What does it mean when you itch all over during pregnancy?

Itching is common in pregnancy. Usually it’s thought to be caused by raised levels of certain chemicals in the blood, such as hormones. Later, as your bump grows, the skin of your tummy (abdomen) is stretched and this may also feel itchy.

How can I stop itching at night during pregnancy?

Consider these natural remedies you can try at home:

Change perfumes or detergents.
Wear loose clothing made from natural fabrics.
Take an oatmeal bath or use a yogurt skin treatment.
Use a moisturizer to help with dry skin.
Apply some calamine lotion.

Is cholestasis of pregnancy an emergency?

Cholestasis of pregnancy occurs when there’s a buildup of bile in the blood. It’s a serious condition and in a small number of cases can lead to stillbirth.

Does cholestasis itch come and go?

Women with cholestasis may have marks from scratching themselves, but there is no actual rash. Itching goes away. Cholestasis symptoms may improve with lotions or antihistamines, but they will always come back with a vengeance. If your skin itches for a day or two and then completely resolves, that is not cholestasis.

Does itching from cholestasis come and go?

Can I take Benadryl while pregnant?

Benadryl is considered to be safe during pregnancy. Doctors and nurses recommend this OTC medication to help relieve allergy symptoms, even while you’re pregnant. Recent studies have found Benadryl to be safe.

Can cholestasis affect your baby?

Cholestasis may increase the risks for fetal distress, preterm birth, or stillbirth. A developing baby relies on the mother’s liver to remove bile acids from the blood; therefore, the elevated levels of maternal bile cause stress on the baby’s liver.

How bad is cholestasis itch?

The main symptom of cholestasis of pregnancy is severe itching (pruritus). This itching starts on the hands and feet and spreads to other parts of the body. Itching is usually worse at night. It does not involve a rash.

How do you test for cholestasis in pregnancy?

A doctor diagnoses cholestasis of pregnancy with a physical examination and blood tests. These tests tell the doctor how the liver is functioning. They also measure the level of bile acids in the blood. Tests confirm the diagnosis when total bile acids measure 10 micromoles per liter and above.