Obstetric cholestasis Archives

Bump to Baby #2 – Thirty Seven Weeks, Thirty Eight Weeks – D Day

Posted on 10th February 2018

37 Week Bump

Deviating from the standard format of my bump update posts. In my last bump update I mentioned that I had just found out that I indeed had Obstetric cholestasis (OC) again. I had always prepared myself mentally for the possibility of having it, it has a 60 – 90% reoccurrence rate and I had been undergoing weekly bloods and CTG monitoring to check my levels at the hospital. Luckily I was able to schedule this in during nursery days as some of the stays on the assessment unit would take 6 – 8 hours to complete. On top of this I had been in and out due to regular contractions twice which stopped of their own accord, it really felt like I had been in hospital more than out of it.

Once I was diagnosed I expected to be looking at a planned c-section anytime between 37 weeks (seven days notice) or 38 weeks. I knew that it was unlikely that I would go beyond 38 weeks, which cut my planning time down to a week or so, as I saw the consultant around 36+5 days. The final two weeks were absolutely horrible, my body really struggled to cope with the liver condition. I felt the effects of the liver struggling, I know my liver tests weren’t looking pretty either.

I was drained, I lacked any form of appetite, I looked like I’d be up all night as my whites of my eyes were really dull and before I started my medication looking yellow. The medication given to me made my liver a little better but made me sick, by the last few days I was in and out of hospital as I was vomiting, unable to eat and felt really unwell. As a result of this I was given an anti acid to keep the balance of my medication in check which really helped.

Knowing the date of my section was perfect, this time around it felt very planned – my parents were called over to stay and I was able to take the bump photo above the day before. This is the very last photo I have of me pregnant!

Birth story to follow next!

34 Weeks < – > To be released

Bump to baby #2 – Thirty four/Thirty five/Thirty six weeks

Posted on 10th February 2018

34 Week Bump

Top moment the week? – I’m not sure these weeks had a top moment, I spent the last few weeks very itchy and with weekly monitoring/bloods to check for Obstetric cholestasis. Last pregnancy I was diagnosed late, bloods were done before but for whatever reason my bile acid level which is what they look for to diagnose OC did not rise until around 35/36 weeks. Like clockwork they began to rise again, I received a phone call in the evening of the 35 week to tell me. I would have to say therefore the top moment of these weeks would have been Christmas, although everyone in the house was sick, our guests were sick. I’m not sure the final weeks of December fall into the top, but alas they came and went. Once I was diagnosed with OC I knew the current plan of a planned C-section at 39 weeks was unlikely and that as before they would want to bring this forward. Perhaps the top moment was seeing my consultant week 36 who confirmed indeed that the plan was to evict at 38 weeks exactly, two shots of steroids to endure first and a bunch of medication to take for the duration.

Stretch marks – Yes unfortunately I now I do have new ones above my belly button. Not a lot so I’ve been very lucky!

Sleep – Not so good, you really are just too big at this point. I’m rather glad these are likely to be my last few weeks now. When I do get to sleep I am completely out though, the liver condition really knocks your energy levels.

Maternity Clothes – In preparation to get my hospital bag sorted, I’ve ordered a few nursing pieces of clothing which also happen to be maternity wear. Rather frustrating that brands and designers lump the two together, everything will look quite baggy post pregnancy.

Food Cravings – Zero appetite, another symptom of OC which I remember from last time. I knew it was creeping up purely from this and my energy levels, by the very end before I was given medication my eyes had started to go yellow with jaundice too.

What do you miss – I miss sleeping on my bag still, I also miss being able to walk around with too much thought, walking now is uncomfortable.

Movement – I had a case of reduced movements week 36, around the time that I had steroid shots which I think had an impact. I felt seriously buzzed after the shots though, glad they were not given to me at night and instead I had them during the day time.

Symptoms – Heavy, tired, itchy,

What are you looking forward to – D Day, I feel oddly unprepared though – but I’ll be glad to no longer be pregnant and look forward to meeting the little guy!

33 Weeks < – > To be released