Itchy!

[ElleJay]

I know there's SOMEWHERE in the threads about itching, but I thought I'd see what someone said bout mine.

Its only just starting in the last two or so days, but my stomach is itching, right down the bottom where his head would be - and because I obviously can't see, I feel and it feels like there are a couple of lumps down there. I've tried a stretchmark cream that I was recommended (which had Vitamin E in it), but that doesn't work - and the only thing that seems to temporarily soothe it is a hot shower (and I can't stay in the shower all day every day!)

Any suggestions? My next Obs appt is next Tuesday so I'll mention it to him then, but I just need some temporary relief!

[first_time_mummy]

Ive been itchy too, but more under/near my right ribs. (where bub is sitting) I think it was just movement that causes a tickle, making it itchy.
Im not too sure what it is exactly, maybe ask ur ob.

[{sarah}]

Have a look in the mirror, is it a rash on your stretchmarks?? If it is, you may be at the start of getting PUPPPs.

If there is no rash & your itchy on your hands & feet too, it could be obstetric cholestasis.

Otherwise it could just be skin stretching

[kawazuki]

im itchy all over my belly and ribs
i think its from teh skin styretching try cool packs aswell and maybe some olive oil.
this helps me sometimes but i do feel like a bit of a roast chook rubbing olive oil all over me lol

also keri oil you get it from the pharmacy si good if you can add some to a bath and soak for half an hour. that helps me but i very rarely get the half hour to soak lol

[ElleJay]

FTM - Thanks I think I might ask.

Sarah - I'll defintely have a peep in the mirror soon - or I'll wait for DH to get home and get him to have a looksies. I hope it's just the skin stretching! I have had one hand itch (my left hand) but thats the only thing to do with my hands and feet itching.. And my feet are swollen, not itchy.

kawazuki - LoL @ feeling like a roast! I think I might have a bath and see if that helps too

[{sarah}]

Check for the rash & let me know cos I have 1001 things you can try, but if it is PUPPPs there's not a lot you can do hun... Hoping it's not

[first_time_mummy]

Yeah it could be your tummy and skin stretching. Most likely.
I havent really gotten too big, as my fiance is only 55-60 kilo, and bred to be a jockey. So i think bubba is a little smaller than most...

[Now we're 3]

Hi LizJessie - sorry that you are having to go through this too but glad I am not the only one Mine just started a few days ago to.

Not trying to worry you but would actually give your OB a call rather than waiting till next week. The itchyness can be caused by a number of things - as the girls have said skin stretching - and then you just try creams etc to try to soothe. Itchyness on palms of hands and soles of feet can be caused by increase in level of oestrogen - again creams should relieve this somewhat.

However itchyness can also be caused by obstetric cholestasis (OC) which can be serious. This has to do with increased levels of bile salts in your blood which can pass accross the placenta. Reason for giving OB a call is that he will schedule a blood test to eliminate OC - if it is OC - they can treat it. I would think it is better to get it checked out sooner rather than later. I saw my OB today and he immediately issued me referral for blood test and asked me to get done tomorrow.

However much more likely to be the streching and/or additional oestrogen rather than OC so don't worry unnecessarily. My itching is all over though it comes and goes rather than being constant.

Can't complain too much though as this has really been the only side effect I have suffered from to date