Pregnancy and itching

Itching during pregnancy is often caused by dry or stretched skin. Severe itching without an obvious rash, especially on the palms and soles and at night, may be obstetric cholestasis. Seek same-day assessment with bile acid and liver tests, and call immediately for reduced baby movements.

• Severe itching without an obvious rash, often on the palms and soles and worse in the evening or at night, is typical of cholestasis.
• Scratch marks and sores can develop, but result from scratching rather than being the original rash.
• Call the same day for new severe itching without a rash, especially on the palms or soles, and ask for bile acid and liver tests.
• Use lukewarm water, an unperfumed emollient cream, loose cotton clothing and a cool bedroom to reduce skin irritation.
• Call your local maternity team the same day for severe itching without a rash, especially on the palms or soles and at night.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.