I had Obstetric Cholestasis for all 5 pregnancies!

Tamara - posted on 04/02/2013

I was just diagnosed with ICP at 15 weeks! Been struggling with miserable symptoms since 10 weeks & finally convinced my OB to test my liver levels after failed attempts at relief from lotions, antihistamines, & two visits to the dermatologist. They were reluctant to run these tests being I was so early in my pregnancy but from doing my own research & having more & more cholestasis symptoms appear every day, I knew something was not right. My OB called me into his office a week after the blood tests were ran & although they could not confirm cholestasis at that time (this specialized test took over two wks to get back), my liver levels were so high they admitted me to he hospital right away. I spent the next three days receiving more testing, seeing numerous specialists that all doubted it could be cholestasis this early in pregnancy. I was immediately started on Urso to bring down my liver levels which it seems to be helping but 10 days later I continue to experience the miserable itching day & night. The fatigue seemed to have improved for a few days but is back in full force. I can say I'm just thankful the never ending nausea finally went away & I can eat again. I've been trying to educate myself as much as possible especially since many providers don't seem to have a lot of experience if any with this condition. While I'm relieved to have a few answers & a definite diagnosis to prove I wasn't going crazy, I'm beyond panicked that at just 17 weeks, I have another 20 to go! This is my third pregnancy & I've dealt with pregnancy induced high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, & preclampsia but have never experienced anything so serious & bothersome so early. Hoping I can not only find a great petinatologist that can provide assistance, but also some other things I can do or take besides the Urso medicine to help with the discomfort of itchy painful skin. Your comments & suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening.

Heather - posted on 04/14/2012

Hi :) I'm going on 35 weeks and I had this with my 2nd child and was induced at 36 weeks. I started noticing signs of it again around 28 weeks.. I have told my doctor and he has tested me twice for liver function levels and bilirubin. I know he has not done the Serum Bile Acids test as he always calls me an hour after my appt to say my levels are normal. Shouldn't he be doing the Serum Bile Acids test to properly diagnose and induce me before I'm in the danger zone with my son...??

Margaret - posted on 02/18/2012

Are any of your children diagnosed ADHD?

Beth - posted on 10/08/2011

I had this severely when I was pregnant with my son for the last 2.5 months. The only thing that ever gave me relief was to take a scalding hot shower, scrub nearly raw with baby soap and a loofa and then slather up in Johnson's lavender baby lotion. If I did not do this in that exact order, I would be up all night itching. It is not fun at all, and I love my son to death, but I don't wish it on an enemy at all.

Ginger - posted on 02/25/2010

Hi Joanne. The good news is that you are almost done with your pregnancy. The hard part is getting through the last days of it. I've heard of doctors that will induce a pregnancy early because of cholestasis. The most relief I got was icing the itchy areas. Sarna lotion works for some people. Use just a little at first so you know how it will feel before putting it everywhere. Let me know how things go. The itching goes away fairly quick after delivery. Good luck.

Joanne - posted on 02/23/2010

hi am experiancing that problem this is the first time ave had the itchy problem am 38wks plus pregnant n its driving me crazy im serverly itchy on my thighs breasts and tummy my arms n lower leg n wen i itch i just cant stop n makin my sen sore do u have any advise on products i can use to ease this i dad go see consultant yday n they said that the normal rate ov asid or wot ever it is that corses it is usualy normal between 1 to 10 mine was 22a didnt quite understand wot they meant but said arl have to be started of early and there doin that this friday!! but need sumthing to ease the itchyness b4 then its keepin me awake at nite n cant bear werin clothes please hepl joanne xx