Itching in the Last Trimester: What to Know

A visible rash may fit dryness, stretching, heat irritation, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, hives, psoriasis, or yeast infection. Itching that is widespread, strongest at night, or focused on the palms and soles can occur without a rash and should be discussed promptly with maternity care. Symptoms such as yellowing skin, dark urine, or pale stools add useful information. These clues guide assessment but cannot replace an examination or pregnancy-specific testing.

Use a fragrance-free moisturiser after washing, choose loose breathable clothes, keep showers lukewarm, and apply a cool cloth to itchy areas. Avoid new perfumes, dyes, and harsh cleansers until the trigger is clearer. Track when itching begins, where it spreads, whether a rash is present, and whether fetal movements feel different. Check any medicine, cream, or supplement with your maternity team before use.

Contact the maternity team promptly for unexplained itch, palm or sole itching, night-time worsening, or associated yellowing skin or unusual urine or stool colour. Seek urgent maternity help if fetal movement is reduced or if there is bleeding, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or a severe headache with visual changes. Fever, painful skin, or a rapidly spreading rash also warrants timely review.

Does my itch pattern require pregnancy-related blood tests? Which skin products are suitable now? Could a new product or medicine explain the rash? How should I monitor fetal movement, and whom should I contact after hours?