On Friday I notice a couple of bumps that looked like bug bites and small red splotches on my thighs. Since they itched, I called the dermatologist and made an appointment. Now that I’m pregnant, I’m even more paranoid than usual.
The dermatologist said it was probably just hives. I can recall her saying that 80% of hives are caused by unknown reasons but go away within 24 hours. If they didn’t go away, I would need to come back for a biopsy to check for three things:
- Lupus
- I don’t remember
- A pregnancy-related rash that usually occurs in the third trimester. My dermatologist has only seen it once in the second trimester but never in the first.
Perhaps I should have taken notes while she was talking.
Over the weekend the rash worsened. I was spotted up and down my legs, torso and arms. So on Sunday, while sitting in an oatmeal bath, I phoned the OB/GYN on call. She agreed that it was most likely hives but said they could take a few days to clear up. She didn’t think I needed to come in to see my OB/GYN because I had already been to the dermatologist and should just follow up with that doctor. She also said that hot baths could make the rash worse (oops!). Instead, I could take Benadryl and use Calamine lotion.
By the end of the day, the red “bites” seemed to be going down, and I think I have fewer this morning, but they are definitely not gone, and I’m still very itchy.
I have to say, I am not enjoying being pregnant yet.
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