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What Causes Itching During Pregnancy?
Itching during pregnancy is super common and totally normal most of the time. Take a look at the main reasons:
- Hormonal changes: From the very start of pregnancy, your hormone levels and blood flow increase. These changes can make your skin feel dry or irritated, which often leads to itching.
- Stretching skin: As your baby grows, your skin stretches to accommodate your expanding belly. This can make areas like your abdomen, breasts, or even your bottom feel dry and itchy. Simple home remedies for itching during pregnancy can help bring relief.
- Dry skin: Pregnancy hormones can make your skin lose moisture faster. That’s why it may feel flaky or itchy out of the blue.
- Sensitivity to fabrics or perfumes: Sometimes, it’s not just your body but what you’re wearing or using. Synthetic fabrics, strong perfumes, or scented soaps can irritate your skin and make the itching worse.
- Existing skin conditions: If you have conditions like eczema or psoriasis, pregnancy hormones might cause flare-ups.
Skin Conditions That Cause Itching During Pregnancy
Sometimes, body itching during pregnancy at night is linked to specific conditions.Here's what you need to know:
- Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP): Big name, but don’t worry. It's a common pregnancy condition that shows up as itchy red spots or pimple-like dots. They often start around stretch marks and spread to your arms, legs, or belly. It’s more common in late pregnancy and doesn’t harm your baby. PUPPP rashes usually go away a few weeks after delivery.
- Prurigo of pregnancy: This involves small, crusty, itchy bumps on your arms, legs, or abdomen. It can occur at any point during pregnancy and may persist after delivery. It’s thought to be caused by immune system changes during pregnancy and poses no risk to your baby.
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP): This is a more serious liver condition. It causes severe itching on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, which often worsens at night. It may lead to symptoms like dark urine, pale stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). ICP typically starts around week 30, but can appear as early as week 8.
Home Remedies for Itchy Skin During Pregnancy
Itchy skin during pregnancy can really test your patience. It can keep you awake at night or make you restless during the day. The good thing is that there are simple, natural ways to calm the itch and keep your skin feeling better.These are some easy home remedies for itchy skin during pregnancy that you can try:
- Avoid scratching: Scratching only makes it worse and can irritate your skin more. Try to distract yourself and use soothing remedies instead.
- Stay cool: Heat makes itching worse. Stick to breathable cotton clothes, stay out of direct sun, and place a cool, damp cloth on itchy spots for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Moisturise regularly: Dry skin loves moisture. So apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser frequently to your belly, legs, and other itchy areas. Natural options like shea butter, coconut oil, or olive oil can also hydrate your skin and reduce the urge to scratch.
- Take cool baths or showers: Hot water can dry out your skin, so stick to cooler temperatures. Pat your skin dry gently and moisturise right after to lock in hydration.
- Soak your feet: If your feet or lower legs are itchy, soak them in a bowl of cool water to reduce irritation. Follow up with a moisturiser to keep the skin soft.
- Use a cooling spray: A spray with soothing ingredients like aloe, peppermint, or eucalyptus can cool and calm itchy skin. Spritz it over your body for quick relief.
- Massage itchy areas: One of the simple home remedies for itchy skin during pregnancy is asking your partner or a loved one to gently massage the itchy spots with a mild lotion or oil.
- Use a humidifier: Dry indoor air makes itching worse. A humidifier can add moisture to your room air. Just make sure to clean it regularly to avoid germs.
- Check your products: If you suspect perfumes, soaps, or detergents are causing irritation, switch to fragrance-free or homemade versions.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and try coconut water for extra hydration.
How to Get Relief from Itching During Pregnancy: Medical Options
You might need medical treatments if home remedies for itchy skin during pregnancy aren’t enough.Always talk to your doctor before trying these:
- Calamine lotion: This pink lotion, you might remember from childhood, can temporarily ease itching. Its safety during pregnancy isn’t fully studied, so check with your doctor first.
- Topical steroids or antihistamines: Your doctor might prescribe topical steroids or oral antihistamines to reduce severe itching.
- Hydrocortisone cream: For extreme itching from PUPPP, a small amount of hydrocortisone ointment may be suggested. Use it only as directed by your doctor.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Pregnancy Skin Care: Gentle Remedies for Itchiness
- What ingredients should I avoid in skincare products during pregnancy?
It’s best to avoid retinoids, hydroquinone, formaldehyde, phthalates, and chemical sunscreens. - Does pregnancy make the skin more prone to sunburn?
Yes, hormonal changes can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing pregnancy-safe mineral sunscreen helps reduce the risk.
