Causes of itching in pregnancy
Itching in pregnancy is common. It can be caused by changes to hormone levels and your skin stretching as your baby grows.
The itching usually stops after you've had your baby.
Itching in pregnancy can sometimes be caused by a liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). ICP can be serious and needs to be treated with medicine.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
You’re pregnant and have itchy skin, and:
- the itchy skin is affecting your daily life
- it does not get better after treatment from a pharmacist, or it keeps coming back
- you have eczema – this can get worse in pregnancy
- you have a new rash, lump or swelling
These symptoms are usually not harmful in pregnancy, but a GP can offer advice and treatment.
Urgent advice: Get urgent medical help now if:
You’re pregnant and:
- you have very itchy skin – for example, it keeps you awake at night
- the palms of your hands or soles of your feet are itchy
- the itching is worse at night
These could be signs of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) that needs urgent treatment.
Call your maternity unit if have the phone number.
If you cannot contact your maternity unit, call 111.
How to treat itchy skin yourself
There are things you can do to help ease the itching and prevent damage to your skin from scratching.
Do
-
try to pat or tap your skin instead of scratching it
-
have cool or warm (not hot) baths or showers
-
use an unperfumed moisturiser or emollient on your skin regularly
-
keep your nails short to avoid damaging your skin if you scratch
-
wear loose clothing made from natural fibres like cotton
Don’t
-
do not spend longer than 20 minutes in the bath or shower
-
do not use perfumed soaps, deodorants or moisturisers
-
do not have too much spicy food or drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea or coffee, as these can make your skin feel more itchy
A pharmacist can help with itching in pregnancy
A pharmacist can:
- suggest creams and lotions that are safe to use for itchy skin in pregnancy
- suggest antihistamine medicines you can buy that are safe to use in pregnancy
- suggest things you can do to ease the itching
- tell you if they think you need to see a GP or midwife
Tell the pharmacist you’re pregnant, where the itching is on your body and if you have any other symptoms.
Treatments from a GP or midwife
Treatments for itching in pregnancy include:
- antihistamine tablets – some types of antihistamine can also help you sleep if itchy skin is keeping you awake at night
- emollients – moisturising creams you put on your skin to soothe it and stop it drying out
- steroid cream
If your symptoms are very bad you may be referred to a doctor who specialises in skin problems (dermatologist), or a maternity unit if you have symptoms of ICP.
Treating intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)
If you have ICP, a care plan will be agreed with you to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible. As part of the plan, you’ll be offered extra appointments to check the health of you and your baby.
You’ll also be offered medicines to treat your liver and help reduce the itching.
If you have ICP, there’s a small risk your baby may be born early (before 37 weeks). There is also a small risk of stillbirth if ICP is severe. Your care team can discuss with you any risk to your pregnancy.
Your midwife and doctor may suggest starting labour early to reduce the risk. Find out about inducing labour.
Most people with ICP will make a full recovery and have a healthy birth.