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A Pregnant Woman’s Facebook Post About Itching May Have Saved Her Baby’s Life
A mother-to-be’s social media post potentially saved her baby’s life. While Facebook serves as a platform for sharing frustrations, it can also be a crucial tool for identifying serious health issues. Such was the case for Sarah Johnson, who expressed her concerns about extreme itching in her hands and feet during her pregnancy. Her friends recognized this as a potential indicator of a condition known as cholestasis of pregnancy and encouraged her to seek medical advice. Cholestasis affects the biliary system and, if untreated, can lead to dire consequences for the baby, including stillbirth.
Initially, Sarah noted that her itching was becoming unbearable, causing sleepless nights and resulting in scabs from scratching. “The itching was so severe that I would wake up and couldn’t return to sleep,” Sarah shared with us. At 35 weeks pregnant, her friends alerted her to the symptoms of cholestasis, and a visit to her doctor confirmed their concerns. Her medical team decided to induce labor at 37 weeks to mitigate any risks to her unborn child. Fortunately, Sarah welcomed a healthy baby girl named Mia.
Understanding Cholestasis
Cholestasis is relatively uncommon, affecting approximately one in every 1,000 pregnancies. It occurs when the liver produces excess bile, leading to intense itching, particularly in the third trimester. While itching is most commonly felt on the palms and feet, some women may also experience nausea, abdominal pain, or jaundice.
After giving birth, Sarah said the itching disappeared completely. “I felt so much better right after delivery, as everything I had read indicated that the symptoms would vanish once the baby was born,” she explained. She hopes that by sharing her experience on social media, other expectant mothers can recognize the importance of reporting extreme itching to their healthcare providers.
A Personal Experience
Like Sarah, I experienced cholestasis during my pregnancy and nearly overlooked my symptoms. My hands and feet were constantly itchy, but I attributed it to dry skin and the compression socks I wore. Thankfully, my partner mentioned my persistent scratching to my OB during a routine appointment. After a quick examination, my doctor suspected cholestasis, and blood tests confirmed it. I was put on medication and developed a plan to induce labor at 35 weeks, if necessary. I often reflect on how different things could have been if my husband hadn’t brought up my symptoms.
It’s common for people to joke about pregnant women complaining, but pregnancy brings about numerous changes that can be concerning. Don’t hesitate to communicate openly with your OB or midwife; it’s better to seek reassurance than to risk overlooking something serious. For more insights on home insemination and pregnancy, check out this informative post.
Conclusion
In summary, a pregnant woman’s social media complaint about itching led to a life-saving diagnosis of cholestasis, illustrating the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking medical advice promptly.