Why are my hands and feet itchy in pregnancy?
Intense itching on your palms and soles can signal a liver condition that affects your baby.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician ·
The short answer
Itching — especially on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, often worse at night and without a rash — can be a sign of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Tell your midwife or doctor; it’s diagnosed with a simple blood test.
Why it matters
In ICP (also called obstetric cholestasis), bile acids build up in the blood. It usually appears in the third trimester and affects about 7 in 1,000 pregnancies in the UK — while itching in general affects 1 in 4.
It raises the chance of premature birth and, when bile acids are very high, stillbirth — so it needs monitoring, and your team may suggest starting labour early. The NHS lists it as needing urgent treatment.
Mild itching from stretching skin is common, which is why ICP is easily dismissed.
What to do
- Mention any itching to your midwife, especially on hands and feet.
- Ask for a bile acid and liver function blood test.
- If you’ve had ICP before, tell your team early — it often returns.
Common questions
Is itching in pregnancy normal?
Mild itching on the bump is common. Itching on the palms and soles, or all over without a rash, should be checked.
Sources
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician, on against the sources above. Guidance can differ between countries — always follow the advice of your own midwife, doctor or pharmacist. Medical disclaimer.
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