Body itching in the third trimester: what to know

Dryness often feels tight or prickly on the abdomen, breasts, arms, or legs. Eczema, contact dermatitis, hives, scabies, and other conditions can cause visible changes such as redness, scaling, raised patches, or scratch marks; see the pages on Atopic Dermatitis, Contact Dermatitis, Hives, and Scabies for context. Itching that is widespread, strongest on the palms or soles, or present without a visible rash should be discussed with your maternity team because pregnancy-related causes may need blood tests.

Use a fragrance-free moisturiser several times through the day, take brief lukewarm showers, and choose loose cotton clothing. Keep nails short and use a cool compress instead of vigorous scratching. Avoid starting tablets, steroid creams, herbal products, or essential oils without checking that they are suitable during pregnancy. Note where the itch occurs, whether a rash appears, and whether it disturbs sleep.

Contact your maternity service promptly for new severe itching, itching without a rash, or itch on the palms and soles. Seek urgent help if it comes with yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, marked abdominal pain, facial swelling, breathing trouble, or reduced fetal movement. These signs need assessment rather than home treatment alone.

Ask whether your symptoms call for liver-function and bile-acid testing, which pregnancy-safe moisturisers or medicines are appropriate, and what change in fetal movement or other symptoms should prompt immediate contact.