Remember how I'm always complaining about my pregnancy itchiness? Well, several weeks ago, it stopped. I was so happy to be rid of that awful symptom. Little did I know that it would return, and the trouble it would cause.
It came back a few days ago, and apparently has a score to settle because it is not showing me mercy. The itching is everywhere, and itchier than it has ever been. Have you ever been itchy on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet? If not, let me tell you, it is unpleasant. That is where it is the worst. It takes forever to fall asleep at night, because night is when it is at its peak. Even if I do manage to fall asleep eventually, I still know it isn't over because of the two to three times I get up to use the restroom now. I can't stop scratching long enough to fall asleep. I try to practice self control and ignore it, but it is impossible. Even as I type right now, all I can think about is the itching on my left foot and how it is driving me mad.
Anyway, I spoke with the doctor about this very annoying new development, and instead of her normal, "it isn't a big deal" calming words, she looked concerned. She told me about a condition called Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy. You can learn more about it here.
In basic terms it is a liver problem that causes bile salts to deposit in the skin making it itchy. It can be pretty dangerous, causing things like preterm labor, fetal distress, hemorrhaging in mom and baby and even stillbirth. Scary stuff. I had my blood drawn to test the amount of bile salts and should have the results by next Monday. If they come back as elevated it means I'll have to be induced. Bummer. Not what I wanted to do. So I'm trying some tricks to jump start labor on its own, so I don't have to get pitocin next week. Here's to hoping it'll work.
In the meantime, in no particular order, here is a list of the things I'm looking forward to once the baby is out of my uterus!
1) Sleeping on my stomach.
2) Having some quality alone with the hubs without being uncomfortable (wink, wink).
3) Drinking water without it giving me heartburn.
4) Not having to pee every 5 seconds.
5) Holding and nursing my sweet new baby.
6) Walking up the stairs without feeling winded.
7) Not being so darn itchy!
1 comments:
A possitive attitude that everything will be fine is one thing, and a blessing from your sweetie,along with alot of faith and prayers will help alotalso.
I hate being itchy, it plays games with your brain...you think "I'll do something else and I'll forget about the itching...but somewhere your brain is saying scratch that itch!" I'm sorry it's such a big pain for you , especially along with being so prego, and so ready to have this sweet baby come out and meet the world.
We love you and we hope that baby decides to come on his, or her own terms, before next Monday! Good luck!!!
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