my bile acids were 164 and ALT 77! They're within normal range now though. My bile acids were 5 last week and ALT 10 but I am on 500mg of Urso twice a day which I think is helping. I can't wait to stop taking all the tablets

Yes it won't be long at all! Think I'll go into panic mode next week x

 

[mummyof3babas]

hi iv also been given a blood test to check my bile acids as iv been itchy but only on a night time mainly:S and its not really severe more like a crawling sensation but they still want to see if its oc? wouldnt i be very itchy and throughout the day aswell?x

 

[MissMummyMoo]

It's best to get checked anyway hun but I had itching all over day and night it just tended to be more severe on a night. Fingers crossed your results come back ok x

 

[Jchihuahua]

I had OC in both my previous pregnancies and was induced early both times. With my first pregnancy my levels were the highest the hospital had ever seen. I had consultant led care in my second pregnancy and bloods done and monitored monthly throughout. I'm pregnant for the third time and once again am under the consultant and have my first appointment next week. I am itchy already and am so hoping it isn't OC so early. Both previous times it started after 30 weeks so I can't believe it is but after going through this twice before I do know what I'm talking about and it certainly feels like it. I hope not!

 

[JWandBump]

Ive had my blood checked today as well, ive been going insane with itching! I mentioned it before to my midwife but she brushed it off. This time I put my foot down tho and she took my bloods I gotta ring up tomorrow for the results I think lol xx

 

[MissMummyMoo]

Fingers crossed for both your results

Jchi - I've had it since 22 weeks but never had it in any previous prengnacies x

 

[pixie23]

hi iv also been given a blood test to check my bile acids as iv been itchy but only on a night time mainly:S and its not really severe more like a crawling sensation but they still want to see if its oc? wouldnt i be very itchy and throughout the day aswell?x

My itching started at night and now I have it during the day and at night, but it's much worse for me at night and early in the morning.

 

[mummyof3babas]

thankyou^^ soo worried it will start on random places aswell like the top of ma arm then ma hand then somewere else:/

 

[Sophe]

I am waiting for the results of a blood test to check for this. I have the most incredible itching on my hands and feet every night, I went to the chemist to buy something for it and when i described my symptoms they told me to go to my DR asap, I am hoping I don't have this but am thankfull for the Pharamacist for flalgging it to me... I'd also never heard of it!

 

[MissMummyMoo]

Fingers crossed the results come back ok Sophe but if they don't don't worry as there is medication to help control it.

As you can all see I had my happy healthy little man on Friday. I was induced with prostin on Thursday and tharts all it took he was born at 37+3 and he's perfect x

 

[sugarplumbum]

Hiya,

Just popping over from 2nd tri, I have just been diagnosed with OC this week (13 weeks with twins). I had no idea it had started already, have been a bit itchy and crawly but nothing major. Bloods came back as high. I had it in last 3 pregnancies but it didn't start until about 34/35/36 weeks.

Can I just ask, what is the treatment these days (it's been 6 years since my last was born). Seeing consultant next week but just wondered if they still do the tablets (can't remember what they are called!) and aqueous cream.

I've obviously got a while to go so induction is not an option, but just wanted to know how it was dealt with these days.

In 2002 when I 1st got it, no-one knew about it at all, so things have changed!!

xx

 

[MissMummyMoo]

Congrats on your pregnacny Sugar

You will probably be given Urso tablets, the dose will depend on how high your levels are. At one point I was on 500mg 3 times a day but once it was under control I was on 500mg twice a day. I was also given piriton and the aqueous cream with arjun in it. It stinks but really did help with the itching!

There isn't a lot known about it now either, it's still very sketchy.

Good luck with your pregnancy x

 

[sugarplumbum]

Just a little update....picked up my LFT's from last week and ALT was 95, Gamma GT (?) was 75. Had more bloods done today and Bile acids being sent off. Any idea on how long they take these days? They used to take about 2 weeks to come back.

So not looking good so far is it? and already sick of this itchy insect crawling everywhere!!

 

[MissMummyMoo]

Wow 95 is high. 77 was my highest but it's not looking good! I'm surprised they didn't test for your bike acids at the same time. I used to get mine back the same day. Did they not say how long it will be before they come back? Id phone a MW and ask x

 

[Memphis]

Hi there, did any of you not have itchy hands and feet but other places instead? I am 26 weeks and over the last week or so have been itchy on my upper sides, chest and tummy. Also a little on my scalp and underarms. Not crazy itchy but annoying and maybe a little worse in the evening but nothing to keep me awake. I am using coco butter and a lotion with oatmeal but they do not do much. Actually as I sit here and itch I would say the sides and underneath my breasts are the itchiest. I know with OC it says usually hands and feet r really bad but those r fine for me. My next visit isnt for 3 weeks and I am not sure if this really warrants an extra visit? Any advice would be great!