Itching all over at 8 months pregnant

Skin stretching, dryness, eczema and pregnancy-related skin eruptions can cause itching. However, itching without an obvious rash can also occur when pregnancy affects bile flow from the liver, so contact your maternity team today rather than waiting for the next routine visit.

Notice where the itch began, whether it is worse at night, and whether a rash appeared before scratching. Raised patches in stretch marks point to a different skin pattern from intense itching on normal-looking palms or soles. Scratching itself can create redness and marks, which may obscure the original appearance.

A clinician may examine the skin and arrange blood tests that assess liver function and bile acids. A normal-looking skin surface does not rule out a pregnancy-related cause, and repeat testing may be considered if symptoms continue.

Call your maternity unit, obstetrician or midwife today and describe whether your palms or soles are involved, when the itching started, and whether your baby is moving as usual. Until assessed, use lukewarm showers, fragrance-free moisturiser and loose cotton clothing; avoid starting herbal remedies or medicines without checking pregnancy safety.

Contact maternity triage immediately if your baby is moving less than usual. Urgent assessment is also warranted for yellow skin or eyes, very dark urine, pale stools, severe upper abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, contractions, leaking fluid, breathing difficulty, or swelling of the lips or tongue. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely unwell.

Ask whether the itch pattern suggests a skin condition or altered bile flow, which blood tests are appropriate, whether testing should be repeated, what symptom relief is safe during pregnancy, and how your baby will be monitored if results are abnormal.