As easy as it is for some people to "over-share" about their lives on social media, some posts could be the key to revealing a potential danger you never knew existed. Case in point: Christina DePino, whose Facebook post about itchy skin while pregnant likely saved her baby's life, thanks to concerned friends who felt it could be a symptom of a serious condition … and were right.
At 35 weeks pregnant, Christina heeded her friends' warnings and went to her doctor, who was able to run tests and determine the mom had intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver disorder that can cause preterm birth — or even stillbirth if left undetected. (Yikes.)
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In effort to reduce the risk of harm to her child, DePino was induced at 37 weeks and welcomed daughter Lexa Rae on March 28. Now, Christina is speaking out in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of cholestasis and encouraging other moms to get that itch checked out sooner rather than later.
"If your [sic] pregnant & your itching REALLY bad, don't ignore it!" Mom writes on Facebook. "…. I got the itch checked out & found out I had pregnancy cholestasis, which is basically harmless for me — except for the crazy itching — but could have caused a stillborn [baby] after 37 weeks! We are so blessed! Thanks guys for giving some amazing advice which may have just saved our precious girl's life!"
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WOW!
Though cholestasis only affects an estimated 1 to 2 pregnancies in 1,000 — and generally goes away shortly after giving birth — the thought of this condition harming your growing baby, potentially causing stillbirth, is extremely nerve-racking.
My skin used to itch on and off throughout my two pregnancies, and I never thought anything of it — other than to lather on some lotion. It's so scary to think excessive itchy skin could be an indicator of a liver disease that would put one of my children's lives in jeopardy.
For me, this story reiterates the importance of community, as I can only imagine how grateful Christina is to her friends who responded to her Facebook post. As mothers, we won't always have the answers to everything — or be fully aware of every danger lurking behind the corner — but together, we can be a powerful force.
Thank you for sharing your story, Christina. Hopefully it can help make a difference and save a life.
