Itchy Feet Complaint in Pregnant Women, Could Indicate Liver Problems

Dream - During pregnancy, itchy feet is one of the common complaints experienced by pregnant women. Of course, this can make pregnant women feel uncomfortable and even disrupt their activities.

Itchy sensation during pregnancy can be felt on the stomach, breasts, or feet. This condition is generally not dangerous, but it can disrupt daily activities. 

Some pregnant women experience severe itching on their feet, which can be very distressing. There are several reasons why feet itch during pregnancy, one of which is hormones, increased sweating, and experiencing skin conditions such as psoriasis. Actually, this is not a problem and can be overcome in several ways.

Cholestasis

Sometimes, itchy feet during pregnancy is caused by a condition called pregnancy cholestasis. In cholestasis, pregnancy hormones trigger liver dysfunction, which results in the accumulation of bile in the liver and blood flow, ultimately causing very itchy feet and hands. Cholestasis during pregnancy can be dangerous for the baby. Therefore, it is very important to consult with a specialist obstetrician immediately.

Causes of Itchy Feet During Pregnancy

Cindy M. Duke, MD, a fertility specialist and virology expert, stated that changing pregnancy hormones are one of the most common causes of itchy feet. 

"Hormonal changes can affect nerve endings, making them more sensitive and prone to itching," said Dr. Duke.

Based on experience, Dr. Duke found pregnant patients who suffer from fibromyalgia or other nerve-related conditions. This allows them to experience more skin sensitivity and itching during pregnancy.

Pregnancy also causes the stretching of the mother's skin, which can lead to dehydration and loss of moisture. This can cause the skin to feel itchy. 

Certain skin conditions can worsen during pregnancy. For example, experiencing psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disease that causes itchy red or silvery patches, sometimes can flare up during pregnancy. Another skin condition that can occur during pregnancy is PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy). PUPPP is not very dangerous for the baby, but it is very disturbing and uncomfortable for pregnant women.

"Sometimes PUPPP can spread to the feet, and it may be the cause of constant foot itching," said Tamika Cross, MD, FACOG, and author of the book 'What a Doctor Looks Like'.

Cholestasis as the Trigger for Itchy Feet in Pregnant Women

Cholestasis, also known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), is one of the rare liver disorders that affects one or two out of 1,000 expectant parents. Cholestasis is the cause of itching during pregnancy, especially if you experience itching on the feet and hands.

Neha Singla Jani, DPM, AACFAS, a foot disease expert at the Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialist, explained that cholestasis occurs due to a decrease or cessation of the liver's ability to process bile, precisely a disorder of the digestive fluid produced by the liver.

"Cholestasis usually occurs towards the end of pregnancy and is experienced throughout the body or in local areas," said Dr. Jani.

If pregnant women experience limited itching in certain parts of the body, usually the hands and feet are the most common areas. The intensity of itching tends to increase and decrease, and often worse at night, causing restless sleep.

Itching on the hands and feet is the main symptom of cholestasis, but sometimes pregnant women also experience other symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, decreased appetite, dark-colored urine, and pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. Other visible symptoms are yellowing of the eyes and skin.

If you experience continuous itching symptoms during pregnancy, whether on the feet or other parts of the body, and it is very disturbing, immediately consult a doctor. The condition is

Report by Devi Tri Aprilianza / Source: VeryWellFamily