A STUDY OF NON-INFECTIOUS PRURITUS IN PREGNANCY: CAUSES AND EVALUATION

Objectives: Itching is one of the most common complaints related to dermatosis during pregnancy occurring in 14–23% of pregnant women. Pregnancy-specific dermatoses constitute a heterogeneous group of pruritic skin eruptions seen exclusively during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These dermatoses may be linked to increased activity of maternal adrenal and pituitary glands, the development of fetal endocrine glands and are influenced by hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and cortisone.  This study aims to evaluate various skin lesions during pregnancy. To explore the prevalence and variations of non-infectious pruritus in pregnancy and to evaluate the impact of non-infectious pruritus on maternal wellbeing. Materials and methods: An observational prospective study was carried out on pregnant women presenting with complaints of pruritus. Data on socioeconomic status, demographics, obstetric history, medical conditions, and factors such as age, parity, and mode of delivery were collected. Neonatal outcomes, birthweight, NICU admission, morbidity, and mortality were documented. Results: Majority of the subjects were in the age group of 20–30 years (77.5%). 88.1% resided in rural areas and 50% of the patients were primigravida. The majority (73.4%) of subjects had an onset of pruritus in the third trimester. The most common cause of pruritus was infectious (46.3%), specific dermatosis of pregnancy was observed in 37.6%, and in 13.8% of cases, pruritus was of unknown origin. IHCP was the most common cause of pruritus (40%). IHCP had the maximum number of preterm deliveries (36%), 48.5% of subjects had LSCS and induction was done in 45.4%. Conclusion: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is most prevalent among specific dermatosis of pregnancy which was associated with preterm deliveries, higher rate of induction, and LSCS.