Itching during pregnancy is normal if it is mild and there are no other associated symptoms. Itchy skin pregnancy is also common for 20% of pregnant women during pregnancy. You may feel itchy, especially on your belly and breasts, as your skin stretches to help their growth. Dryness and hormonal changes may add more itchiness. Itchiness can be exacerbated during the winter by indoor heaters or other heating processes. Generalized itching in pregnancy, called pruritus gravidarum, is a common condition.
Itching can also occur due to certain underlying conditions, making it important to monitor its severity and seek advice when necessary.
Causes
Hormonal Changes: In pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels are higher to sustain the pregnancy. These hormonal changes also increase the blood supply to the skin, affecting the function of the liver and causing itching during pregnancy.
Stretching: As the pregnancy grows, the skin stretches to help the growing belly, and the skin becomes dry and itchy. This stretching can also make the skin more sensitive, leading to irritation from even minor friction or contact.
Allergies: Some women have an allergic history to certain foods, medications, or environmental factors, which can become more severe during pregnancy, causing itching.
Prurigo:: A crusty, itchy rash that forms on the arms, legs, or abdomen during pregnancy, common in the first and second trimesters.
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUP): An itchy, red, bumpy rash starts from the abdomen and spreads to other parts of the body. It remains for a few weeks and completely disappears after the delivery of the baby.
Cholestasis of pregnancy: A condition in which the liver is affected, increasing bile acids in the blood and causing itching. This itching is more common on the hands, feet, soles, and legs and tends to worsen at night. Itching is most common in the second and third trimesters. In rare cases, cholestasis may lead to complications, making timely medical attention crucial.
Symptoms
The itching can occur anywhere on the body but more on the abdomen, breasts, and thighs.
The skin becomes dry and cracked.
Red and inflamed areas
Some women may also notice tiny bumps or lesions that are tender to the touch.
Management
Things To Do
Wear loose clothing: Wear loose and comfortable clothes. soft skin-loving natural fabric.
Stay Hydrated: Consume adequate fluid to maintain proper liver function and skin hydration.
Apply Moisturizer: Apply gently slowly but surely fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin moisturized giving a soothing effect on the itchy skin.
Cool Gel: Apply, wet cool compresses on itchy skin during pregnancy. Take a cool shower and avoid getting too hot.
Oatmeal bath: Oatmeal is an anti-inflammatory that soothes itchy skin during pregnancy
Diet
Take a balanced nutritional diet full of protein, vegetables, and fruits. fluids and juices in a large amount
Medications
- Corticosteroids
- Antihistamines
- Bile Acid-Chelating Drugs
- Bile Acid Dissolution Drugs
Things to Avoid
Scratching worsens the condition and can cause skin infections so avoid scratching.
Avoid wearing tight and rough clothes
Avoid processed, frozen, and fried food
Avoid showing more than once a day
Avoid irritating and rough low-quality soap on your body
Avoiding indoor heaters in the winter season.
When need to seek OBG advice
Itchy skin during pregnancy and unable to sleep at night.
If itching is associated with yellowness of the skin and eyes (jaundices)
If itching along with skin lesions, such as bumps or blisters.
If itchy skin with a fever.
Consult with the OBG when you observe any symptoms described above or if your concerns are generalized itching during pregnancy. Early medical intervention can help rule out serious conditions and provide effective treatment.