Itching skin in pregnancy third trimester

Rapid abdominal stretching, warmer skin, sweating, and reduced tolerance of fragranced products can make itching more noticeable late in pregnancy. A red or scaly rash can occur with eczema, contact dermatitis, or hives. These conditions present with skin changes and are assessed by their appearance, distribution, and history.

Itching that is widespread or strongest on the palms and soles, particularly without a rash, can be a sign of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. This condition presents with itching, but itching alone cannot diagnose it; blood tests and maternity review are needed.

Apply an unperfumed moisturiser after washing and whenever the skin feels tight. Keep showers lukewarm, wear breathable clothing, trim nails, and use a cool cloth instead of scratching. Note the areas affected, time of day, rash changes, urine or stool colour, and fetal movement. Check every medicine with your maternity clinician before use.

Contact your maternity team promptly for severe, persistent, or rash-free itching, especially on the palms or soles. Seek urgent help for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, marked abdominal pain, breathing trouble, facial swelling, bleeding, or reduced fetal movement.

Ask whether you need bile-acid and liver blood tests, how soon results should be reviewed, which skin treatments are pregnancy-appropriate, and what fetal-movement changes should prompt immediate contact.