September 2016 Moms

Cholestasis

To start, I've missed all of you wonderful ladies on this board, and I'm happy to be back! I wish I could re-enter the conversations on a happier note. I didn't see this anywhere else, so hopefully it's not a repeat thread!

I've been experiencing extreme itching on my hands and feet accompanied by a sort of small blister-y rash. I talked to my OB about it and she's concerned that it may be cholestasis. I have blood tests tomorrow morning, and I'll find out the results early next week.

I've done a little research on it, but there's not a whole lot of stories or anecdotal info that I've seen. I was wondering if anyone's been through this before, and what your experience and you and baby's outcome was?

TIA!

Re: Cholestasis

  • RG1RG1 member
    *off to google choleostasis*

    No advice but sorry you're going through that. I hope the blood work finds its something more simple!
    Babysizer Geeky Pregnancy Tracker
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  • My friend had it when she was pregnant with her twins.  IIRC she was closely monitored once she got the diagnosis and then she wound up having a c-section a couple weeks early.  The babies were both home with no negative effects within a week.  She later went on to have a gall bladder removal surgery about a year later because there was some damage there.  But that's often common with pregnancies anyway.  
     
    Piper, 4/10/10
    Connor, 3/16/15
    Morgan, EDD 9/22/16



  • My twin sister had it with both pregnancies. Once she got the diagnosis she had daily NST tests then had a c section at 37 weeks and the other at 38 weeks. They tried inducing her twice the first time but it didn't work. The first pregnancy it was worse. Both times it developed it the later stages of pregnancy. I believe late in the 7 month to early 8 month. As far as I understand it, it all based on the levels in the blood work. If it's high then the baby needs to come out. If it's lower they just monitor you very closely. I'll ask her for more details later today in case I'm missing something. I believe there was some sort of medication they offered her as well. 
  • No experience, but wishing you the best of luck. I'll be thinking of you. Please keep us posted!






  • I don't think I have it, but I was tested for it since I had extreme itching on my toes and hands. My doctor explained that it is a liver problem, where basically toxic bile is affecting the baby. If I did have it, I would have needed increased monitoring, including more frequent blood draws, and would likely need to induce early depending on the levels. 

    My doctor thinks my case was (thankfully) an allergic reaction to something else, and will hopefully go away on its own, but wants me to keep an eye on it and call in sooner if it a) becomes more severe or b) spreads to my soles or palms (current itching is on my toes and fingers). I will likely continue with blood draws at each appointment just in case. Not sure if any of this is helpful though! Good luck!
  • I had it with my last pregnancy. They gave me some medication to help. I had nst every week. I was induced at 37 weeks had my son. He was born healthy, and is now a crazy energetic 2 year old.
  • Thanks everyone! Hearing actual stories makes it much less scary. I'll be sure to update when I have news!
  • cassloumy said:
    The lab tests concluded that my liver function is normal. Now to figure out why I'm itching so much!

    Thank you for all your support
    Happy to hear that!! 
  • Could it be hand, foot and mouth? 
  • @cassloumy - glad to hear your liver function is normal! Hopefully this itching stops for you soon! Mine is just starting to clear up and it started about 6 weeks ago!
  • Thanks for posting this.  I've been having unusual itching on my hands and feet for the last week or so.  I just figured it was dry skin and have thought nothing of it.    @cassloumy...if you don't mind me asking how severe was the itching?  Like can't stop ever, or severe at points then goes away, then comes back hours later, and repeat?
  • @MrsVoorhees I hadn't thought of that... I hope not! Most likely it's an allergic reaction to something- in my usual life I have a fairly intense anti-allergy regimen that is unsafe during pregnancy

    @LakeR2014  For me it is off and on during the day, but very intense at night- which is a classic symptom of cholestasis. If I were you I would call my doctor about it. The blood draw was pretty quick and painless!
  • @cassloumy Thanks for posting this!  Went to doctors today.  When I initially called yesterday they said I might have PUPPS but wanted to check me out to be sure.  Well I got there and the doctor said not PUPPS but thinks it might be Cholestasis. :-/. They had me get blood drawn and I'll find out next week.  Probably nothing but wouldn't have even known to have it checked out without your posting so THANK YOU!!! 
  • I'm glad something good came of this, and I hope it's something benign for you too! Please keep us updated!!!!
  • Thanks for posting this.  I am waiting for my doctor to get back to me.  I had dismissed my symptoms as my foot fungus issues getting worse because it's Summer and pregnancy does fun things like that.  Who would think I'd ever be hoping I had foot fungus?
  • @Jillybear82 I'm glad you're contacting your doctor! I hope it's benign!
  • I took the blood test yesterday, and the results I've gotten back so far all appear to be within the normal range.  Yay.  I have been reading two different books about pregnancy, both written by doctors, and I don't remember either of them covering this.  Scary!
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