A recent Facebook update from a pregnant woman may have played a crucial role in saving her baby’s life. While social media often serves as a platform for sharing daily frustrations, it can also alert friends to serious health issues. This was the case for Jessica Miller, who expressed her discomfort online about relentless itching in her hands and feet during pregnancy. Her friends quickly recognized the symptoms as a possible sign of cholestasis of pregnancy and encouraged her to seek medical attention.
Cholestasis is a liver condition that can pose significant risks to both mother and baby if left untreated, including stillbirth. Jessica’s friends suggested that she visit her healthcare provider for an evaluation, leading to a diagnosis of cholestasis. With her doctor’s guidance, she began a treatment plan to ensure the safety of her unborn child.
“I was experiencing intense itching that kept me awake at night. It got so bad that I ended up scratching my skin to the point of bleeding,” Jessica shared with Home Insemination Kit. “After weeks of suffering, my friends’ advice prompted me to finally see my doctor.”
At 35 weeks pregnant, Jessica received the confirmation of cholestasis and her healthcare team decided to induce labor at 37 weeks to minimize risks to the baby. Thankfully, she welcomed a healthy baby girl named Mia.
Cholestasis is relatively uncommon, affecting about one in every 1,000 pregnancies. Symptoms typically manifest during the third trimester, often starting with severe itching on the palms and soles of the feet, but can also include nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Jessica experienced relief from her symptoms almost immediately after giving birth, validating the information she had read about the condition.
She shared her story on social media in hopes of raising awareness among other expectant mothers. “I want other women to know that if they have extreme itching, they should definitely bring it up with their doctor,” she advised.
Another woman, Sarah, shared a similar experience with cholestasis. “I too scratched until my skin was raw, but I initially dismissed it as dry skin. Luckily, my partner mentioned it to my doctor, which led to a timely diagnosis,” she revealed. This emphasizes the importance of communicating your symptoms to healthcare providers, as it can make a significant difference in outcomes.
While it can be easy to brush off discomfort during pregnancy, it is crucial to recognize when something may need further evaluation. If you’re interested in learning more about pregnancy and related health topics, check out this excellent resource at Rmany. And for those looking into home insemination options, you can explore this informative post as well as this authority site.
In summary, Jessica Miller’s experience highlights the importance of sharing any unusual symptoms during pregnancy with your healthcare provider. Social media can serve as a valuable tool for raising awareness and encouraging others to seek medical attention when necessary.