Hi, all:  No actual experience with such a rash, so I hit the books.  An
excellent dermatology book (Habif) describes Pruritic Urticarial Papules and
Plaques of Pregnancy, a condition most frequent in primips, beginning late
in 3rd trimester, occ early postpartum; rash appears suddenly, abdomen
spreading symmetrically to buttocks, arms and backs of hands, not the face;
very itchy, starts as small papules but can coalesce; most clear before or
within one week postpartum; itch relief with topical steroids, cool wet
compresses, oatmeal baths and benadryl; occ need prednisone if itching
intolerable.  This sounds like the condition described, and if so, will soon
resolve on its own.  Prednisone, however, is on the AAP list of compatible
meds.  If she doesn't improve within a week, she should probably be re-
evaluated.  Alicia.   [log in to unmask]