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Why Some Women Experience Itchy Palms or Feet While Pregnant

BySamradni Pradhan
Updated: 29 Jan 2026, 10:00 am
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Mannan Gupta, Head - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Elantis Healthcare

When you conceive, you may encounter many unexpected symptoms, including itching on your palms and feet. While mild itching isn't something serious, intense or persistent itching may indicate underlying physical changes. Understanding the reason behind this helps you respond calmly and properly. This blog explains the causes of itchy palms or feet during pregnancy, what is normal, and what's not, and how you can safely manage symptoms.

Pregatips.com
Pregnancy often brings noticeable changes, but some symptoms are felt more than they're noticed. Itching can be bothersome, especially when it affects your palms or soles. You might feel confused about the reason for this sudden itching and whether it’s alarming. Understanding the reason behind it can help you take it easy and stay healthy during pregnancy.
In this article:

What Do Itchy Palms & Feet Feel Like?

Itching during pregnancy, medically termed as pruritus, affects 20 to 25% of expectant mothers. In many cases, it is harmless and related to skin stretching or dryness. However, itching on your palms or soles may require serious attention. Sometimes, it points to problems inside your body, not just surface skin issues. This type of itching isn’t usually accompanied by skin redness, which might make you feel anxious or confused.

What Causes Pregnancy-related Itching?

Multiple reasons contribute to skin itching, such as:
  • Hormonal fluctuations that make your skin more reactive
  • A boost in blood circulation to the surface skin
  • Skin stretching, especially in the final stage
  • Dryness due to fluid changes in the body
Usual itching can be caused by these factors, but itching on the palms and feet may indicate underlying issues.

Why Do Your Palms & Feet Get Itchy Specifically?

How Do Hormones Make Your Nerves More Reactive?
  • Once you conceive, your skin becomes more reactive due to a surge in oestrogen levels. Areas like the palms and soles are particularly sensitive because they have many nerve endings and respond strongly to hormonal shifts. This is why itching may feel more intense in those areas.
Can Liver Changes Cause Palm and Foot Itching?
  • Yes. Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, also known as ICP, is a condition you should know about. It happens when the flow of bile from the liver slows down, causing bile acids to accumulate in the blood.
Key factors about ICP:
  1. Affects 1 or 2 out of a hundred pregnancies
  2. Usually starts in the final stage of pregnancy
  3. Causes strong itching, especially on palms and soles
  4. It often aggravates at night.
ICP generally doesn't cause a rash, so itching is a primary sign.

What Are the Warning Signs?

You should contact your doctor if your itching:
  • Is severe or doesn’t go away
  • Gets worse at night
  • Happens even when you don’t have a rash
  • Mainly affects your palms and soles
  • If you have dark-coloured urine, pale-coloured bowel movement, or yellowish eyes

Is Itching Always Dangerous for You & Your Baby?

Not always. Most itching during pregnancy isn't dangerous. However, conditions like ICP require medical treatment, as high bile acid levels can raise the risk of:
  • Foetal distress
  • Preterm delivery
  • Stillbirth (rare but serious if not treated)
Early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly reduce the likelihood.

How Is the Cause of Itching Diagnosed?

Your doctor may suggest:
  • Blood tests to check liver function
  • Physical examination to identify skin conditions
These tests help determine whether itching is due to normal pregnancy changes or requires medical attention.

What Can You Do to Relieve Itchy Palms & Feet?

Simple relief measures to try:
  • Use moisturisers that don’t have a smell to keep your skin healthy
  • Take a shower in warm water instead of a hot bath
  • Wear breathable, comfortable clothes
  • Use mild soaps and detergents
If you have been diagnosed with a condition like ICP, your doctor might prescribe medicine to lessen itching and lower bile acid levels. You may also need closer monitoring of your baby's heart rate and growth.

How Do You Feel When Itching Doesn’t Get Better?

Prolonged itching can disrupt sleep, intensify fatigue, and increase emotional stress. Not getting enough sleep can distress mood, focus, and overall well-being for expectant mothers. If you’re having a rough day, talking to your loved ones could help take the stress off your shoulders. They could help you with household responsibilities and motivate you to take breaks. Emotional support can make it easier to deal with physical symptoms.

What to Do Next?

  • Monitor when and where the itching occurs
  • See if the itching gets worse at night
  • Don’t try medicines by yourself
  • Look for other signs, such as dark urine
  • Stay hydrated and eat healthy food
  • Attend all the scheduled check-ups
  • Seek medical advice if itching doesn’t get better within a few days

Can Lifestyle Choices Help Get Cured?

Yes, changing your lifestyle might not help with medical conditions, but it can improve your well-being:
  • A healthy diet helps keep your liver functioning properly
  • Drinking enough water helps improve your skin
  • Managing stress helps reduce symptom intensity
  • Minor changes can ease discomfort
Itchy palms or feet during pregnancy are normal, but they may also indicate underlying issues that need treatment. Most of the time, it’s nothing serious. But an itching that worsens with no sign of improvement and occurs without redness might need medical care. To have a healthy pregnancy, watch for early signs, understand what might be wrong, and get medical help right away. This protects you and your baby.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Why Some Women Experience Itchy Palms or Feet While Pregnant


  1. Can itchy palms and feet appear early in pregnancy?
    Yes. Mild itching can occur at any stage due to hormonal fluctuations, but severe itching mostly occurs during the final stage of pregnancy.
  2. Does staying hydrated reduce pregnancy itching?
    Staying hydrated can help reduce skin dryness, but it may not relieve itching caused by liver-related complications.
  3. Will itching go away after delivery?
    In most cases, particularly with conditions such as ICP, itching typically resolves within a few days to a few weeks after delivery.
How we reviewed this article
Our team continuously monitors the health and wellness space to create relevant content for you. Every article is reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy.

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