Itching during pregnancy

Why am I itching?

The skin on your abdomen (tummy) tightens as your baby grows, and it’s common for it to feel itchy.

Sometimes, itchy skin can be a symptom of a pregnancy health condition. It is important to tell your doctor or midwife if you feel itchy.

What conditions can cause itching in pregnancy?

There are different conditions that can cause itching during pregnancy.

If your vaginal area feels itchy, this could be a sign of an infection like thrush. If the area around your anus (back passage) feels itchy, this could be a sign of haemorrhoids. These are both common in pregnancy.

Atopic eruption of pregnancy

Atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP) includes a range of itchy rashes during pregnancy. It usually occurs in the first or second trimester. It usually causes dry skin.

There are 2 main forms of AEE — eczema and prurigo.

Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly, itchy, red skin. It usually affects your face, wrists, ankles, elbow creases and the back of your knees.

It can be a long-term condition that gets better, but then comes back again later.

Eczema causes your skin to be more sensitive to irritants. It is not contagious.

Learn more about eczema.

Prurigo of pregnancy

Prurigo of pregnancy is an itchy rash that may develop during pregnancy.

The prurigo of pregnancy rash feels dry and bumpy and may cover large areas on your abdomen, arms or legs. It usually appears in the first or second trimester.

Learn more about prurigo of pregnancy.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver condition. It stops your liver from getting rid of substances from your body properly.

This causes itchy skin without a rash. The itch usually starts on your palms and the soles of your feet, but can occur anywhere. It can spread to other parts of your body.

Cholestasis is rare and usually starts in the second or third trimester. It usually goes away soon after your baby is born. If you are diagnosed with cholestasis, you will need to be monitored throughout your pregnancy.

Read more about intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP)

Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP) is also known as ‘pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy’ (PUPPP). PEP/PUPPP is an itchy, red, bumpy rash.

It often starts on your abdomen before spreading to other parts of your body. It usually goes away within a few weeks after your baby is born.

PEP/PUPPP affects 1 in 160 pregnancies and usually starts late in the third trimester of your first pregnancy.

Read more about PEP/PUPPP.

Pemphigoid gestationis

This is a rare autoimmune condition that can happen in pregnancy. It causes red bumps turning into itchy blisters.

How can I relieve itching during pregnancy?

Here are some things you can try to help relieve itch:

• take a cool shower and avoid getting too hot
• wear loose clothing

There are also treatments that may help with itching during pregnancy, such as:

• using a moisturiser, such as those including menthol
• antihistamine medicines
• corticosteroid treatments

The appropriate treatment will depend on what is causing your itch.

Before using any medicine during pregnancy, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, dermatologist or obstetrician. They can tell you what medicines are suitable for you while pregnant.

What should I avoid if I am itching during pregnancy?

If you are itching during pregnancy, you should avoid:

• getting too hot
• using soap
• showering more than once a day
• rough fabrics

You should also avoid some medicines during pregnancy.

Can itching affect my baby?

Some itching conditions can affect your baby.

Cholestasis can be dangerous for your baby and increase the chance of:

• fetal distress
• preterm labour
• stillbirth
• admission of your baby to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

If you have cholestasis, you may need to give birth earlier than expected.

Pemphigoid gestationis can increase the chance of:

• preterm labour
• your baby being small
• stillbirth
• your baby being born with blisters, which will eventually go away

When should I see my doctor or midwife?

If you are pregnant and feel itchy, see your doctor or midwife. They can check you for conditions that can cause a rash or itch.

Check with your doctor before taking any treatments for your itch while pregnant.

Resources and support

If you have any questions or concerns about itching during pregnancy, speak to your doctor or obstetrician.