Home comfort measures for third-trimester itching

Moisturiser supports the skin barrier when stretching or dryness causes irritation. Heat, fragranced products, rough fabrics, and vigorous scratching can intensify the itch. A visible rash may fit eczema, contact irritation, hives, or another skin condition. However, some pregnancy-related liver problems cause itching with little or no rash, so comfort measures cannot replace clinical assessment when the pattern is new, severe, widespread, or focused on the palms and soles.

Apply a bland, fragrance-free moisturiser after bathing and whenever the skin feels tight. Keep showers lukewarm, use a gentle cleanser only where needed, and pat the skin dry. Wear loose cotton clothing, keep the room comfortably cool, and hold a cool damp cloth on a particularly itchy area. Trim nails and press or tap instead of scratching. Avoid essential oils, unverified herbal mixtures, and new medicated products unless your maternity clinician has approved them for pregnancy. Track whether the itch is localised, spreading, or disturbing sleep.

Contact your maternity team promptly if home measures do not settle the itch, if there is no clear rash, or if itching is widespread or worse at night. Seek urgent advice for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, upper abdominal pain, or reduced fetal movement. A rash with swelling of the lips or breathing difficulty needs emergency help.

Which moisturiser and cleanser suit my skin and pregnancy? Is an antihistamine or medicated cream appropriate for me? Do my symptoms warrant liver testing, and what changes should make me contact the maternity unit immediately?