Articles

Key takeaways

• Itching is common in pregnancy due to hormones and stretching skin.
• Mild itching can often be soothed with simple home remedies.
• Severe itching without a rash needs an urgent call to your midwife or doctor.
• An itchy rash could be PEP, a common pregnancy skin condition.

Common causes of itching during pregnancy

Itching is a common experience during pregnancy. Around one in four pregnant people may experience it.

Changes in your hormone levels can cause this itching. Your skin also stretches as your baby grows, especially around your stomach and breasts, which may also be why you experience it.

If you already have eczema, it can sometimes get worse during pregnancy. You should speak to a GP or midwife about treating eczema if this happens, as not all treatments are recommended during pregnancy.

Simple ways to soothe the itch

There are several things you can do to help ease mild to moderate itching. Try to pat or tap your skin instead of scratching it. Keep your nails short to avoid damaging your skin if you do scratch.

Mild itching is usually not harmful to your baby.

Bathing and moisturising

Have cool or warm baths or showers, but avoid hot water. Do not spend longer than 20 minutes in the bath or shower.

Use an unperfumed moisturiser or emollient on your skin regularly. Keeping your moisturiser in the fridge can make it feel cooler and more soothing.

Aqueous cream and calamine lotion are safe to use during pregnancy to help relieve itching. You can also use antihistamines that are suitable for pregnancy. Speak to your midwife or pharmacist before taking this medication.

Clothing and diet

Wear loose clothing made from natural fibres like cotton. Avoid clothes made from synthetic or wool materials. You can also consider what detergent you are using to wash bed linen or clothing.

Do not use perfumed soaps, deodorants, or moisturisers. It may also help to avoid spicy food and caffeinated drinks like tea or coffee. These can affect blood flow in your skin and might make itching worse.

When to call your GP or midwife about itching

It is important to know when itching might be a sign of something more serious. Always contact your GP or midwife if you are concerned about itching.

Itching with a rash

If you have itching and a rash, contact your GP or midwife. An itchy rash could be a condition called polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP). This common condition may need treatment.

This condition can cause itching, a rash, and also small raised lumps or large inflamed areas of skin. It can be unpleasant and uncomfortable, but it will not harm you or your baby.

You should also see a GP if you have a new rash, lumps or swelling. These symptoms are usually not harmful in pregnancy, but a GP can offer advice and treatment.

Itching without a rash

Itching can be a symptom of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). This liver condition is also known as obstetric cholestasis. ICP can be serious and needs close monitoring and treatment.

Itching is the main symptom of ICP, and it usually occurs without a rash.

Symptoms of ICP

The itch is often more noticeable on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. However, you may feel it all over your body. The itching may also be worse at night.

Other symptoms of ICP can include dark urine (wee) and pale stools (poo). Less commonly, people also have yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).

This condition affects the functioning of the liver. A chemical made by your body called bil,, stops flowing normally. It builds up in the blood stream.

There are treatments available if the condition is confirmed. If not treated, this condition can be serious. This is why it's so important to tell your midwife or GP about any itching. If you do have ICP, you will be monitored regularly to reduce any risks and help keep you and your baby as safe as possible.

When to seek urgent medical help

It's really important to tell your midwife or GP if you have itching, even if you think it is mild. They can arrange for investigations, such as a blood test, to ensure any conditions are picked up as early as possible.

You should get help quickly if you are pregnant and:

• You have very itchy skin that keeps you awake at night.
• The palms of your hands or soles of your feet are itchy.
• The itching is persistent and worsening.

Call your maternity unit if you have their phone number. If you cannot contact your maternity unit, call 111.