Why Am I So Itchy? Understanding Itching During Pregnancy

Why am I Itching during pregnancy?

For starters, it could be due to some changes your body faces during pregnancy. Firstly, it can be because of the Skin expanding due to the change of your body during pregnancy.

Secondly, it can also happen because of hormonal changes.

However, there can be other external reasons causing the feeling of itchiness during pregnancy.

In this article, we have explored all the options and provided you with answers regarding all. Read more to find out.

What Causes Itching During Pregnancy?

There are a number of reasons behind your body’s itching during pregnancy. With the baby developing inside the womb, your belly starts to grow in size, which causes itching.

Spiking levels of hormones during pregnancy can also cause itching. Cholestasis, perfumes, or fabrics can also be a reason for itching during pregnancy.

Here are the major reasons why your body might be itching during pregnancy –

Stretching Skin: stretching might be an issue if you are expecting twins or triplets. Having multiple babies stretches your Skin more than having a single baby.

Dryness: due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the Skin may take an itchy, flaky, and dry appearance.

Perfumes of Fabrics: if you are allergic to some minerals, chemicals or materials, a perfume or a fabric might be causing you trouble.

Hormones: hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your body in different ways. It can affect your blood circulation and often lead to itchiness.

Cholestasis: Cholestasis is a liver disorder, and it can cause acid bile to build up in the blood, causing the feeling of itchiness.

PUPPP: (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy) or PUPPP is an itchy rash that occurs around the stretch mark that affects your body during late pregnancy during the later phase of your life.

Prurigo: these crusty, itchy bumps on the arms, abdomen, and legs appear during any trimester.

Understand What’s Causing the Itchiness During Pregnancy

Now the most difficult part is to understand which reason is causing the itchiness during pregnancy. There’s a way to locate it. You can understand the nature of the itchiness by locating where in the body you are feeling the itchiness.

If the itching is happening on the tummy or the breast skin, thirst is due to the changes in the Skin. But if you are experiencing itchiness close to the areas where you have stretch marks or thirst because of PUPPP. On the other hand, if the itchiness is around your arm or legs, then the reason can be a fabric material or chemicals on a perfume.

Itching during pregnancy is normal; it happens occasionally. But, if you experience itchiness around the arm, legs, or belly, your body might need attention. Some women also experience itching in their vagina during pregnancy. This is definitely a symptom that needs close attention.

Generally, some women face itchiness during pregnancy that doesn’t go away until the baby is born. However, if you experience an itchiness during pregnancy and if it stays for a prolonged period, consider discussing it with your healthcare provider.

When is It Normal?

Common to have mild itching around the abdominal area during pregnancy. It is common and easy to handle. But, if the itchiness is happening close to your palm, your hand, and your feet, then it might be a cause for concern.

Sometimes, it can be more serious during pregnancy and can cause cholestasis, a condition that happens when acid Biles build up inside your blood. The result is itchiness.

But what is normal Itchiness? It depends on where the itchiness starts and what are the reasons behind it.

Here are the key points you need to consider –

Cause: Itching close to the abdomen during pregnancy when the baby grows is common during pregnancy.

Location: it’s happening most commonly around the belly.

Severity: when the itchiness is common and mild, it can be managed with lotion.

What Should be Avoided During Pregnancy Itching

How to stop itching during pregnancy? If you are experiencing itching during pregnancy, then it could be due to different reasons. Avoiding those reasons can often help you find a solution. Here’s what to avoid if you are itching during pregnancy –

Strong Perfumes: Sometimes, some perfumes and fragrances cause itchiness during pregnancy. These instances are visible around your arms and your legs. Avoid using perfumes that are making your body itch.

Avoid Hot Showers: Dry skin is often the reason for itchiness during pregnancy. Hot water can cause itchiness.

Spicy food, Alcohol, and Caffeine: having too much spicy food, alcohol, or caffeine often causes itchiness during pregnancy. Don’t use Synthetic Materials: Another reason that can cause your body to start to itch is synthetic materials.

Certain Skin Medications: there are specific skin medications like retinol, salicylic acid, minocycline, and antibiotics that can cause itchiness during pregnancy.

Other Things You Can Try to Reduce Itching

• Loose fitting clothing
• Applying fragrance cream-free lotion
• Taking an oatmeal bath
• Using humidifier
• Stay hydrated
• Reducing anxiety and stress

Home Remedies and Myths

The biggest myth regarding itchiness during pregnancy and its Solution is scratching. In fact, many people also believe that using harsh soaps and detergents is a healthy way of relieving itchiness.

Here are some myths you must avoid if you are also feeling scratchy and itching during pregnancy –

Scratching is the only Solution.

It’s not the only Solution. In fact, scratching only leaves your Skin with more scars and can cause infection.

All Itching During Pregnancy is Serious

All isn’t a serious symptoms during pregnancy. Mild itching is common during any phase of your life. But, if you are experiencing severe itching, do consult your healthcare specialist for help.

Harsh Soaps are Fine

No, they are not. Harsh soaps are more alkaline in nature and can worsen the itching symptoms. The best way to alleviate the itching is by moisturizing your Skin and having the necessary medications provided by your healthcare provider.

Applying Heat Helps

No, you should absolutely not apply heat to the areas of your Skin that are itching. It will only worsen the situation.

Tips to Alleviate Itching

If your skin is itching during pregnancy, it can be due to any of the reasons we have explained here. But none of that gives you a reason to scratch. Scratching doesn’t help alleviate that itchiness. This can cause your Skin to go dry. Here are simple recovery techniques for your Skin –

Apply Cold

Use a washcloth or an ice pack to keep your itchiness to a minimum level. In fact, applying cold compress on your Skin can help you reduce your skin itchiness.

Moisturize

Lotions and creams are free of fragrances. These are great for keeping the level of moisture intact on your Skin. You can apply aloe Vera gel directly to the itchy area and get temporary relief.

Warm Oatmeal Bath

You can also have an oatmeal bath occasionally.  Use oatmeal bath powder available in drugstores or online to give yourself a soothing bathing experience.

Apply Medicines Before Moisturizing

Before you moisturize your skin, don’t forget to apply for medicines if your doctor prescribes It’s best to ask your healthcare provider to prescribe good quality anti-itch medicines that are also available over the counter.

When to See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor if you are seeing a significant level of persistent itching during pregnancy.

Especially when you have a severe level of itchiness, it’s localized to the palms of your Skin and your feet. It’s best to get medical help. On top of that, if you are also experiencing yellowing of your skin, don’t stay away from accepting treatment. When it significantly disrupts the sleep cycle and causes trouble to your daily livelihood, consult a healthcare professional for more help.

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