Itchy Itchy ITCHY

[Jenlaana]

I have been going CRAZY for about 6 weeks now (I'm about 11 wks pg) I am soooo itchy that I am scratching myself till I draw blood in my sleep. This is my 3rd pregnancy and it has NEVER been like this. Last time, my boobs and my tummy itched, and I figured it was because of the swelling, as I tend to get an itchy belly if I gain/loose much weight. But this... this is unbelievable. My entire body is taking turns being itchy. Everything from my belly to my boobs to my arms, back, neck, BETWEEN MY FINGERS AND TOES even. I'm going nuts. I'm not due to see an OB for awhile yet, and have no clue what causes this. Its like itchy bugs crawling all over my skin. I bought a new pair of pants the other day and broke out in a huge rash too on my upper legs, which has never happened. (I'm generally not sensative to much of anything) I'm going crazy. I had an overnight flight from Palm Beach, CA to SC Saturday and it was unbelievably difficult trying to sit in my seat for the "fasten seatbelts" portion of the flight. I was about |this| far from running up and down the isles screaming and being arrested for terrorism.

Any ideas what this is/what helps to relieve the itching? I'm thinking oatmeal bath but I cant realistically hang out in the tub 24 hrs a day.

[Ilana]

Here's something it could be: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/cholestasispregnancy.html

There's also something that is less serious that that but I"m having a hard time remembering what it's called.

I feel for you. I have itchy feet from time to time due to athlete's foot and it drives me NUTS!!!!!!! If it were my whole body I'd have to be committed.

ILANA

[shandy]

aw, that just sucks! my belly is already itching but I haven't had the all over body itch yet, yuK! Cocoa butter loation helps me. have you tried soaking in oatmeal baths? I'd call your Dr is this keeps up. ugh!

[vermontrn]

I also have been experiencing the intense itchiness... talked to midwives and OBs about it. I've seen my acupuncturist as well. I've heard many suggestions: sucking on peppermint, oatmeal baths, lotion/body oil, increasing water intake. No one is too concerned about it except for me. So I ask my sweetie for an occasional scratch down (sometimes a light scratch feels good too). But I find that when it itches really bad if I lather on some lotion or oil I get pretty good relief. And it has gotten better... like morning sickness, it doesn't last forever. You're not alone.

Good luck!

[mamaonthefarm]

Hi!

I'm so sorry. It could be cholestasis:

See www.itchymoms.com. It is about cholestasis, which is a liver condition during pregnancy (that I had with dc1) that causes incredible itchyness. It usually starts on hands, feet, etc. and at night. Then it can go to all over the body and all the time. There is a slight risk to the baby in late pregnancy so it is best to get a blood test for this (a liver panel and serum bile acids). Many practictioners do not know about this condition and will say that itching is normal. It's not! They also might prescribe the wrong things for it so see the above website for specific info on it and ways to help the itching. They also might not realize that the condition can start in early pregnancy like with you. If no natural liver remedies work, there is a medication called Urso that they can prescribe. Urso is controversial but it is what many cholestasis sufferers recommend. (I never took it but I didn't have the condition all that bad.)

To keep my liver as healthy as possible (since I had cholestasis before), I drink warm water with lemon juice first thing each morning. It seems to work for me. I can't guarantee that it will work for others -- sorry -- but worth a try.

I also follow the Nourishing Traditions diet / www.westonaprice.org to keep liver healthy and take milk thistle, dandelion, and yello dock tinctures.

Keep us posted!
You can pm me questions since I don't always see new posts here.

[mexicomommy]

I can second the www.itchymoms.com site. I had ICP with my last pregnancy and this site was a huge help! I really hope your itching goes away and that it is not ICP. Let us know what happens.
Charlsie

[Jenlaana]

Thanks for the tips. I have a few weeks still before I can get in to the OB (assuming I stick with the first one I see) so I'm open to trying anything. I don't have itching so much on my hands and feet (I have, but its been mostly on my torso/arms/legs/head). Hopefully its not the liver problem, but I'll definitely ask them about it when I go, and see what they say. Its still driving me crazy, even with the oatmeal baths (which help until about 10 min after I get out of the bath tub) I'll try loading on the Burt's Bees lotion and see how that works. Its just the wierdest thing.