Itchy skin at 34 weeks pregnant

Changes from stretching, heat, and irritation are common possibilities, but the location and character of the itch matter. Itching focused on the hands and feet, spreading across the body, or becoming stronger overnight warrants contact with your maternity service.

Flaky or cracked areas can accompany very dry skin. Red patches after a new detergent, cream, or fabric may fit contact dermatitis, while raised transient welts can occur with hives. Itching in skin folds with a moist red rash may need assessment for infection.

An internal pregnancy condition affecting bile flow can present with itching despite skin that initially looks normal. It is the condition that often presents with palm and sole itch, not proof that everyone with itchy hands or feet has that diagnosis. Clinical history and blood testing are used to investigate it.

Keep showers brief and warm rather than hot, pat the skin dry, and smooth on an unperfumed moisturiser. Lightweight cotton clothing, a cooler bedroom, and a clean cool cloth on itchy areas may lessen irritation. Avoid scratching with sharp nails because broken skin can become infected.

Remove recently added fragranced products one at a time and photograph any rash before it changes. Do not self-treat with leftover prescription creams or oral remedies; a maternity professional or pharmacist can check an option against the suspected cause and your pregnancy.

Call your maternity service promptly if itching is intense, has no clear rash, affects the palms or soles, or repeatedly wakes you. Dark urine, pale bowel motions, yellow eyes or skin, reduced appetite, or discomfort beneath the right side of the ribs add urgency to the assessment.

Get emergency help for facial or tongue swelling, trouble breathing, faintness, or a quickly spreading blistering or peeling rash. A fever with painful, hot skin also requires urgent care. Report reduced or altered fetal movement immediately using the instructions from your maternity unit.

Tell the clinician where the itch began, whether it peaks at night, what the skin looked like before scratching, and which products or medicines are new. Ask whether liver-related blood tests are indicated, how results will be followed, and what symptom relief is appropriate while the cause is being clarified.