During pregnancy, the body of women undergoes global changes, and the expectant mother is faced with big amount new, and not always pleasant states. One of the problems, which is not necessarily a symptom of any disease, but brings a lot of inconvenience, is itchy skin. The body itches during pregnancy not at all for all mothers, but for most- it may be itching that occurs from time to time, or it may be permanent, the itching may appear on its own, or it may be combined with other symptoms, it may not change its character during the day, or it may intensify in the evening. But in any case, before taking any action, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist, an infectious disease specialist, a gynecologist who will find the cause of skin itching and eliminate it.
Why does the skin itch during pregnancy? You will not get an unequivocal answer to this question from any doctor - in each case, itching can be caused by different reasons.
To date, several theories have been put forward to explain the appearance of pruritus in pregnant women.
Firstly, we can talk about the appearance of stretch marks: rapidly growing breasts, abdomen overstretch the skin, and severe itching can occur in places where the fibers break, which is a precursor to stretch marks. It is clear that in this case it will itch in the area where stretch marks appear - it can be the stomach, hips, buttocks, chest. As a rule, such itching occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy; women who are genetically predisposed and have recovered greatly during pregnancy are at risk.
Another reason that can cause itching is cholestasis of pregnancy., which is caused by disturbances in the functioning of the liver, provoked by changes occurring in the body during pregnancy. Usually this condition is also accompanied by reddening of the feet and palms, which are very itchy. Over time, itching can spread to the whole body, and in the evening and at night it usually intensifies. As a rule, cholestasis of pregnant women manifests itself in the third trimester. The symptoms of this disease, in addition to itching, also include darkening of the urine; but the stool, on the contrary, becomes lighter. The risk group includes women with chronic diseases of the biliary tract, with high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
Hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman often lead to the development of cholestasis, respectively, and itching - itching is localized on the feet and palms and you can get rid of it only after childbirth.
A variety of skin diseases can also cause itching.- it can be dermatosis, eczema of pregnant women, it can be a skin fungus and other diseases that are accompanied not only by itching, but also by peeling, skin rashes, swelling, and so on.
A fairly common cause of itching is also various allergic reactions, which can also be accompanied by redness, rashes and other symptoms. Almost any product can act as a provocation for an allergic reaction - a new shampoo, washing powder, exotic fruits, seafood, plant pollen, and so on. Therefore, pregnancy is not the best time to experiment. If you notice allergic manifestations, you should try to quickly find the allergen and exclude its effect on the body.
And finally, another common cause is excessive sweating.. Sweat that collects in the folds of the skin can cause discomfort including itching. If you notice that you begin to sweat more during pregnancy, try to shower more often, change into clean clothes more often, and it is preferable to wear clothes made from natural fabrics. Be sure to tell your doctor about increased sweating.
The above are far from all the reasons that can cause itching during pregnancy - unfortunately, itching can be a symptom of more serious diseases - it can be hepatitis or diabetes. That is why you should not neglect the advice of a doctor. Despite the fact that skin itching does not affect the child’s condition in any way, it brings quite a lot of discomfort to a woman, it can cause a bad mood, in addition, it can be a symptom of a serious illness.
Regarding the treatment of itching during pregnancy, then we are talking about identifying and eliminating the cause that causes it. Initially, the doctor will prescribe a woman examination, then treatment and diet.
It is also necessary for the expectant mother to learn how to properly care for her skin - take a warm shower as often as possible, rub with a towel. Do not neglect the massage, alternating stroking and rubbing - such a massage will be useful for expectant mothers who are prone to stretch marks. After a shower, apply moisturizer to the body. light cream to avoid increased itching when the skin dries out. Avoid overheating, drink plenty of fluids, and choose loose, comfortable clothing made from natural fabrics.
Particularly close attention should be paid to your cosmetics - choose only safe gels, creams without fragrances and other harmful chemicals.
If you unquestioningly follow all the prescriptions of your doctor, but do not notice any improvement, be sure to let the specialist know about this - additional examinations will be prescribed to help identify the true cause of the itching and eliminate it.
