Itching but not OC

[Saxelby88]

Hello ladies,

First post in Tri 3! Exciting!!

I had to visit the DAU on Tuesday after calling for advice. I was itching all over but on my hands and ankles mainly. I was asked to go in for bloods which I did and was told they would call Thursday morning with results.

Well I just called as I am due to leave for work at 12 O'Clock. Just got off the phone and was told that the results were all within normal ranges, but would not say what the level was. I asked if it was borderline or well within these ranges. She just reiterated within the range. When I asked what I can do then because I was up half the night itching she passed the phone to someone else.

I was told use aqueous cream on itchy areas and if that didn't help then I had to book an appointment to see my GP... I explained it is all over, scalp, face body and even in my ears. She said GP then and was pretty dismissive.

I am a bit narked really because I am so itchy it is insane. I have no rash, no temperature or evidence of dry sore skin so aqueous cream does nothing. I asked if I could take anti-histamine and was told no.

Does anyone have any tips on what to do? I am due to leave for work in a minute and I could cry at the thought of sitting there all afternoon scratching myself. I look like I have fleas!

 

[BunnyN]

I was definitely itchier during pregnancy but not as bad as you. If it doesn't go away I'd try and follow it up incase your bloods were boarderline and it's gotten worse of they made a mistake.

 

[Nandalie]

You can take piriton in pregnancy if I remember correctly- might make you sleepy though. Aqueous won't do much for itch but Eurax cream is good (although not sure if this is pregnancy compatible ask pharmacist).
Hope you manage to ease it a bit!

 

[BunnyN]

If there is nothing visible it doesn't sound like an allergy so I'm thinking antihistamine wouldn't help?

 

[vic30]

Hi Hun I'm right with you on the annoyance of this! I've had itchy skin (though mine is a bumpy rash too, even before I start itching!) since my due date, which started at stretch marks and is now everywhere apart from chest and face. I haven't really slept since Saturday because of it and I've seen two unhelpful gps, obviously after being tested three times in one week for OC! I've got aqueous cream which doesn't really work. I was told I could take piriton but it hasn't responded to this. It's a cross between chicken pox itch and nettle rash itch. It's in between my fingers, toes, soles of my feet, elbows and the rest! It is driving me insane!!! I think mine is a change in hormones with being so close to giving birth, but my midwife said yesterday that you can get itchiness of pregnancy which often starts in third trimester and leaves after birth. I hope it doesn't last that long for you! So frustrating, the second gp basically laughed. I think people see itchiness as just an annoyance but I assured him this is worse than any other pregnancy symptom I've had, including my migraines, daily heartburn, nosebleeds and the morning sickness put together! I've made my skin bleed so much at night.

I really hope it goes for you soon. You could try creams with aloe vera or chamomile. The aqueous cream with menthol is good as opposed to the one without it xx

 

[DaniOwl]

I had stupid amounts of itching from 32 weeks - tried everything! Had weekly blood tests and they always come back in the normal ranges too I found lots of showers helped, as did butter balls from lush in the bath and soap and glory stuff. Keeping your moisturiser in the fridge so it cools your skin also did wonders. Do you know the maddest thing - since my first contraction I haven't itched anywhere once! Madness!!

 

[Iwant3]

I was itchy in last 2 weeks of pregnancy and blood tests were normal too! I was told to use calamine lotion or cream, but no anti-histamines are allowed in tri 3!

 

[Saxelby88]

Morning ladies,

It seems to be getting milder now. I had a good itchy session in the night again but nothing like the night before. Now I just have a little bit of an itchy sensation on my arms.

Cool baths seemed to help and I am about to have another now.

I didn't take any anti-histamine as everytime I asked the midwife she said no. I think I will ask my GP next time I see her though.

Thanks for everyone's advice. Not sure how I would cope without this forum!

 

[Sprk]

I know this sounds crazy.....but my mom used to have itchy sking and her dr recommended to have a cool bath with oatmeal in it. There is something soothing to the skin in oatmeal. She tried it and it did give her some relief. I can't imagine trying to clean the tub after something like that lol but maybe come cool compresses with oatmeal could help? I think a lot of creams made by aveeno are meant to contain it too, so they can be very soothing.

Hope you are feeling better soon Xxxxx

 

[DaniOwl]

You can be on antihistamines - the doctor put me on them for hayfever at 35 weeks didn't ease the itching though x

 

[Saxelby88]

Thanks Dani. I really thought I could take some too but she was adamant I was not to take them. I think I will contact the GP if it gets bad again. Its bearable at the moment.

 

[Nandalie]

You can take piriton but I think that's the only one. Yeah speak to GP- may or may not work but you might get some sleep!