Cholestasis diagnosis - struggling to wait til 37 weeks...

Under.the.Rose

This is a pretty rare condition in pregnancy, so I'm not sure if I'll get much of a response... 

I've been showing signs of cholestasis since late last week... just general itchiness for a while, but then my palms and feet started going crazy. Essentially DH and I will insist on getting my c-section moved up until 37 weeks (this Saturday). I'm just struggling with how to get by until then... I'm so afraid every time I don't feel my baby moving that she's gone. They have me on meds to help try to get things under control (ursodiol) but there's no good evidence that the meds will protect my baby (as per various medical journals/studies).

How am I supposed to sleep until Saturday? 

PrincessFiona9

Keeping my fingers crossed for you! T&P!

Jlovelysoul

I had this with my first son, so I understand what you are going through. The itching was unbearable on my hands and feet, particularly at night. I developed it at approx. 34 weeks with my first pregnancy and thus far not at all with this one. I went full term with my first. My previous OB never really seemed concerned with the condition and knowing what I know now about it being a high risk I decided to choose a different OB. My OB this time has been very proactive, which I am thankful for. You are in my thoughts and prayers because I know this is rough to deal with. I wish you the best of luck!

cloud9climber

I just started feeling itchy all over yesterday.  I have a doc appt tomorrow and a RCS scheduled for Monday.  Mainly my belly and legs.  Nothing on my palms or feet.  Don't know what to think... Wondering if I should call the doctor.  

Sorry you're feeling so crappy.  Hope you make it!  

Under.the.Rose

cloud9climber:

I just started feeling itchy all over yesterday.  I have a doc appt tomorrow and a RCS scheduled for Monday.  Mainly my belly and legs.  Nothing on my palms or feet.  Don't know what to think... Wondering if I should call the doctor.  

Sorry you're feeling so crappy.  Hope you make it!  

If there is no rash or eczema and Benadryl & moisturizing doesn't work, then it's a possibility. I had general itchiness at first and then the hands and feet started too.  

cloud9climber

Under.the.Rose:

cloud9climber:

I just started feeling itchy all over yesterday.  I have a doc appt tomorrow and a RCS scheduled for Monday.  Mainly my belly and legs.  Nothing on my palms or feet.  Don't know what to think... Wondering if I should call the doctor.  

Sorry you're feeling so crappy.  Hope you make it!  

If there is no rash or eczema and Benadryl & moisturizing doesn't work, then it's a possibility. I had general itchiness at first and then the hands and feet started too.  

 

I'm about to take a shower and Palmer's oil the shiit out of myself and then take a benedryl.  Fingers crossed.  I'm definitely glad I'm see the doctor on Thursday!!  Thanks for the info. xo 

lovetohike

Aww.. so sorry you are struggling. No fun. There was another May mamma who just had this.. I think she had her DD a week ago. Baby was healthy. Good luck to you, sorry it is hard and scary right now!

PetitePomme

There were (at least) two mamas on the April 2012 board who were diagnosed with Cholestasis. They may be able to help ease your mind.

Princessbuttercup333

Disclaimer:  I'm not a medical professional but I've done

 some research on this condition and these are the things I've found out.  The worst thing about it is your itching which will stop once the baby is out.  Cholestasis is simply a blockage of one/several bile ducts.  The blockage or stricture is usually caused by pressure...usually cancer, either benign or malignant.  For you, the stricture is caused by your baby pressing on it...not cancer.  Typically, when people find out they have cholostasis, they remove the offender:  the cancer.  You sholdn't do that yet because your baby needs to remain in the womb for as long as possible.  Also, and this should bring you comfort/solace, when people have cholostasis due to cancer, the doctors perform an ERCP (x-ray involving fluroscopy) and put in a stent.  The biliary stent would open up the stricture and allow bile to flow, thus removing the itchy feeling.  They are not stenting you because they are looking at risk/benefit...is the side effect of itching bad enough to put the baby in dangerr (x-ray/stenting)?  No.  Is the itching bad enough to remove the baby super early?  No.  Mama has to live with the itching.  I would suggest one thing to you:  contact a gastroenterologist in your area and ask for their recomendation on medicine that treats the itchiness related to jaundice that is safe for pregnant women...you mentioned you are on something but maybe there is something better.  This happened to a friend of mine and it really pissed me off that the docs didn't really tell her the whole story andscared her.  I hope this helps.

Hrose7091

I realize this is old, but the reply above me is crazy wrong. Cholestasis during pregnancy happens because of hormones, not the baby pushing on anything and not cancer. They would not induce a baby out early just for itching, it is done because there is a high chance of still birth after 37 weeks. Do more research, your answer was ridiculous and false.