Cholestasis of Pregnancy

robynlesley

I'm trying NOT to jump to conclusions here, but at my 34 week visit today I mentioned to the OB I saw (I have one lead OB but see the other 6 in the practice during my pregnancy) how the soles of my feet have been itching so badly that it's driving me insane.

Well she mentioned something about a liver problem?albeit VERY rare?that often leads them to induce early.

So I Googled (yes, I know it's dangerous to do so) and found information on Cholestasis of Pregnancy.  And now I'm freaking out a bit (though I told my DH not to worry).

https://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/cholestasispregnancy.html

Anyone else hear of this or ever experience it? 

The soles of my feet itch SO badly. Now I'm worried.

Bleh.

Laura Cochran

Hi Robyn, that is scary. I don't know anything about Cholestasis, but do you have any of the other symptoms or risk factors they listed? Is  your doctor running any tests?

I hope it is just the heat that is making your feet itch. Good Luck.

robynlesley

My doctor ordered two tests?need to go to LabCorp on Monday?for liver function.  One is the Serum Bile Acids and the other is Hepatic Function Panel.

There's another site (Itchy Moms) that goes over these tests. https://www.itchymoms.com/diagnosis_guide.html

So now I'm worrying... seriously the itching is crazy and MUCH worse at night. So much so that I wake up scratching the soles of my feet.

 

stever

Oh Robyn, why did you google?

Since you did, I think there may be some girls on the High Risk Board who either have it or have heard of it. 

 

Peppernut

Google is sooo evil.

I hope it just turns out to be normal heat itchiness!

funchicken

One of my friends had this.  She was induced early with both of her pregnancies, but she and her babies were absolutely fine.  I hope your doctor has answers for you soon!

robynlesley

Thanks for letting me know that, MrsZee2b.  I'm hoping I DON'T have this but with the extremely itchy feet, I'm still concerned. I'm going for the blood test on Monday morning and should know by the middle of next week.

funchicken

Good luck and keep us posted!

scott&kim

I actually diagnosed myself with cholestasis during my first pregnancy. ?It got very brief mention if any at all in about 5 different pregnancy books. ?All I knew was that I was itchy (normal in pregnancy to a degree), had smelly pee (already checked for UTI), and a couple of symptoms. I was about 32 weeks when I finally called my OB and asked if I could possibly have cholestasis. ?The OB immediately got me in for testing; my OB couldn't believe I really had it since I was able to control my itching. ?Evidently some women itch so bad they are raw. ?My palms and soles of my feet where the worst and would keep me up at night.

After diagnosis, I saw a specialist (maternal-fetal-medicine) for a second opinion and an US. ?I did non-stress tests three times a week until I delivered. ?The did an amnio at 36 weeks to see if my DDs lungs were ready; they weren't. ?They wanted to do another amnio at 37 weeks and induced regardless but we just induced and skipped the 2nd amnio. ?My DD was fine but I will be treated as high-risk for my next pregnancy and any others.

?If you want to chat you can email me ktlane at iupui dot edu.

?Good luck.?

robynlesley

Thanks for your reply, Kim.  I was tested for this on Monday and will call my OB's office today to find out my results (if they're in by this afternoon). I didn't hear of cholestasis prior to my doctor's visit last week, but the itching was so severe that I had to say something. I haven't scratched myself raw, but it's been an effort to resist.

Hopefully I don't have this... but if I do, I'll definitely drop you an email. Thanks for offering to chat.

robynlesley

I DON'T HAVE THIS!!!

Whew!

Just horribly itchy skin.  I guess it's an annoying pregnancy side effect that I'll have to suffer with.  

Peppernut

Hurray!  I am so happy it's just itchiness!  I'm starting to relate to that, I've started getting funky, itchy red spots on the tops of my feet and lower calves.  It drives me crazy.