No wonder our grandmothers said that pregnancy is a stress for the body. Whatever a pregnant woman has to endure in order to endure and give birth to a healthy baby. Some of the “signs” are only toxicosis, and some women don’t know it at all, but most women in an interesting position have much more tests. One of them is itching during pregnancy. Why does the skin itch during pregnancy? Many pregnant women want an answer to this question.
As we have already said, during pregnancy, the female body is faced with a serious load. First of all, it is a hormonal surge. While the body adapts to the hormonal change, a woman may experience various inconveniences, ranging from mood swings and taste preferences, to skin itching. Often pregnant women complain that the skin is very itchy. It occurs in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, around the 5th month. The reasons may be different.
Why does the body itch?
Not only a hormonal surge can provoke itchy skin. This can happen due to various diseases. For example, with liver disease. In this case, the woman not only suffers from discomfort, the disease manifests itself in different ways: a tingling sensation may appear (like thousands of the finest needles pierce delicate skin), and a burning sensation and even a rash. By the way, if the liver suffers, then a rash appears on the limbs (arms and legs). In the practice of gynecologists, there is an unspoken term "pruritus of pregnant women or itching of the liver." Those women who have recently suffered such diseases as cystitis, hepatitis (form "A"), cholecystitis may face this problem. In addition, it is possible that women over 37 years of age may suffer from pruritus, even if the liver is absolutely healthy.
The second reason for skin itching is a hormonal surge. Let's dwell on this issue in more detail. The fact is that the body during pregnancy produces in in large numbers female hormones (these are estrogens), and the liver does not have time to cope with them. It turns out that some substances do not have time to be processed, and bile accumulates in the body (pregnancy cholestasis). Further, these substances enter the muscle fibers together with the blood and irritate the nerve endings. Now the cause of itching during pregnancy is clear.
If you are worried about just such an itch (the reason can be found out after consulting a gynecologist and narrow specialists), then you do not need to be upset in advance. It is important to help the body quickly cope with the problem and begin treatment.
If you experience discomfort and your skin itches periodically, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist who observes your pregnancy. After passing the necessary tests and examining a narrow specialist, you will be prescribed the appropriate treatment. If there is no need to take medication, then you can get by with sedatives: use milk, body cream, take soothing baths.
In general, you can quickly cope with discomfort only with the help of hormonal drugs, but for a pregnant woman, such methods of treatment are unacceptable. Therefore, you need to be patient and resort to folk remedies. By the way, your doctor will recommend that you endure skin itching or take enzymes that will help the liver cope with a double load. Regular activated charcoal will do. Just remember that long-term use of this drug can lead to constipation.
When Your Hormones Are Right
The cause of skin itching may be different - every week the woman's tummy gradually increases. The baby is growing, and itching may appear due to the fact that the skin is quickly stretched. The stomach itches during pregnancy in those women who do not use moisturizers, if the skin is too dry, when the woman is carrying a large baby, or if the pregnancy is multiple.
The medical term for pruritus is "dermatosis of pregnancy." It is not uncommon for a rash to join a banal skin itch. It is possible to get rid of discomfort, but, unfortunately, not completely. A woman needs to constantly moisturize her skin. For these purposes, baby oil, olive oil, a special cream for pregnant women (for stretch marks), as well as cleansing and exfoliating products are suitable.
If the chest itches during pregnancy, as well as the stomach and other “growing” parts of the body, more attention should be paid to these areas. Buy a collagen cream and rub it on problem areas every day after taking a shower. It is important not only to use products that soften the skin, but also to do a light body massage. While showering, aim the jet of water at your thighs (and other areas) and lightly pinch your skin. By the way, subject the tummy to this procedure the least. It is enough to rub the stomach, as well as the chest with a hard terry towel immediately after the shower.
If it is not possible to buy a special skin softening cream for pregnant women, you can make such a remedy yourself.
