Itching during pregnancy: causes and treatments

tching during pregnancy is very common and can range from mild to severe. 1A For anyone, itching can be very irritating. If you’re pregnant, however, and your itchy symptoms are preventing you from resting and getting a good night’s sleep, it can be extremely distressing. Itching in pregnancy is usually nothing to worry about, but it can be a sign of something more serious. Find out more about why it happens and how it can be treated here.

What are the causes of itching during pregnancy?

In most cases, itching in pregnancy is perfectly normal and can be present from early pregnancy until your baby is born. 2A It can be caused by a number of things, depending on when your itching starts.

Itchy skin during pregnancy in the first trimester

Itching is one of the ways your body reacts to the many changes it goes through. During this time, your baby’s growth and development is supported. Your hormone levels increase, as well as your blood volume, both of which can contribute to changes in your skin. 2B

Second and third trimester

As your baby continues to grow and develop, the skin on your stomach and surrounding areas will stretch to accommodate. This can cause your skin to itch. During the second and third trimester, you may also experience swollen legs and feet, which can also cause itchiness and irritation. 2C

Common skin conditions and flare-ups during pregnancy

Pregnancy and hormonal changes can contribute to eczema and psoriasis flare-ups, whether you’ve suffered with either condition previously or not. 2D

Eczema during pregnancy

Whilst an eczema flare-up can cause itchy skin during pregnancy and discomfort, it’s important to remember that if it does get worse, it won’t affect your growing baby and there are treatment options available for you. 3A

As a pregnant woman, you may feel as though you need to replace your usual emollient with a more ‘natural’ product. However, these products can contain fragrances, which may irritate your skin and make your symptoms worse. 3B

If you’re experiencing eczema during pregnancy and want to know what your treatment options are, then speak to your doctor or skincare specialist. Pregnancy flare-ups can be safely treated with mild, moderate and potent topical steroids in short bursts of up to two weeks. 3C For severe cases, there are alternative treatments available, usually prescribed by a dermatologist. 3D

Psoriasis during pregnancy

Some people find that their psoriasis improves with pregnancy. Others, however, find that their psoriasis stays the same or becomes worse. 4A If you’re experiencing psoriasis during pregnancy, then you may need to seek advice from your doctor or dermatologist; some treatments can be harmful for your baby, so it’s important to think carefully about how to control your psoriasis safely. 4B

Safe treatments include moisturizers and emollients, which won’t clear the psoriasis, but will help to protect your skin from chafing and reduce your risk of a flare-up. 4C

Low to mid-strength corticosteroids can also be prescribed as a treatment. Although they don’t appear to increase the risk of birth defects or early birth, they can increase your risk of developing stretch marks. For severe psoriasis cases, high-strength corticosteroids can be used, but only for short periods of time. 4D

Narrowband UVB and broadband UVB are two types of phototherapy, which are also considered as safe treatments for psoriasis during pregnancy. They are usually prescribed in cases where a stronger treatment is required. 4E

Itchy skin caused by pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPP)

If your itchy skin during pregnancy is accompanied by red spots, which appear on your stomach and have spread to your arms and legs, then you could have PUPP. 5A It usually shows up in late pregnancy during your third trimester and, although uncomfortable, it’s harmless to both you and your baby and usually goes away once your baby is born. 5B

Your chances of developing PUPP are higher if:

You’re white
You’re having a baby boy
This is your first pregnancy
You’re having twins or triplets 5C

The rash caused by PUPP can often be mistaken for contact dermatitis, so it’s important to speak to your doctor to get a proper diagnosis. 5D

When should I be worried about itching during pregnancy?

Itchy hands and feet in pregnancy can be a sign of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), also known as obstetric cholestasis. 1B ICP is a condition, which affects your liver function, causing bile acid to build up in the body, leading to severe itching during pregnancy. Unfortunately, there is no cure, however, it should go on its own once you’ve had your baby. 1C

Symptoms of intrahepatic cholestasis (ICP)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important that you speak to your doctor:

Itchiness on the palms of your hands or on the soles of your feet 6A
Dark coloured urine 6B
Pale coloured poo 6C
Yellowing skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice) 6D

When does ICP start?

