Awaiting test results to see if I have it. I'm almost 32 weeks and really scared. I shouldn't of Googled it. Any expiereces with this? What were your symptoms? I need some reassurance, I'm really worried.
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I had blood work done to see if I had it but didn't.
Around 37/38 weeks my palms were insanely itchy. I delivered a healthy baby at 40weeks.
When do you get your results?
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@oliviaoblivia: im suppose to get then today. The Dr seemed concerned yesterday when I was telling gin about my palms being itchy and it happening primarily at night. I got the blood work done on Monday, how long did it take to get your results back? The other Dr told me it would take 5 days but this Dr said he was surprised it wasn't back already and he would have someone call Mr with the results today once he called the hospital to get them back.
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@stargal: I think I got mine back within a few days. I hope you hear soon. My palms were only itchy at night, so itchy they'd wake me up. But it tested negative, hope that's the case for you.
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I had it. If I remember correctly, it started around 32 weeks or so and got progressively worse as the weeks went by. It took a few days to get the test results back; it could have been 5 days or so? The itching and burning of my feet (and later stomach & palms) were absolutely horrendous. It was like being tortured...I didn't sleep at night for a couple weeks (it was the worst at night for me). There is a medication that can help alleviate the itching, but it didn’t work for me. The only thing that helped was soaking my feet in ice water constantly and cold showers. Like I would imagine you did, I read about it online and was pretty concerned and worried about harm to the babies. My doctor assured me they were monitoring the situation and other than me being incredibly miserable, everything was fine. I did deliver at 36 weeks (twins) so I’m not sure how that factors in. I hope you get your test results soon and also get some answers!
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@Caly: thanks for responding! How long did you have the itching before you were diagnosed? What week were you? My itching just started a couple days ago and ubwent straight to the Dr BC it was intense. Now its calmed down a lot so I'm hoping that s a good sign! Glad to hear everything went well.
@oliviaoblivia: thanks love! -
@stargal: the itching had been going on a couple weeks when I got tested. It started slowly and intermittent, then progressively got worse. If I remember correctly, it started around 30/31ish weeks...I was tested maybe around 32/33 weeks? At first the dr (that day I was not seeing my reg dr) dismissed my complaints as regular itching caused by my then very swollen feet, etc. However, I insisted it was awful and said I wanted to be tested. My husband was also there and told the dr it wasn't just casual itching, that I'm up all night from it and am so miserable I'd been in tears (tears don't come quickly for me). Anyhow, my bile level came back high which confirmed it…the good news was (in my case at least) that it didn’t harm the babies at all. Hopefully, you won’t have it and the itching will stay away! My fingers are crossed for you!
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My results came back normal at 16! So relieved
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@stargal: thank goodness! I'm so relieved for you
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@Caly: thank you!
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@stargal: Great news!!
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Yay!
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Glad I found this. Starting the last couple of days I am very itchy starting in the evening. It's not just palms and feet though, it's also my forearms and back. Really I'm itchy all over but feet, ankles, forearms, wrists/palms are the worst. Last night it woke me up. So of course I googled and found ICP and then saw that IVF can help contribute to it (which we did).
I'm sure this is another thing I am being paranoid about and I'm glad to see that there are two of you who had the itching but tested negative. I'm afraid my doc won't even test me though. I guess I just have to be insistent. I'd rather look like a fool and be safe than worry about looking like a fool and be sorry.ETA: I am 34 weeks today.
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Just wanted to update since I got the blood draw for testing last week (for future searchers of ICP).
My itching has not gotten worse at all. In fact Id even say it's gotten better. So I haven't been worried. Finally one week later my doc called with results and said that my bile acid levels are "borderline". They came back at an 11. She said some docs consider anything over 10 a "positive" test. Others I believe she said 14? But she said that she is going to be cautious and sende to the MFM this week and to be prepared (though not definite) to be induced at 37 weeks. Which is in 1.5 weeks! Yikes!
I'm not too worried since that is "borderline" according to her. But then again I had written it off since last week since it hasn't gotten worse (itching). So who knows!
I'll update once I have my mfm appointment.
@stargal: it's interesting that you were at a 16 and your doc wasn't worried. Did he/she give you any guidelines for what they consider "normal"? Curious for myself. Thanks!
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@SweetiePie: hey! I think my Dr said they get concerned when they see levels around 9. On the Sade side they made me redo the blood work a week later to see what they were at and they went up to 19. My itching went away and then cpmplelty disappeared for the rest of my pregnancy. Ggod luck to you, I know its scary but it sounds like your Dr is looking out for you and trying to be on the safe side
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Updating in case anyone searches later.
Met with the MFM last Friday and he basically said that once you have a diagnosis for ICP, even if the itching improves, they want to get the baby out! So he sent a recommendation to my OB for 37 weeks.
Just got back from my OB for my 36 week appt and they want to induce right at 37 weeks! They are calling hospital today to see if they can fit me in. That's this Friday the 5th. I'd be admitted the night before for cervical ripening.
At the latest they want next Monday the 8th. The day after my birthday
So just waiting for the call on which day it'll be.
But wanted to document my experience of ICP on HB since there aren't that many.Bile Acid Level of 11 at 34 weeks.
Results took a full week to get back.
No Urso or other medication administered since I was 36 weeks at time of diagnosis.
Itching hasn't greatly intensified, but still there.
Induction being scheduled between 37 and 37+2. -
@SweetiePie: wishing you a wonderful birth my dear!
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@SweetiePie: oh my! So are you going in tonight?? Good luck!
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@Shutterbug: Hi! I am scheduled for Monday the 8th so I go in Sunday night the 7th...my birthday!
hopefully this guy arrives not too far into the 8th!
I also heard I got a shout out from you about PGD! I've got to wall @emileee: back! -
@SweetiePie: so exciting! Can't wait to 'meet' the little guy! And happy early birthday
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@SweetiePie: so excited for you!! I was born the day after my mother turned 30. It is so fun to almost share a birthday!
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Bumping this for future ICP ladies!
I had ICP with my first and now with my second! I have a lot of great resources from the icpcare foundation. I'm also part of the admin team. We have a support group on facebook that I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend.
IF anyone has questions or needs help please please reach out to me! Doctors can treat you like you're crazy if they don't know about it.
Crazy itching while pregnant is NOT normal and untreated ICP has major increased stillbirth risks.
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