What does itching in a pregnant woman's belly and legs, along with yellowish discoloration of eyes, indicate?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had my bile acid levels, and liver function checked for about four months ago. The doctor said both returned to normal but was not told about the values. I have extreme itching. My belly appears reddish, and have a severe rash on the belly. So the doctor said that itching was normal in pregnant people, so the levels were rechecked. Since then still I am experiencing severe itching on the belly and legs. My eyes appeared a little yellowish today, and my husband also noticed. While reading the net sources, it showed the yellow eyes during pregnancy may be due to cholestasis. My anxiety was through the roof in my third pregnancy, and I did not have increased intracranial pressure in my first two pregnancies. I am currently 32 weeks and two days pregnant. Do I need to wait until my next appointment.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

Obstetrics cholestasis need strict symptoms, blood test, and fetal monitoring as this can harm the baby, so take it seriously. In addition to symptoms, keep checking on fetal movements if you feel reduced, or you have to report to an obstetrics and gynecology specialist and repeat blood tests (bile acids, liver function test) and electronic fetal monitoring. I suggest you follow a few instructions mentioned below.

A scan for the baby's growth and well-being (Doppler) if there is a history of stillbirth, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm labor, etc.
For itching, can have calamine lotion.
Having mild warm baths and gentle soft olive oil massage may help to relieve itching.
Try to avoid cosmetics or products while feeling itchy.
Have strict monitoring and checking of the fetal movements as they need to report urgently if they feel reduced.
Immediately report to emergency for your symptoms and confirmation of fetal well-being. Unfortunately, your abnormal laboratory results were not satisfactory for the fetus.
In case of failed medical management, continuous abnormal laboratory reports of reduced fetal movements, or abnormal ultrasound or electronic fetal monitoring, delivery should be planned.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.