If you are pregnant and have severe itching in your hands and feet, it may be hepatosis. However, itching is common during pregnancy and may also be eczema, heat rash or an allergic reaction. This article explains what hepatosis (intrahepatic cholestasis) is.

Symptoms of hepatosis when you are pregnant

Symptoms of hepatosis are severe itching that often appears on the hands and soles of the feet, especially at night. It is most common in the third trimester and it is also common for it to recur in the next pregnancy.

Hepatosis does not cause a rash but you may get scratches after scratching. The itching will disappear as soon as you give birth to your baby or babies. In severe hepatosis, there is some increased risk to the fetus. If you seek care for symptoms of hepatosis, tests will be done to give you the right care and treatment. Itching can be difficult to treat, but there are medicines that can help. Ask your midwife for advice or your local pharmacy.

What is hepatosis?

Pregnancy affects the liver, which produces bile. Bile is transported to the small intestine, but during pregnancy it takes longer for it to get there, leading to too much bile in the liver. This also leads to too much bile acid in the blood and this is what causes the itching.

What are the risks of hepatosis?

If you have hepatosis, you are at greater risk of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. If you have had hepatosis during pregnancy, there is a small increased risk of liver disease later in life. Depending on the severity of your hepatosis, you may need to have your liver values checked by the maternity hospital some time after the birth of your baby or babies.

Here you can read about fungal infection during pregnancy.