I have intense itching in late pregnancy - sometimes on my belly, sometimes all over. When should I worry?

Moms distinguish between two situations: ordinary dry, stretched-belly itching that responds to heavy moisturising, versus relentless whole-body itching (often worst at palms, soles and in the evenings) that does not respond to lotion - which can signal cholestasis (ICP) and needs urgent testing.

Community Answers from Moms(4)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

1. 1

   For dry, stretched-belly itching: Suthol plus Orimi or Bio Oil moisturised the skin and reduced itching (Orimi daily, Suthol when itching disturbed sleep). Plain coconut oil also worked. One mom layered thick moisturizer then lacto calamine (Calsoft AF with aloe vera) for double moisturization.

2. 2

   Bio Oil applied at least once daily helped the dryness that caused itching.

3. 3

   For widespread itching that no lotion helps, especially at palms and feet and worst evening-to-morning: get a bile acid test - it can indicate Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP/cholestasis) even when LFT is normal. See a doctor immediately; it needs medication and close monitoring.

4. 4

   One mom with this had it at 38 weeks and was induced immediately (her LFT was slightly high). Another managed ICP itching with a rigorous no-fat diet. It could occasionally also be a medicine allergy.