Itching in the Second Trimester

Growing skin can feel tight and dry, while heat, sweat, wool, fragranced products, or a new detergent can trigger Contact Dermatitis. Atopic Dermatitis may flare during pregnancy, and hives or another pregnancy-related rash can cause raised, itchy areas. The location matters: itching on the abdomen, limbs, palms, or soles, especially without much of a rash, should be reported because a pregnancy-related liver problem can also cause itch.

Itching does not by itself identify the cause or predict a problem with the pregnancy. Describe its start, spread, severity, night-time pattern, rash, urine or stool changes, and any new products to your midwife or obstetric clinician.

Use short lukewarm showers, a fragrance-free moisturiser after bathing, loose cotton clothing, and a cool compress. Keep nails short and pat rather than scratch. Avoid essential oils, herbal mixtures, and oral or topical medicines unless your pregnancy clinician or pharmacist has checked them. Ask before using medicated creams, antihistamines, or products on large areas, even if they are sold without a prescription.

Tell your maternity team promptly about intense or widespread itch, itch on the palms or soles, symptoms that are worse at night, or itch without an obvious rash. Seek urgent advice for yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, severe abdominal pain, reduced fetal movement, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or a rapidly spreading rash. Arrange a review if sleep is disrupted or gentle measures do not help.

Ask whether you need an examination or blood tests, which moisturisers and medicines are suitable in pregnancy, and whether the baby needs any additional monitoring. Bring a list of supplements, medicines, skin products, and the areas that itch most.