You can make your own cream for stretch marks yourself if you prepare the following components:
- liquid honey - 1 tsp;
- tincture of calendula - 50 g;
- tincture of menthol - 50 drops;
- wine or apple cider vinegar - 1 tbsp.
All ingredients must be mixed in a bowl, and then poured into a container convenient for use. You need to apply a home remedy after a light peeling of the skin. To speed up the process of tissue renewal, you need to use a scrub. It can also be made independently from sugar mixed with any oil or ground coffee with the addition of olive oil and a few drops of any essential oil (read the instructions, not all essential oils can be used during pregnancy).
If the cause of itching is a fungus
Very often, a pregnant woman suffers from itching of the genitals. As soon as the long-awaited pregnancy occurs, the microflora changes and for these reasons itching and even white curdled discharge may appear. This is a milkmaid. Every woman has it different reasons, only one thing is clear - the microflora of the mucosa is disturbed and help is needed. A pregnant woman may be given drug treatment, it can be a cream or candles. It is forbidden to take antifungal drugs during pregnancy!
How to get rid of genital itching during pregnancy? Our grandmothers also advised their daughters effective remedy: you need to dissolve salt or a few crystals of potassium permanganate in warm boiled water. Can be added to regular boiled water a few drops of iodine. This solution should be douched and washed twice a day. Remember that iodine, salt and potassium permanganate dry out the mucous membrane, so it's important not to overdo it.
Unpleasant diseases that cause discomfort to a woman are scabies and eczema. The first option is unlikely, except to “pick up” a tick in the hospital through bedding (using feather beds and feather pillows). The second is possible, especially if a woman suffered from skin diseases before conception. During pregnancy, all chronic diseases are exacerbated. This must be remembered.
Allergic reaction of the body
When the body itches early dates pregnancy, it is possible that the cause of discomfort is an allergic reaction.
Then a pregnant woman needs:
- limit contact with animals;
- try not to be in dirty rooms where there is a lot of dust;
- avoid direct sunlight on the skin;
- do not sleep on a feather pillow;
- avoid contact with woolen things;
- eliminate allergenic foods from the diet.
If the cause of itching is an allergic reaction, then you can get rid of it only if you remove the irritation factor. It will not be possible to cure an allergy forever, but you can follow the recommendations of a doctor and adhere to proper nutrition in order to alleviate the condition.
What should a future mother do?
No matter what part of the body causes inconvenience to a woman, you need to seek help from a specialist. Only the attending physician will be able to identify the exact cause of the itching. If there is a suspicion of abnormal liver function, then it is necessary to undergo a series of additional examinations: do an ultrasound scan, take a blood test. If a woman needs help, then she may need to go to a hospital in order to undergo a course of treatment under the supervision of specialists.
If the cause of itching does not pose a danger to the health of the baby and mom, then these tips will help you alleviate the condition:
- Recall and list the foods that you have eaten in the past few weeks. It is important to exclude heavy foods: fried, salty, fatty. It is also not recommended to lean on seafood and overseas fruits. They just can cause allergies. Eat more seasonal vegetables and fruits, prunes and dried apricots to improve the functioning of the intestines and stomach. Taboo for sweets! Instead of pastries, sweets and cakes, you can drink a glass of freshly squeezed juice, make homemade yogurt and add a handful of dried fruits, nuts and frozen berries.
- Cleanliness comes first! Nobody canceled the rules of hygiene. A pregnant woman should take a shower every day (2-3 times a day in summer). If the water is hard, a filter must be installed. Instead of your favorite shower gel, it is now better to purchase hypoallergenic preparations or a children's series.
- You can also get rid of itching with the help of a cream. Choose a product without a pronounced aroma and dyes. The pharmacy sells a lot of products intended for expectant mothers. In extreme cases, you can buy a regular moisturizer baby cream or take olive oil(cold pressed).
- Don't forget to drink! If you do not have edema, then you need to drink up to 2 liters of pure water per day.
- It is possible to improve the condition of the body simple ways: walks in the fresh air and sleep and cool, well-ventilated room.
