itching
itching in pregnancy is a common problem, affecting one in five pregnant women. But constantly generalised itching - known as obstetric cholestasis - can lead to more serious problems...
Scratching the surface
known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), it is estimated that OC affects one in 150 mums to be. Pregnant tummies are itchy tummies and
O
can become progressively itchier as the pregnancy develops and as the skin becomes increasingly taut across the abdomen. Te result of this stretching is dryness, which can cause very pronounced itching in some women. When the itching becomes more or less
constant, or more generalised, however, it's then that it can be a symptom of something more serious, so it's important to recognise the difference between the two conditions and, if necessary, seek professional advice.
What causes itching? OC is a disorder of the liver, which produces bile. Normally, the bile flows down bile ducts into the intestines where it helps with the digestion of food. For women with OC, however, the flow of bile is reduced and can result in a build-up of bile salts in the mum to be's blood.
Symptoms Te main symptom of OC is itching, which usually begins during the last ten weeks of pregnancy, although it can begin much earlier. It can also range in intensity from 'irritating' to 'intolerable'.
22MODERNMUM Autumn 2016
bstetric cholestasis (OC) is a pregnancy condition that affects the liver and makes your skin feel itchy. Also
Te itching, which is usually worse at
night, oſten begins on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, before becoming more generalised. Some women are made so desperate by the itching that they scratch themselves until their skin is bleeding. If you find yourself experiencing this type
of itch, then it's a good idea to tell your GP or midwife so that they can eliminate any other possible causes of the itching. Your GP may organise blood tests to check both how your liver is working and the level of bile salts in your body. You may also have blood tests to check for viral infections, which can also cause liver problems.
Risk to mum to be Mums to be with OC may be at a small risk of bleeding, particularly post delivery. Tis can happen because bile is needed for the absorption of vitamin K from food and because vitamin K helps the blood to clot. In some hospitals, therefore, the mum to be is given oral vitamin K daily until delivery to protect both herself and her baby from the small risk of bleeding.
Risk to baby One of the main concerns in mums to be with OC is that the baby is born early. (One woman in ten with OC will have her baby before 37 weeks.) Tis can be as a result of premature labour, or can be on the advice of doctors, who think it is safer for the baby to be born sooner rather than later.
Coping with the itch Although there is no medical evidence to suggest that diet helps, it may be helpful to take a careful look at your diet and aim to reduce the work your liver has to do by cutting down your intake of dairy products, and fried and fatty foods. From a treatment perspective, you can
deal with the itch by using calamine lotion, or creams containing camomile or calendula. It can also be helpful to wear light, loose cotton clothing and to try, where possible, to avoid becoming too hot, as this will invariably cause the itch to flare up. Tere are various complementary
therapies, which can be useful for OC but remember that you must always discuss any forms of treatment with your GP during pregnancy. „
TIPS FOR ITCHY SKIN For common pregnancy itching, try the following tips:
• Take a special pregnancy vitamin supplement to ensure that your skin receives all of the relevant nutrients
• Reduce your chemical overload, which can dry skin, by using unperfumed, gentle products
• Moisturise your skin on a regular basis to ensure that it's hydrated
• When drying, pat rather than rub your skin with a towel
• Eat a well-balanced diet - oily fish and green vegetables are particularly good for skin
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