Itchy itchy hives!!!

Navy_Redhead · September 2013

I started breaking out in hives all over this morning! My tummy, hips, legs, knees, arms, wrists, even in between my butt cheeks! I have a condition called chronic urticaria, in which my body breaks out in hives for no reason, not as an allergic reaction to anything; but I haven't had an outbreak since 2009. I'm almost 10 weeks pregnant now, and these hives are different from what I had in the past. They are more welt-like than bumpy. This my 2nd pregnancy, and I did mot have this with my 1st. Anyone else ever deal w/ this? My Dr said I could take Benadryl, and to go to the ER if I had trouble breathing. I am absolutely miserable. The hives have not gone away at all, but they don't seem to be spreading anymore. I feel like they are just laughing at the puny Benadryl pills. Ugh.

Rrrrrachel · September 2013

This happened to me my first pregnancy and it was awwwwwful! I'd never had hives before and I went days without taking anything because I didn't know if I could (I got them before my first mw visit and didn't know squat, even who to call). Benadryl definitely helped. Lukewarm (NOT hot, I'm sure you already know heat makes them worse) with baking soda in it also helped me a lot.

SeattleMomma · September 2013

Yikes! I'm sorry your dealing with this.

Navy_Redhead · September 2013

Thanks. Never took a baking soda bath before, but I'll try it.

cgoldian · September 2013

OMG! I also have chronic urticaria and woke up with HORRIBLE itchy hives today! I usually get them right before I get sick or when I am run down but I have been getting plenty of rest and don't feel like I am coming down with anything. Benadryl doesn't usually help me, but I am not usually this itchy so I may give it a shot. My allergist had told me I could take a Claritin in the morning and Zyrtec at night, but that was before I was pregnant so I hesitate to try that without checking with her first. It is so uncomfortable, I am right there with you!

Navy_Redhead · September 2013

I've never met someone else with chronic urticaria before! Yay! Someone who knows my pain! These hives are different than what I have had in the past. Usually those hives fade away, but these have stayed all day. The itching comes and goes. I wonder if this is something related to the hormonal changes in pregnancy. I've read about hives that take place in the 3rd trimester usually, but it seems unusual to get them this early.

cgoldian · September 2013

I can only pray that this doesn't plague us throughout our entire pregnancies...ugh. I am definitely calling my allergist first thing Tuesday and will let you know what she says. Maybe we'll wake up tomorrow morning and they will be gone! [-O<

Navy_Redhead · September 2013

Me too. Is this your 1st pregnancy, cgoldian? I read some things online where women get them in their 2nd or 3rd pregnancy.

cgoldian · September 2013

Yes, 1st pregnancy. Have you had your thyroid antibodies checked since getting pregnant? It is very common for people with chronic urticaria to also have high thyroid antibodies and that has to be monitored closely during pregnancy. I have to go to the endocrinologist every six weeks to get checked.

Navy_Redhead · September 2013

I just had my thyroid checked a couple of weeks ago, but haven't gotten the results yet. It was just part of my physical for the VA. I'll call the dr Tuesday and see what she says.

Navy_Redhead · September 2013

Just Bathed in baking soda and slathered Burt's Beeswax moisturizer all over. The hives have stayed with me ALL. DAMN. DAY. I feel like an itchy red blob. I've been reading that some mom's develop allergies while they're pregnant. The only thing I had a chance to eat before this happened was some bananas. That would be a weird allergy to develop while pregnant, wouldn't it? I've taken a Benadryl, and while it hasn't made the hive disappear, it is making me sleepy, so thank God for that.

Rrrrrachel · September 2013

I hope you get a good nights rest! I never did figure out what caused mine.

ekmebm · September 2013

I have chronic urticaria too! My last hive outbreak was in 2011 when I was pregnant with my son. Awful awful. Try a cool bath. I feel your pain!

jap618 · September 2013

I don't know anything about your condition but ouch!! I hope you guys find some relief. This is completely different but I got eaten alive this weekend & have been putting witch hazel on my bites to relieve the itching. It seems to work wonders & everything I've read says its safe during pregnancy? I hope everything gets better!!!

jap618 · September 2013

lia619 said:

@jap618 Witch hazel was on my approved list from my dr., glad it's helping you!

That's the best news I've heard all weekend!! I am going to call and talk to my dr. tomorrow when they open!! Thank you!

Navy_Redhead · September 2013

Just woke up from the itching. Ugh!!!! I took another Benadryl and am gonna take another baking soda bath. I'm afraid if I go to the ER they'll try to give me a steroid shot, and those never work for me. The doctors have always refused to listen and prescribe the pills and/ or give me the shot. I'm not putting the baby through that.

J&NL · September 2013

Oh no

I don't have any advice just wanted to say I'm sorry you're going through that. I can't imagine how miserable you must be!

Navy_Redhead · September 2013

Just talked to my doc again. It's been 24 hours of non-stop hives. She says that since I am not having trouble breathing that there is no need to go to the ER, but that she is going to refer me to a dermatologist. Since I have the VA for healthcare, they only contract out the OB related stuff, I'll be referred back to the VA. Knowing them, I should be able to get my appt in 3 months or so. Sigh....

Chasing a 22 month old atound the house while pregnant and "hiving out" sucks.

TallaB · September 2013

Woohoo urticaria!! I have dermographic urticaria and stress urticaria. I will break out in hives and itching fits when I am stressed or nervous! And for some reason, when I go to bed. I will lay there and just scratch forever! Benadryl does nothing...except put me to sleep. I have no advice for you

But, I know what its like to scratch for hours on end and I'm sorry you're dealing with it.

ETA I did take atarax for a period once. I'm not sure it its pregnancy safe, but taking it 3 times a day broke the cycle...and made me tired as hell

bubblybeks · September 2013

Navy_Redhead said:

Just Bathed in baking soda and slathered Burt's Beeswax moisturizer all over. The hives have stayed with me ALL. DAMN. DAY. I feel like an itchy red blob. I've been reading that some mom's develop allergies while they're pregnant. The only thing I had a chance to eat before this happened was some bananas. That would be a weird allergy to develop while pregnant, wouldn't it? I've taken a Benadryl, and while it hasn't made the hive disappear, it is making me sleepy, so thank God for that.

Bananas could be a sign of a latex allergy. Just a thought. Hope you get some relief soon!

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