- Revisit your wardrobe. It is possible that itchy skin appears due to improperly selected underwear. Wear underwear only from natural fabrics, it is better not to wear synthetics. By the way, clothes should be spacious and comfortable.
- Do not be lazy to take herbal baths at least 1-2 times a week. Just before picking up herbs, get a consultation with a gynecologist. It will help alleviate the condition of chamomile, calendula and a decoction of a string.
- If one of the areas itches, for example, when legs itch during pregnancy, then you can apply a soothing compress to this place from oatmeal steamed in herbal decoction or milk.
- It is forbidden to overheat in the sun and take hot baths.
- Try to relax and avoid scratching your skin.
- A healthy herbal cocktail will help not only reduce itching, but also improve digestion, refresh the skin and give you a great mood. Prepare a drink from such herbs: chamomile, lime blossom, calendula and sage (we take 1 tsp each). Pour boiling water over dry grass (1.5 l), put on the stove and heat over low heat for 5 minutes. After that, remove from heat and leave to cool completely. During this time, the broth will infuse and it can be filtered. You can drink a healthy drink for 1 glass in the morning and in the evening after meals.
Itching during pregnancy gives a woman a lot of inconvenience, her mood, appetite and sleep may even deteriorate. Try to calm down and not get hung up on this problem, because a baby is developing inside you and very soon he will be born.
Pregnancy is a state that fills a woman with happiness and joy, a sense of the importance of the upcoming event - the birth of a baby.
But sometimes the expectation of a newborn is overshadowed by some discomfort and unpleasant sensations that are characteristic of this period. One of these sensations is itching that occurs in different parts of the body. This raises some concerns and questions. Why does itching occur during pregnancy? How dangerous is it and is it dangerous at all? Should I immediately rush to the doctor?
Why does itching occur during pregnancy
Itching is a sensation in which a person constantly or periodically has a desire to comb a certain area of the body. Almost all pregnant women, having discovered the appearance of itching, panic and immediately run to the doctor. However, there is not always a reason for excessive concern.
Itching during pregnancy does not necessarily indicate serious disorders in the body of a woman, although it causes quite unpleasant sensations.
The causes of itching during pregnancy can be very diverse, but the most common are the following:
Hormonal restructuring, which provokes a loss of skin elasticity due to a decrease in the productivity of collagen and elastin;
Stretching of the skin due to an ever-increasing abdomen, multiple pregnancy, significant weight gain;
Excessive dryness of the skin as a result of dehydration;
increased sweating;
Nervous fatigue, stressful conditions, disorders of the nervous system. In this case, the itching is worse at night;
Mechanical damage from tight clothing.
In the body of a woman after conception, natural hormonal changes begin. At the very beginning of pregnancy, a very important hormone, progesterone, accumulates. Directly it is the key to the successful bearing and proper development of the child. And progesterone itself can be the cause of dryness and sensitivity of the skin, which, combined with stretching, provoke itching during pregnancy.
Usually, severe itching appears as a result of rapid weight gain at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy, when the growth and enhanced development of the fetus begins. Itching is a kind of sign that the increase in body weight of a pregnant woman is too rapid, causing inconvenience to the body.
Itching can also cause increased sweating, which most often occurs in the second half of pregnancy. Hot weather, too active daily routine of a pregnant woman, improperly chosen clothes are the reasons that contribute to excessive sweating. The result is skin irritation that causes unbearable itching.
Itching in the intimate area during pregnancy
Most often, itching without discharge during pregnancy occurs for the following reasons:
Hypothermia or overheating;
Constant use of antibacterial alkaline means for intimate hygiene;
Wearing synthetics;
Use of daily scented pads;
Allergy to medications or certain foods;
Lack of iron in the body.
