A mom-to-be’s post on social media turned out to be a lifesaver. While Facebook is often a platform for sharing minor grievances, it can also serve as a crucial communication tool for spotting serious health issues—like when a little itch during pregnancy signals something far more sinister.
Carly Jenkins took to Facebook to express her frustration over her incredibly itchy hands and feet. Thankfully, her friends recognized that this could be indicative of a condition called cholestasis of pregnancy and encouraged her to seek medical advice. Cholestasis can severely impact a mother’s biliary system and, if untreated, poses serious risks to the baby, including stillbirth. Sure enough, upon examination, Carly was diagnosed with the condition and immediately began treatment with her OB to ensure her unborn child’s safety.
“The itching escalated over several weeks to the point where I couldn’t sleep,” Carly recalled. “The sensation was so intense that I would wake up unable to return to sleep, and my legs and arms were covered in scabs from scratching. At first, it started mildly and then intensified on my hands and feet.”
Carly was 35 weeks pregnant when her friends alerted her to the potential issue. After confirming the diagnosis with her doctor, they decided to induce labor at 37 weeks to minimize risks. Ultimately, Carly welcomed a healthy baby girl named Mia.
Understanding Cholestasis
Cholestasis is relatively uncommon, occurring in roughly one out of every 1,000 pregnancies. It arises when the body produces excessive bile that it cannot process effectively. While the worst itching usually affects the palms and soles, symptoms can also manifest as nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or jaundice.
Carly reported that her itching disappeared right after delivery. “I felt completely better after giving birth because everything I had read indicated that the symptoms would vanish once the baby was born, and that’s exactly what happened for me.” She shared her story on Facebook to encourage other expectant mothers to speak up if they experience any extreme itching during their pregnancies.
A Personal Experience
Like Carly, I also faced cholestasis during my pregnancy. I almost made the critical mistake of ignoring my symptoms. I was scratching my hands and feet until they bled while believing my discomfort stemmed from winter dry skin and compression socks. Thankfully, my partner mentioned my constant scratching to my OB during a routine visit. After examining my symptoms and looking at my scabby palms, my doctor suspected cholestasis. A blood test confirmed the diagnosis, and I was put on medication with a plan to induce labor at 35 weeks if my twins didn’t arrive sooner (they came at just over 33 weeks). I still shudder at the thought of what could have happened if my partner hadn’t spoken up.
People often joke about pregnant women complaining, but the truth is that a lot of changes happen during pregnancy, and it can be hard to discern what’s serious. Don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns to your OB or midwife; it’s far better to be told not to worry than to let a serious issue go untreated. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this post for more insights.
Conclusion
In summary, Carly Jenkins’ Facebook post about her pregnancy itching led to a timely diagnosis of cholestasis, potentially saving her baby’s life. Her experience highlights the importance of discussing any unusual symptoms with healthcare providers to ensure both mother and baby remain safe during pregnancy.