HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologysevere itchingWhat causes the entire body to itch during pregnancy?

I am pregnant and my entire body is itching, what could be the reason?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Gowrimeena

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 17, 2014
Reviewed AtFebruary 2, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am pregnant, and my entire body is itching. What could be the reason? Please help.

Answered by Dr. Gowrimeena

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If there is itching alone (especially involving palms and soles) without any skin rashes, it could be a condition called obstetric cholestasis. In obstetric cholestasis, the liver is unable to send out the waste product called bile acids, and they accumulate in the blood and get deposited in the skin leading to itching.

This can be picked up by a simple blood test. It can affect the baby if the levels are too high. We generally deliver the baby by 37 weeks to avoid this. You will need other tests to check for liver function, hepatitis virus, etc. And we need to monitor the baby through scans, CTG (cardiotocography), etc.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Gowrimeena
Dr. Gowrimeena

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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