Itching in the intimate area during pregnancy may be accompanied by other symptoms: various discharges, sometimes with a bad smell, pain in the abdomen, burning, redness and swelling of the mucosa, lethargy and painful condition. In such cases, itching and burning during pregnancy can be symptoms of the following diseases:
all kinds of dermatitis- accompanied by itching without discharge and odor during pregnancy. They develop as a result of wearing synthetics, annoying shaving in the genital area, or the presence of other provoking factors;
vaginal dysbacteriosis- this disease is caused by a violation of the microflora of the vagina (may be the result of taking antibiotics, irregular hygiene procedures, as well as hormonal changes in the female body);
thrush- with itching and burning, white curdled discharge appears;
inflammation in the vaginal mucosa(adnexitis, bartholinitis, vaginitis, vulvitis, colpitis, cervicitis);
genital herpes- accompanied by painful rashes;
genital infections- accompanied by discharge of a yellowish tint;
diabetes;
diseases of the kidneys and urinary system.
Itching and discharge during pregnancy in most cases are normal, but sometimes they can signal some problems, such as the development of infectious diseases, an acute inflammatory process, skin diseases, or internal organs. Therefore, it is still necessary to see a doctor. After all, only he can figure out where the norm is, and where treatment is required.
Itchy abdomen during pregnancy
Complaints of abdominal itching during pregnancy in most cases are associated with stretching of the skin, which occurs as a result of intensive development of the fetus and rapid weight gain future mother.
Also, itching of the abdomen may indicate skin diseases or allergies: food (for food), medication (for vitamins, cosmetics, drugs) or contact (for rinse aid, powder, synthetic fabrics).
In some cases, the stomach itches during exacerbation of diseases of the internal organs, in particular, the liver. Itching may manifest itself as hepatitis, cholecystitis, or another disorder. This symptom most often intensifies at night, is supplemented by burning and has a pronounced character.
Breast itching during pregnancy
Breast itching during pregnancy is completely normal. It is caused by the gradual production of milk in the mammary glands, the breast enlarges and the skin is stretched. The influx of fluid can also be felt by a woman as itching. Almost all pregnant women have experienced this condition.
In addition, hormonal changes can be the cause of itching, which is also a normal reaction of the body.
The skin of a pregnant woman becomes quite sensitive. This may result in an allergic reaction to cosmetical tools, clothes and powders. And my chest starts to itch. It is very important in such cases not to scratch itchy areas. Scratching the breasts, especially the nipples, can lead to an infection that will lead to complications.
Breast itching during pregnancy can be triggered by another reason - a tight bra. Since the mammary glands of the expectant mother are gradually pouring, they definitely need new larger underwear.
Itchy feet during pregnancy
Itching of the legs may appear in the last trimester of pregnancy as a result of swelling of the tissues. This is because a woman's body weight increases, and there is a large load on her legs, especially if she is prone to varicose veins.
In addition, in a pregnant woman, the level of estrogen in the blood rises, which can provoke stagnation of bile in the liver. In turn, bile acids accumulate in the body and cause itching of the skin. In this case, after the test, a high content of bilirubin and ALT will be noted.
Itchy feet can also be caused by allergies, hives, and various fungal skin diseases. As a rule, after childbirth, the condition returns to normal on its own and the legs stop itching.
Diagnosis of itching during pregnancy
After the onset of itching during pregnancy, it is advisable not to self-medicate and not use grandmother's recipes on your own. First of all, a pregnant woman should consult a qualified specialist to determine the cause of this condition. After all, it is simply impossible to diagnose the above causes of itching during pregnancy at home.
If itching during pregnancy is felt in the intimate area, the woman should inform the attending gynecologist about this, who will take the necessary measures to diagnose the cause of the itching.
Diagnosis of itching during pregnancy consists of certain medical studies and tests to establish the correct diagnosis:
Measurement of body temperature (fever indicates inflammation or infection, which very often provokes itching);
Examination by a gynecologist, which allows you to establish the degree of development of itching, determine the redness of the genitals and swelling of the mucous membrane;
General clinical and biochemical blood test (namely, determination of the level of sugar, thyroid hormones, estrogens, liver enzymes);
Bacterioscopy (examination of vaginal discharge);
General analysis of urine and feces;
ultrasound abdominal cavity to confirm or refute the presence of diseases of the liver and gallbladder.