ICP is a condition, which develops only in pregnancy. If you have it, you’ll likely experience symptoms around week 30 of your pregnancy, although they can start from 8 weeks. 2E

Causes of ICP

ICP tends to run in families, but it can also happen if you have no family history. It’s most common in women of south Asian origin, affecting around 1 in 70 to 80 pregnancies. 1D If you have had ICP in a previous pregnancy, you have a higher chance of developing it again in future pregnancies. 1E

Risks of developing ICP during pregnancy

There are some studies, which suggest ICP can cause premature births or stillbirths. 1F Due to this risk, if you find out that you have ICP whilst pregnant, your doctor or midwife may recommend that you be induced. This can happen at any time from 35 weeks. 1G

When to see your doctor

Most of the time, itching during pregnancy is nothing to worry about. However, if you’re experiencing itching, mild or severe, it’s important to speak to your doctor or midwife, particularly if your itchy symptoms are occuring on your hands and/ or feet. ICP can affect your baby, so it’s important to be tested if you suspect something is wrong. 1H

Body itching during pregnancy at night

If you’re experiencing itching at night during pregnancy, it can be extremely irritating, preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep. There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing itchy skin at night, including:

Loss of moisture

At night, your body loses moisture, which can result in your skin feeling drier and more itchy. 7A

Hormonal changes

Your body doesn’t produce as many hormones at night as it does in the day. Fewer hormones can result in itching at night during pregnancy. 7B

Anemia

If you’re iron-deficient, you may experience a crawling or itchy sensation in your feet and legs, which can become worse at night. 7C

Mental health issues

Pregnancy can bring a whole host of new hormones, which can leave you feeling stressed or anxious, leading to nighttime itching. 7D

Safe ways to relieve itching

If you’re struggling with it, don’t suffer in silence. There are things you can do to relieve your symptoms and feel more comfortable, without harming your baby.

Keep cool

Sometimes, it can be worse if you’re hot and bothered. When hot, your body is more likely to become irritated and swollen. Stay cool by wearing loose-fitting clothes made from natural materials, like linen, applying cool compresses to your skin, and staying in the shade on hot, sunny days. 2F

Moisturize regularly

The drier your skin, the itchier it will be. Keep your body hydrated from head to toe with a good moisturizer. Avoid those with perfumes and strong scents, as they can cause further irritation. 2G

Take cooler baths and showers

Hot baths and showers can dry out your skin, so it’s best to turn the heat down. When it comes to soap and body wash, choose a hydrating body wash with shea butter, which will cleans your skin without stripping it of its moisture. 2H

Soak your feet in cold water

If you’re suffering with itchy feet during pregnancy, keep them cool in a bowl of cold water, which will help to relieve the itch and reduce swelling. Remember to apply a moisturizer after to prevent your skin from becoming too dry. 2I

Massage itchy legs

Itchy legs during pregnancy can occur as a result of poor circulation. Gently massaging your legs will help to increase the blood flow for better circulation and hydration. When pregnant, this can be a bit tricky to do yourself, so ask your partner, a friend or family member to help you. 2J

FAQs

At what month does itching start in pregnancy?

It can start at any time, within the first few weeks or towards the end of your pregnancy. It’s very common and usually nothing to worry about. Once your baby arrives, the itching should go away on its own. 2K

Why does my body itch all over at night while pregnant?

There are many different reasons why itching during pregnancy becomes worse at night, from hormonal changes and lack of hydration, to anxiety and anemia. If your itching at night is becoming unbearable and you’re missing out on valuable rest as a result, speak to your doctor. 7E

How can I stop itching all over during pregnancy?

Making sure your skin is hydrated and moisturized is key to preventing body itching during pregnancy. There is no cure for itching, however, there are ways you can relieve symptoms and feel more comfortable. 2L Follow our tips outlined in this article or speak to your doctor or dermatologist to explore your treatment options.

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