The Michigan woman, Christina DePino, spoke about her itching in a Facebook post during her pregnancy in 2017. Her friends cautioned her that this simple itching could be cholestasis.
Thanks to that post, Christina was diagnosed earlier, and it may have saved her then-unborn baby from dying.
The Facebook Post
DePino only complained on her Facebook about the itching that she had. According to her, it only started as an all-over itch. However, this itch became more unusual on the palms of her hands and her feet' soles.
She said, "It got to the point that I could no longer sleep at night ... my arms and legs were bleeding from all the scratching."
That was when she decided to share her experience on Facebook.
Facebook Post Potentially Saved a Life
During that time, DePino was 35 weeks pregnant. After sharing the post, some of her friends commented about how it could be cholestasis of pregnancy. She said, "Thanks to a little Facebook complaining & the urging of Jennifer, Britney & Monica, I got the itch checked out & found out I had pregnancy Cholestasis."
According to the Michigan mom, the early diagnosis potentially saved her baby's life.
What is cholestasis?
According to the Mayo Clinic, "Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, commonly known as cholestasis of pregnancy, is a liver condition that occurs in late pregnancy."
One of the symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy is itching without a rash. The Mayo Clinic also indicated that the itch could cause some women to have difficulty sleeping.
Aside from itching, other symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy include loss of appetite, nausea, and jaundice.
Some of the risks of this condition are lung problems, early birth, and even stillbirth.
That is also why the Michigan mom thought that the Facebook post is a life-saver to their then-unborn baby girl.
Michigan Mom Thanks Friends and Warns Others
DePino is grateful to everyone who convinced her to have her symptoms checked. She said, "Thanks, guys, for giving some amazing advice which may have just saved our precious girl's life! Yeah, We are SO BLESSED & in awe!"
In a Facebook post after giving birth to her baby girl, DePino included a link to an organization that spreads awareness about pregnancy cholestasis.
ICP Cares also shares stories of mothers who suffered from Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Also, the organization has Facebook groups where tips, support, and advice are provided to mothers. Their goal is to be able to save the lives of unborn babies and their mothers.
We would like to formally state that while Facebook has its benefits as an information-sharing network, it is always best to consult medical professionals if you feel that you may be experiencing a medical problem.
