21 Weeks Pregnancy Update

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING?
This week is a little different and it will be different each week from now on. Last Saturday I went into hospital to take my bloods for Obstetric Cholestasis and on Sunday I went back in for my results. The midwife and doctor confirmed that I am now diagnosed with Obstetric Cholestasis, for the third time! The itch is bearable and I have been given some cream to help any itch that feels unbearable but I don't think it is anything I should complain about right now because I know it can be ten times more severe and constant than what it is now. I now have to go in for weekly bloods and keep an eye on my bloods. I haven't had my bile acid results yet just my ALT and a few others. My ALT bloods are raised, normal is 33 and mine have raised to 55. At the moment I am not getting monitored or on medication because I am under 28 weeks. I think from 28 weeks they may take it more seriously, I hope. But baby is all healthy and kicking like mad the past week. You can read more about my diagnoses with Obstetric Cholestasis here.

SYMPTOMS
I haven't really had any pregnancy symptoms other than still feeling a little nausea and light headed at times. But otherwise I am fine. The itch is starting be more noticeable now with Obstetric Cholestasis but I hope it won't become severe like it did in my previous pregnancies.

OBSTETRIC CHOLESTASIS SIGNS
As I said above, the itch is more noticeable but nothing to complain about, yet. My ALT bloods are raised and I have been diagnosed that I do 100% have Obstetric Cholestasis.

BABY
Apparently, baby is now roughly 26cm! How amazing is that? He is kicking so much more the past week and his kicks are strong, very strong. Finally, my partner got to feel him kick Tuesday evening when we were in bed. It gets so exciting when you can involved your partner more into the pregnancy. I do feel kicks in higher places now too which feels weird but still amazing.

HOW I AM FEELING
I've not been too bad, I guess. I shouldn't really complain but sometimes it is better to let things out than keeping it in. Sometimes having a smile on your face is too hard to do all the time, isn't it? I must admit Elliw's behaviour has been really tough to deal with this week. So I have been stressed quite a bit, but not every day.

I was a little emotional finding out I had Cholestasis again but I guess it is a good thing that it has been caught early this time and I am getting bloods done each week. There has been mixed emotions this week. I have been good some days and not-so-good other days. Bit of a rollercoaster. I am excited for Baby boy to arrive but being a mum of two right now, it's pretty hard to get excited. With all the pregnancy hormones and looking after two children under the age of 6 can take its toll.

I am not expecting every day to be a good day, I know it's going to be a rollercoaster of a pregnancy, I knew that from day one of finding out. I remember how hard it was when I was pregnant with Elliw. I only had Mia to look after and it was hard, aswell as suffering with OC then too. I do feel it may be a little harder this time round, especially when OC kicks in for definite with the itching. I am going to be losing sleep etc. But right now, I best make the most of it!

I am really loving feeling Baby boy moving and kicking. It's just reminding me that he isn't a tiny poppy seed anymore! He is measuring roughly 26cm +! Knowing he is growing healthily and perfectly inside of me is making me happy. Although I have had a tough week with Elliw's behaviour and dealing with things, I do think of the days both girls have been good and both talking about their soon to be baby brother. It makes a bad-ish week, all better.