Pregnancy itching
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Pregnancy itching
About 1.5-3% of all pregnant women in Denmark develop pregnancy itching. It can easily be just common itching but can also be called liver-related pregnancy itching. It is not a dangerous condition for you, but it can present certain risks and be a significant nuisance.
Cause and symptoms
Why some women develop, liver-related pregnancy itching is unknown. However, the occurrence of itching is not very frequent in Denmark. When it grows, it usually occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Symptoms are:
Itching of the soles of the feet (the first symptoms)
Itching in the palms of the hands (the first symptoms)
Itching on the rest of the body
Although it may be reminiscent of the common itching that many pregnant women experience because the skin may tend to become drier, life expectancy also rises to 2-3 times as much as usual.
Therefore, if you experience persistent itching that will not go away and spreads from the soles of the feet and palms to the rest of the body, you should consult your doctor or midwife to examine you.
Harmless to pregnant women
Liver-related pregnancy itching can be pretty uncomfortable but is harmless to you. However, it is essential to get treatment as it can give a slightly increased risk of sudden fetal death and a slightly increased risk of premature birth.
When you see a doctor, liver blood tests are taken to determine if you have liver-related pregnancy or normal itching.
Treatment
Treatment for pregnancy itching is available, but in the vast majority of cases, it does not disappear until entirely after the birth.
You will be treated with tablets that give regular blood tests and help with the itching.
You will be offered a check-up every seven days.
You are recommended to have the birth started in the 38th week.
The liver effect and itching disappear by themselves again a few days after birth.
Common itching
If you experience itching, it does not have to be liver-related pregnancy itching. Most pregnant women experience itching on the body due to the greater risk of the skin becoming dry because the body requires a lot of fluid.
Therefore, always drink plenty and use a good, oily cream, as it can have a soothing effect.
If the itching persists, you should be examined.
