From a midwifery site: “Itching skin during pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes. Also remember that in later pregnancy your skin must stretch, which also can cause itching. Dry skin can become very irritated, especially during the winter months when forced-air heating aggravates skin discomfort.” To prevent skin irritation, pregnant women (and all people) should avoid mineral oil-based skin care products as well as harsh soap and laundry products. Some women benefit from avoiding soap altogether. Read the labels; most skin products are made with mineral oil. Also rule out irritation from any recent changes in the soap or laundry products you use. Choosing the most natural kind of shampoo, soap, and laundry products is always wise to protect your health and environment. Because you’re making a baby, begin treating your own skin like a baby’s. Many women have found that applying hexane-free castor oil softens and soothes dry and scaly skin. Itching can often be alleviated by adding unrefined virgin olive oil to your diet. Also increase your intake of foods that are rich in vitamins A, D, and linolenic acids. Vitamin A-rich foods: * fish liver oil, liver, vegetables, eggs, dairy products Vitamin D sources: * Saltwater fish, sunlight (no tanning – use sunscreen), vitamin D-fortified dairy products, fish liver oil Linolenic acid sources: * Flax seed oil, evening primrose oil, sardines Between 0.02 and 2.4% of pregnant women are diagnosed with a condition called pruritus gravidarum (also called PUPS), a kind of itching unique to pregnancy. It is related to elevated estrogen and progesterone levels interfering with the liver’s efficiency in excreting bile salts. Onset is usually in the third trimester, and the itching is severe. Although this condition is not characterized by lesions, abrasions caused by scratching and contact with clothing can be very painful. If this happens to you, you should support your liver with the following herbs: * Dandelion: a detoxifying herb that supports liver function * Yellow dock: relieves heat in the circulatory system and builds iron supply * Burdock: dispels toxins by means of diuresis (peeing toxins out) * Beet root: nourishing and supportive, promotes elimination, cleanses the liver. Make sure you are drinking sufficient amounts of water. Ask your health provider about using these herbs during pregnancy. The worst case of pruritus gravidarum I have seen was treated without antihistamine drugs. The woman’s backup physician told her that he could prescribe an antihistamine but preferred that she consult the midwife and look for a natural alternative. This young mother also said, “I’ve eaten worse in this pregnancy than in my first two. I’m not surprised I developed this skin condition.” She was anemic and exhausted because the itching was interfering with her sleep. Within hours of starting herbal therapy to support her liver and increase her iron, she had great relief and slept through the night.”