Causes, Safe Treatment and Pregnancy-Specific Hives Rashes
Itchy skin in pregnancy is common, and not all of it is hives. Ordinary hives can occur at any time, but pregnancy also has its own itchy conditions, some of which need prompt medical attention.
Is It Hives or a Pregnancy Rash?
- Ordinary hives: welts that move and fade within 24 hours
- PUPPP: itchy red bumps that often start on stretch marks of the belly, usually in the third trimester
- Pemphigoid gestationis: blistering rash starting around the navel
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: intense itching, often on palms and soles, with no rash
Cholestasis Warning
Severe itching without a rash, especially on the hands and feet or worse at night, needs same-day contact with your prenatal provider for blood tests of bile acids, because cholestasis can affect the baby.
Safe Relief
Talk to your OB provider before taking any medicine. Cetirizine and loratadine are commonly used, but only with medical approval. Cool compresses, oatmeal baths and fragrance-free moisturizer are also gentle options. See oatmeal bath for hives.
When to Call 911
Call 911 right away if hives or swelling occur with difficulty breathing or swallowing, a tight or closing throat, a swollen tongue, lips or face, wheezing, faintness, or a sudden feeling of impending doom. Use an epinephrine auto-injector first if one has been prescribed to you, then call for emergency help.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if your symptoms last more than a few days, keep coming back, cover large areas, or interfere with sleep or daily life. Dr. Tiffany Young founded the Hives Treatment Center in San Francisco, a practice focused on diagnosing and treating hives and related skin conditions.
Related Reading
You may also find these guides helpful: causes of hives and hives symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Hives
Are hives dangerous to my baby?
Ordinary hives are not, but cholestasis and some other rashes need monitoring.
Can I take Benadryl during pregnancy?
Ask your provider. See Benadryl for hives.
Will hives go away after birth?
Often yes, but not always.
Get Relief for Your Hives
Always check itching in pregnancy with your prenatal provider. Visit our hives treatment page to see the latest treatment options for your outbreak.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
