Did you experience this during pregnancy?
One Irish mum-to-be took to the internet to help solve the mystery of her uncontrollable itching.
While the mum herself seemed fairly nonchalant about it all, other mums commenting on her post were very concerned that it could be a sign of something quite serious.
The mum-to-be posted to New Mammies Ireland to see if anyone had any advice they could give her
“I’m itching all evening like a lunatic, no rash just itchy everywhere , ( then I remembered I’m pregnant) haven’t changed a thing as in washing powder moisturiser etc .. so pregnancy getting the blame is this a thing ? Anything I can do ?”
Though the mum in question felt it could be as minor as a reaction to her washing powder, others were more concerned
“Get checked ASAP. I had this and turned out to be cholestasis and I had to attend hospital three days a week for three months and deliver early due to risks.”
“This can be caused by a liver issue during pregnancy. Get your bloods done.”
Some readers felt that the mum was probably alright but should get checked to be on the safe side
“Mild itching is common in pregnancy because of the increased blood supply to the skin. … Mild itching is usually nothing to worry about, but if the itching becomes severe it can be a sign of a liver condition called ‘obstetric cholestasis’, or ‘intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy’ (ICP). Something definitely to see your doctor about if it’s bad.”
Other commenters thought she had nothing to worry about and recommended products that might give her some relief from the itching
“I used Aveno shower gel then the skin relief body lotion afterwards”
I had itchy skin during my most recent pregnancy and had no end of people telling me to have myself checked. Everything turned out to be fine, but I was extremely panicked and stressed waiting for the results.
While most of the time the things that concern us during pregnancy turn out to be nothing it is always better to be safe than sorry.
If you find yourself concerned about something you’re experiencing during pregnancy always contact your doctor or midwife for a consultation.
