Itchiness and Cholestasis

[meagss]

I've decided to go to my GP this week and ask for a liver function test and bile acid test as I have been unbearably itchy all over for the past week or so (I'm almost 32 wks). At first I just thought it was due to some sunburn and dry skin - as well as mind over matter... but now I can't sleep properly at night either and am going insane. Surely it couldn't be all in my head?

I had HELLP Syndrome with my first pregnancy, which is also liver-related, whether this would make me more susceptible to Cholestasis or not, I have no idea. I had no problems during my second pregnancy.

I've read that the itching starts on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet - but this didn't happen to me, it's just been mostly my arms, legs and back. The itching feels like ants crawling all over me...
Does this sound like Cholestasis or could I be barking up the wrong tree??

Thanks to anyone who can give me any advice.

[Lily_Pad]

hi meaggs. :wave:

although i would still ask for a liver function test and i've got no experience with Cholestasis, just wanted to let you know that i came across something called restless leg syndrome when i started getting this itchy feeling all over my arms and legs too. it's mostly at night, lying in bed or watching tv on the couch, and it feels exactly like little ants or bugs crawling on my skin, and it drives me insane!! so i know how you're feeling! :)

i've never heard of it before but apparantly pregnant women are more susceptible to it and it goes away when you've had the baby. it's also more likely if you are iron deficient, which i am too, so you might want to get some iron supplements.

i'm no expert but just thought i should let you know since i had never heard of it before until i also started worrying about being so itchy. HTH. :)

[meagss]

Thank you chloeliliansmum!!!

I think you could be on to something there :yes: as that's been an issue of mine lately too... as well as being itchy, my legs start to twitch a bit and I feel like I need to stand up and jump up and down lots! I thought this was a separate complaint, but if it's all one in the same, well.... that explains a lot!!

Chances are I could be quite definitely iron deficient by now. I was in my last pregnancy, but decided to lay off the iron supplements this time as I hated the constipation side-effect. However if they are going to help this insane itchy feeling, I know which complaint I'd prefer to live with for another couple of months!

Once again, thank you for shedding some light :sunshine: and I hope the restless leg thing is all it is (but like you said, I think I'll still go to the dr though, just incase).

Wishing you well for the arrival of your little Valentine's sweetheart next month! :cloud9:

[mum85]

Dont ignore the itch! My best friend at 36 weeks got the itch bad, she went to get it checked out, they sent her away and told her its normal to itch, Overnight it got realy bad! Went back up to the hospital and an actual Dr not midwife seen her and ran a test and it was cholestasis! And was induced that day. She is now expecting again and has been told there is like a 80 to 90 percent chance she will get it again and will be booked in at 36 weeks to be induced, Fingers crossed:fingerscrossed: she is in the low percentage and does not get ita gain. Good luck and I wish you all the best.