Weeks 24-40

Itchiness (Pruritus)

Last reviewed by medical team: June 2026

🔵 Common Pregnancy Symptom

Why It Happens

Mild skin itching is common as the skin on your abdomen and breasts stretches and dries out.

Safe Home Remedies

Apply thick, unscented moisturizers daily.
Take lukewarm baths with oatmeal packets.
Avoid hot showers, which dry out skin.

⚠️ When to Contact a Doctor

Contact your doctor immediately if you have severe itching on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet without a rash, as this is a key sign of Cholestasis of Pregnancy (a liver condition).

Related Guides & Resources

Typical Week Ranges

This symptom commonly occurs during these weeks of pregnancy:

Week 24 Week 27 Week 30 Week 33 Week 36 Week 39

Related Conditions

Symptom matches for these prenatal conditions:

✦ Gestational Diabetes

Clinical Questions & Answers

Q1: What is PUPPP?

Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy, an itchy, hive-like rash that starts in stretch marks.

Q2: Why are itchy palms dangerous?

They can indicate Cholestasis, which slows bile flow and can be dangerous to the fetus.

Q3: Does drinking water reduce itchy skin?

Yes, hydration keeps your skin moisturized from the inside out.