Do I call the midwife about minor issue? Eczema driving me mad...

I'm in week 19... I have met my midwife just twice... and the midwifery group seems traumatically busy. The next appt is not for almost another month...

However, I am now an itchy, itchy woman... and I can't use the steroid creams I used to because I'm pregnant. Yes, I'm slathering on the E45 cream... but the bumps are raised and red...

So, do I call busy midwife about something like this? Do I visit my inept GP office? Any advice would be appreciated... Is there some cream that they sell in the UK that is safe to use?

Thanks, Rutabega

Sorry, just to clarify, do you usually have eczema or is this a new pregnancy related thing?  It may impact who you talk to if you want continuing care for the eczema if it something you have outside of pregnancy. 

My first instinct (but I'm not a mother nor have I ever been pregnant) is to call the GP or see a nurse at your GP's surgery.  But as I've said, I've never had a midwife and I don't know what they can and can't help with.

My GP has told me its okay to use Eumovate in moderation. I wouldn't call a midwife about this, speak to your GP.

I think I would go with the GP too....I have eczema and how now her awful it can be ...better to catch it before it gets too out of control and you need even stronger things.

We use Aveeno for my daughter...definately call the GP and see if you can get a prescription.

please, please, please get to the maternity ward and have them run liver function tests--this could be obstetric cholestasis.

i've pm'd you about this, but want to post it as well for everyone's benefit.

extreme itchiness in pregnancy is a telltale symptom of cholestasis, which can be fatal to a fetus if undiagnosed/untreated.

i don't mean to freak anyone out, but i have been through this and was induced early as a result.

take it seriously & have the liver function tests done as soon as humanly possible.

Nik, is there usually a rash present with that? I was under the impression there isn't and can't seem to find info online about it.

I did find this resource though, which might be useful:

http://www.itchymoms.com/home.html

i didn't develop a rash per se, but my skin went hot and red, and i scratched myself raw. not nice.

Nik, is there usually a rash present with that? I was under the impression there isn't and can't seem to find info online about it.

I did find this resource though, which might be useful:

http://www.itchymoms.com/home.html

According to the NHS there generally isn't a rash but here's the direct info:

Severe itching and obstetric cholestasis
Severe itching when you're pregnant can be a sign of an uncommon condition called obstetric cholestasis. This is a potentially dangerous liver disorder that seems to run in families, although it can occur even if there's no family history.

The symptoms are severe generalised itching without a rash, particularly in the last four months of pregnancy. Obstetric cholestasis can lead to premature birth, stillbirth or serious health problems for your baby. It can also increase the risk of you haemorrhaging (bleeding very heavily) after the birth.

When to get help
You should see your doctor if:

- the itching becomes severe, particularly on your hands and feet,
- you develop jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin), or
- you get itching and a severe rash.