Itching in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Itching in the second trimester may come from dry or irritated skin, but widespread or unusual itching should be discussed with your maternity clinician. The location, presence of a rash, severity at night, and any changes in urine or skin colour help determine how quickly you need advice.

Skin stretching, heat, sweat, dry air, and fragranced products can cause itch during pregnancy. Eczema or contact dermatitis may flare or begin during this time, and hives or a skin yeast infection can affect warm, moist areas. Itching on the palms or soles, itching without a rash, or itch that becomes widespread needs maternity review because pregnancy-related medical causes can sometimes present through itch rather than a dramatic skin change. Do not diagnose yourself from the symptom alone.

Take brief lukewarm showers, use a gentle fragrance-free cleanser, and apply a plain moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp. Wear loose cotton clothing, keep the room cool, and use a cool compress instead of scratching. Check every cream, antihistamine, supplement, or herbal product with your maternity clinician or pharmacist before using it. Record where the itch occurs, when it is worst, and whether a rash is present.

Contact your maternity team promptly for intense or widespread itching, itch on the palms or soles, itch without a visible rash, or symptoms that disturb sleep. Seek urgent help for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, severe abdominal pain, fever, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty. Follow the same-day guidance used by your maternity service if you are unsure how urgent the symptom is.

Ask whether your pattern needs blood tests or other checks, which moisturisers are suitable, whether a current medicine could contribute, and what warning signs should prompt immediate contact with your maternity service.