Palms Itching pregnancy can not only feel irritating but can also indicate an underlying medical condition. You may feel itchy because of the stretching and pulling of the skin around your abdomen, which is normal. Dry skin due to hormonal changes may also cause itchiness, which is harmless. If your palms and feet are particularly itchy, this is cause for concern.
Itching of the palms and soles of the feet in pregnancy is often associated with liver function. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is the medical term for this condition, which frequently affects pregnant women. Palmar erythema is another condition, which affects pregnant women and causes redness of palms, but itching is mild to none in most cases.
Cholestasis of pregnancy causes your palms and feet to itch, but there is no redness or rash. The itching can be very severe and it may also occur in other parts of the body. This condition warns of possible complications for the expecting woman and her baby.
Itching usually starts towards the end of the third trimester. There is no visible rash. Some women may experience itchiness all over the body, and the itchy sensation tends to get even more severe as your due date gets closer. Usually, the itching is worse at night, and you might have trouble sleeping.
Signs to look out for Palms Itching Pregnancy
- Itching of the palms and feet, without any rashes. Sometimes it affects other parts also.
- Feeling nauseous and losing appetite
- Skin and eyes may turn yellow, in case of jaundice.
Causes
- Cholestasis of pregnancy is linked to genes, which can be hereditary in some cases.
- This condition is also due to an upsurge in the hormones in late pregnancy. Bile juice enters the digestive system slowly due to this. As a result, the bile building in the liver may enter the bloodstream and cause itchiness.
- Itchiness in palms may also be due to Palmar erythema, which triggers the dilation of blood vessels in the hands. This usually causes a red rash on the palms, and the itching is often mild.
To prevent serious complications in the event of cholestasis during pregnancy, your doctor might advise an early delivery. Sometimes, the itchiness disappears after the delivery in a few days. This condition requires immediate medical attention, as it can result in serious complications for both the mother and her baby.