Can abnormal liver function in late pregnancy cause skin itching?

Abnormal liver function in the late stages of pregnancy may cause skin itching. This is primarily because liver dysfunction can lead to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a condition in which bile salts, phospholipids, and other substances from bile reflux into the bloodstream. These substances are then transported via circulation to the skin, where they cause irritation and trigger generalized pruritus. Additionally, bile accumulation can thin the stratum corneum on the skin surface, making the skin more susceptible to external stimuli and thus more prone to itching. Therefore, when pregnant women experience abnormal liver function during the late stages of pregnancy—manifesting not only as elevated transaminases, increased bilirubin, and other metabolic disturbances—but also as skin itching, they should recognize this symptom as potentially significant and seek timely medical evaluation and treatment.