Is this Obstetric cholestasis or just the heat??

[Tigger13]

Anyone out there who has had this or know anything about it??

I am 36+ weeks with baby No3 and about a week ago I started getting really itchy feet at night, it stopped me sleeping and I was soaking them then using a foot scrub and moisturiser to try and calm them down, this lasted a few nights then seemed to ease up over the weekend. This week it is back worse and with really itchy hands I am kept awake with it and nothing sooths it I have had the odd itch on rest of body but no where near as bad.

Anyway saw GP yesterday as I have a cold/flu bug that has been dragging on and giving me coughing spasms, I mentioned it to him and he after lots of pondering took 3lots of blood which should come back tomorrow (friday) He mentioned OC but said unlikely as no jaundice but have found that not always the case anyway.

I am now terrified that this is OC and that the baby is being affected, I rang midwife today, usual one one holiday and said need bile tests and had they been done (?) I said blood taken but not clear whether this was one of them, she was vague but said sounded like I had it and left a note for another midwife to look at blood results tomorrow, she didn't seem overly worried.

As its Friday tomorrow I am worrying what they will won't do if it is OC and whether I will be left over the weekend to worry even more or whether I will need inducing soon. My DS1 was 11days early and DS2 19days.

I am monitoring movements which have slowed over last few weeks but think that normal at this stage and still getting them throughout the day.

Sorry this is so long I am scaring myself stupid but horrible having to wait when systems seems so slow. I'm hoping its just the heat but it seems unlikely.

[WillyWonka]

Your GP has probably taken bloods for a liver function test (LFT) and you will only need to have a bile test done if these indicate any potential problem. Can totally understand your concerns as I was in the same position myself only a year ago. Try not to worry about it (easier said than done) and call to find out your results as soon as you can in the morning. Hope everything is OK & please post to let us know how it goes.

[Tigger13]

Thanks Willywonka.

After a rollercoaster ride thursday and friday and being told the liver function test was fine and not to worry I had a phone call from my GP at 4.45 last night saying the lab had rung and I needed to go straight to maternity unit as bile levels raised. After monitoring and examination by consultant I was told I do have Obstetric cholestasis and that baby needs to be out by 37=6weeks which is next tue. I am having lots of strong tightenings and he thinks could start naturally. However am scared to do anything now and so so scared. This is my 3rd and last 2 were early but been feeling so rubbish this time I have been very lazy.

Can I ask if your baby was ok??

[WillyWonka]

Oh Sweetheart, I'm so sorry to hear about the OC but hope you're able to take some comfort in knowing that it has been diagnosed rather than not.

I was lucky that my LFTs remained stable, I'd just had the unbearable itching (for months, rather than weeks) but with problems in a previous pg was being monitored very carefully. I was induced at 37 wks, had a very easy delivery and dd3 is now a beautiful and very lively 9mo.

I understand that being induced pretty much eliminates the likelihood of any problems but that will be of little concern and Iimagine that you won't feel able to relax until your beautiful baby arrives. Am thinking of you (both!) and will keep checking this thread to find out how you get on.

[NotABanana]

Please don't relax about movements. They shouldn't be slowing down. Any change, and they need checking. I had bloods done for OC but before the results were back he was delivered by emergency section.

Keep an eye on movements and go to the hospital is there is any change or you cna't get baby to move.

[WillyWonka]

Hope everything is OK tigger?

[Tigger13]

Thank you Willywonka your words really helped.

I had a gorgeous baby boy on Tuesday afternoon weighting 7Ibs 4ozs, My waters went naturally at 6.30am went in about 11 with erratic contractions and after being initially told to go home, I made a fuss (last labour 1.05hours so scared about being away from hospital) I walked round hospital for several hours until labour progressed enough to go to delivery suite and he was born 25minutes later.

Itching almost gone but will be re-tested at 6week check up, baby has no sign of jaundice and is feeding well.

It was such a worrying a time but nature had a way to get him out early.

Thanks you for your thoughts and prays.

Claire xx

[WillyWonka]

Y'aaay, that's really made my day . Am so pleased - and relieved - for you. Welcome too baby Tiglet!