A post shared by a mom-to-be on Facebook could have had life-saving implications for her unborn child. While many turn to social media to express their frustrations, sometimes these platforms can help highlight serious health issues—like the case when itching during pregnancy signals a more concerning condition.
Maria Johnson took to Facebook to share her distress over intense itching in her hands and feet during her pregnancy. Recognizing this could be a symptom of a condition known as cholestasis of pregnancy, her friends urged her to seek medical advice. Cholestasis affects the biliary system and, if not addressed, poses significant risks, including stillbirth. Maria followed her friends’ advice, and after consulting with her doctor, she learned she indeed had the condition. A treatment plan was immediately set in motion to ensure the safety of her unborn child.
“The itching became unbearable over several weeks, disrupting my sleep,” Maria recalled. “It got to the point where my skin was scabbed and bleeding due to my constant scratching. Initially, it wasn’t too bad, but it escalated quickly, especially on my hands and feet.”
At 35 weeks into her pregnancy, her friends’ concern led her to get tested for cholestasis. After confirmation from her physician, they decided to induce labor at 37 weeks to minimize any risks to the baby. Maria successfully gave birth to a healthy girl named Bella.
Understanding Cholestasis
Cholestasis is relatively uncommon, affecting about 1 in every 1,000 pregnancies. It occurs when the body produces more bile than it can process, often resulting in severe itching, typically during the third trimester, though symptoms can appear earlier. While many women experience itching primarily in their palms and soles, other signs may include nausea, abdominal pain, appetite loss, changes in stool, or jaundice.
Maria noted that her symptoms disappeared almost immediately after giving birth. “I felt completely normal as soon as Bella was born, just as I had read,” she shared. She hopes her experience will encourage other women experiencing extreme itching during pregnancy to consult their healthcare providers.
Like Maria, I also experienced cholestasis during my pregnancy and nearly overlooked my symptoms. Despite scratching my hands and feet until they bled, I attributed my discomfort to dry skin and the compression socks I wore. Fortunately, my husband mentioned my symptoms to my doctor, leading to a diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan to induce labor if necessary. I often think about the potential consequences had he not brought it up.
Communicating Concerns During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about numerous changes in a woman’s body, making it challenging to discern what is normal and what is not. Never hesitate to communicate your concerns with your OB or midwife; it’s always better to be cautious. For more insights on fertility and conception, you can visit this resource or explore the CDC’s information on pregnancy and assisted reproduction.
In summary, social media can sometimes serve as an essential tool for awareness, as seen in Maria’s case. Her simple post led to life-saving intervention, showcasing the importance of vigilance during pregnancy.