ICP...anyone?

kmd0501

Curious if anyone has experienced ICP (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy) with this or previous pregnancies. A few days before Christmas, I noticed my palms started getting super itchy. I didn't think much of it until my cousin caught me itching at Christmas dinner and informed me of this pesky diagnosis. Again I brushed it off (it's winter, I'm a nurse, dry hands are my thing) and then noticed my feet and upper back getting super itchy too...and only at night. I called my OB who moved up my appointment to this Friday but I'm kind of freaking out. All the information I've read says ICP doesn't harm me at all, aside from the awful itching, but can increase risk of stillbirth 3-4x along with other birth complications!  There is not treatment, just increased monitoring and early delivery if needed.  I'm a FTM who finally conceived her rainbow baby after 2 miscarriages so while I'm trying to stay calm, I'm mildly freaking out.  It typically occurs in the 3rd trimester but can occur at anytime in pregnancy. I'm 16+1 weeks.  Anyone else experience this and have a good outcome?

awillis13

I haven't personally, but there are quite a few moms in my Dec 2011 group who had that with at least one of their pregnancies.  Some really had to push for the Dr to run the correct panel of tests for diagnosis.  The only real treatment is to induce by 37 weeks, because after that point is when the stillbirth risk gets significant (if I remember correctly).  I believe there are Facebook support groups for this.  All of the moms I know who have had it have perfectly healthy kids, but the itching did get horribly unbearable for them as they progressed through their pregnancy.

kmd0501

Thanks @awillis13. From what I've read induction usually happens by week 38 if needed but I'm not quite sure where the risk of still birth falls. I'm worried that being so early in my second trimester that my risk is greater, since it seems this is typically a complication during the third.  I'm just trying to relax until Friday when I see the doctor...and I have no problem voicing my concerns. It just sucks working night shift these next 3 nights so the itching is absolutely unavoidable and almost worse because I'm awake and noticing. Ugh! 

awillis13

Maybe it was 38 weeks.  Hopefully your dr will have more answers for you Friday.  If I remember the blood tests take a few days to come back.

DewyK

My SIL had it with her third pregnancy. She didn't develop it until almost 30 weeks. Once she was diagnosed with it, she was monitored closely and induced at 38 weeks. She ended up having a smooth labor and delivery (VBAC actually) and a healthy baby!

lovesclimbing

My sister had it. She noticed her hands itchy. She was induced at 37.5 weeks and the baby is just fine. 

alm52386

I don't have any experience with this but I do have something else (not pregnancy related) that causes unbearable itching! It's awful. I finally found a certain lotion that sort of helps. Hope you find something that makes it more bearable for you!

maybaby23

I actually just had my bloodwork done this morning for this. Ob is convinced I have it but needs to see how severe. The itching is driving me crazy especially at night. I'm not much help, just feel your pain. 

kmd0501

@maybaby23 how far along are you?  I'm getting my blood work done tomorrow although my OB said she's almost positive I don't have it. She said it's a third trimester finding and I'm just too early but I don't u sweat and what else could be going on when it's just my palms and feet and only at night. Don't get me wrong, I am not hoping to have this at all.  But an answer of exactly what it is would be nice. Have you found anything to help the itching?  I had to take a Benadryl last night it got so bad. 

maybaby23

I'm 17 weeks. My ob said it would take a week to week and a half to get the results.  ICP can show in any trimester but is most common in the third trimester. Nothing has helped me. It's maddening how itchy I am. Ugh. 

kmd0501

Ugh I feel your pain @maybaby23. I know my OB said Benadryl was safe so I took 50mg and it was amazing.  Maybe if it gets too bad you can ask your OB if this is a good option for you. 

maybaby23

I've tried benadryl topical and pill and numerous lotions. Nothing helps. I'm hoping my results come back soon

maybaby23

@kmd0501 got my results back today. Increased bile acid levels and I'm being referred to the mfm.

kmd0501

@maybaby23 at least now you have an answer. Hopefully you can get some sort of relief and continue with a happy and healthy few months. I'm still waiting in my results but last night was another Benadryl night.  I'm less convinced it's ICP now because I'm getting a small rash each time but by morning it's completely gone and no itching. It's the weirdest thing. And even when I work night work it happens so it can't be anything environmental at home. Ugh!

awillis13

@maybaby23 I'm glad you have answers, and that your Dr was receptive to this concern.  I know quite a few people who had to push for the testing, because their Dr just hung on the fact that ICP is so rare.  I know there is a facebook support page (not sure what it's called) because a few of the moms from my D11 group are in it.

maybaby23

@awillis13 I'm glad to finally have answers. My ob was super on top of things. My husband actually mentioned to her that I itch a lot and she demanded to see where. I showed her and she started explaining the test and what ICP is. 

@kmd0501 maybe a sensitivity to detergent or fragrance you use???

kmd0501

@maybaby23 everything I use is already dye/fragrance/allergen free as my stepson has super sensitive skin. My mom suggested I start keeping track of what I'm eating as maybe I'm developing a new allergy. It's just so strange that it's only happening at night and it's always the same time regardless of whether I'm at home, or work, or out somewhere else.  I haven't used any new soaps or sprays or cleaning products. No new detergents. But if this is honestly the only symptom I get this entire pregnancy I can deal with it. I just don't want it to be something that is quietly hurting baby.