Severe Itching During Pregnancy: Causes, Relief & When to See a Doctor

Question
I am almost 29 weeks pregnant with my first child and for about a month, I have had itching in my feet. I would put Benadryl or some other lotion on and it would help for a while. But the last few days I am having such severe itching everywhere including my thighs, stomach, arms, and buttocks. Today I noticed that I have small bruises on my thighs and red and blue spots on my buttocks. I don't know if it is from scratching, but it happened overnight. What could I do to help ease the itching? Is this something serious? Please help.

Answer
Hi Nellya,

You have Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPP), but this won't harm you or your baby. Your doctor will be able to give you cream to relieve the itching, if that doesn't help oral steroids may be appropriate. Usually it will disappear after you give birth.