Itchy Skin in the Last Trimester of Pregnancy: What to Know

As the abdomen and breasts stretch, dryness and sensitivity can cause itching. Pregnancy-related rashes may appear as itchy bumps or plaques, often on the abdomen or stretch marks. However, marked itching on the palms or soles, especially when worse at night and not explained by a rash, can be a sign of a liver-related pregnancy condition that requires testing and maternity follow-up. The symptom itself does not identify the cause, so describe its location, intensity, timing, and appearance.

Contact your maternity team or obstetric clinician about new, persistent, or intense itching. Until you receive advice, use cool compresses, lukewarm baths, loose cotton clothing, and an unperfumed moisturiser. Keep nails short and avoid scratching. Do not start oral medicines, herbal products, or medicated creams without checking that they are appropriate in pregnancy. Record whether your palms, soles, abdomen, or the rest of your body are involved.

Seek same-day maternity advice for intense or widespread itch, itch that is strongest at night, or itch on the palms or soles without a clear rash. Contact the maternity unit urgently if itching occurs with yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, severe abdominal pain, reduced fetal movement, bleeding, or feeling very unwell. A rash with facial swelling or breathing difficulty needs emergency help.

Ask whether you need blood tests for liver function and bile acids, how fetal monitoring will be handled, and which moisturiser or medicine is suitable. Mention the onset, body sites, night-time pattern, rash, urine or stool changes, and every medicine or supplement you use.