Itchy rash during the third trimester: what to know

A rash on the abdomen can follow stretching and dryness, while heat, sweat, tight clothing, or a new product may cause irritation or intertrigo. Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis may flare or change during pregnancy. A widespread rash after starting a medicine can be a drug eruption. Itching without an obvious rash, especially on the palms or soles, needs prompt maternity advice because some pregnancy-related liver problems present this way. Appearance alone cannot establish the cause.

Use cool compresses, short lukewarm showers, and a plain fragrance-free moisturiser. Choose loose cotton clothing, keep skin folds dry, and avoid new scented products. Keep nails short and press or pat rather than scratch. Before using an antihistamine, steroid cream, antifungal, herbal product, or other medicine, check with your obstetric clinician or pharmacist; pregnancy and breastfeeding plans affect what is suitable. Photograph changes and note where itching occurs.

Contact your maternity team promptly for intense or widespread itching, itching without a visible rash, itching on the palms or soles, dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or reduced fetal movement. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, blistering, skin peeling, fever, or feeling seriously unwell. A painful, hot, oozing rash also needs timely assessment.

Ask whether you need blood tests, whether the rash resembles eczema, contact dermatitis, or another pregnancy-related condition, which treatments are suitable now, and which symptoms should trigger an immediate call.