If itching during pregnancy raises suspicion of an allergy and there is a rash similar to hives, you need to correctly diagnose the disease in order to eliminate the allergen as soon as possible (any product, cat or dog hair, pollen). Skin tests, blood tests for allergens and immunological tests are performed to establish allergic reactions.
As a rule, the diagnosis of itching during pregnancy is the prerogative of a dermatologist. Before consulting a dermatologist, it is advisable for a pregnant woman not to carry out any actions for self-treatment. It is not recommended to lubricate itchy skin folk remedies, apply drugs to it - subsequently, these measures can significantly complicate the diagnosis.
How to eliminate itching during pregnancy?
Treatment of itching during pregnancy is prescribed depending on the underlying cause of its formation. To alleviate the condition and reduce itching, you can use the following tips:
Change underwear, it should not contain synthetics, be exclusively from natural fabrics, preferably from cotton;
Take a pleasant shower at least 2 times a day;
Take herbal baths using coltsfoot, chamomile, or yarrow;
Apply special softeners and humidifiers for baths;
After a shower and bath, treat itchy areas with baby cream, cosmetic oil or milk;
Use products with aloe or cocoa butter to moisturize the skin;
Limit the use of scented products, cosmetics and household chemicals (deodorants, perfumes, creams, soaps and pads that include fragrances);
Use hypoallergenic products;
Drink more fluids;
Protect skin from heat, wind and direct exposure to ultraviolet rays.
The feeling of itching during pregnancy can be reduced thanks to a properly selected diet, excluding spicy, smoked and salty foods, spices, strong coffee and tea from the diet.
Expectant mother must comply important rule: itchy areas are not allowed to comb! This contributes to increased itching, damage, redness and irritation of too delicate skin. Performing hygiene procedures, comfortable clothing, optimal air temperature are circumstances that are of great importance for reducing itching during pregnancy.
Drug treatment of itching during pregnancy
Since there may be several causes of itching during pregnancy, only a specialist can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Therefore, all drugs to eliminate itching are used only after a doctor's prescription.
If the cause of itching during pregnancy is a violation of the liver, then the following treatment is prescribed:
Take activated charcoal once a day (1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight);
Drink a course of karsil and no-shpy to improve liver function;
Follow a diet that excludes fried, fatty, smoked and spicy foods.
If itching is due to an allergy:
The main irritant that caused the allergic reaction is eliminated;
The diet is adjusted with the exclusion of allergenic foods;
Antihistamines are prescribed (can be taken only at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy).
If, nevertheless, an infection of the genitourinary system is found, then do not panic. The main thing is to quickly eliminate the bacterium that caused it. To do this, the doctor will prescribe:
Medicated suppositories of local action, which are safe for the child;
washing intimate zone 2-3 times a day with herbal decoctions (oak bark, St. John's wort, mint, chamomile, celandine);
Sedentary herbal baths (chamomile, sage).
For dermatoses, moisturizers and special talkers are prescribed to eliminate itching, which are purchased at a pharmacy.
Prevention of itching during pregnancy
To prevent itching during pregnancy, experts recommend that before planning a conception, it is imperative to treat all chronic diseases that bothered a woman before the start of this new period of life. In addition, you must adhere to the following simple rules:
Control your body weight. Very rapid weight gain increases the likelihood of severe skin stretching and stretch marks;
Regularly monitor personal hygiene, keep the body dry and clean;
After water procedures, use moisturizers with a neutral pH level that prevent dry skin;
Do not use scented cosmetics and perfumes (toilet paper, cream, shower gel or pads);
Do a skin massage, it will help prevent the appearance of stretch marks and skin itching;
Do not stay in stuffy and hot rooms, which contribute to increased itching;
Try not to get deodorant on the skin of the chest, as this can cause it to dry out;
When washing, use a phosphate-free washing powder, preferably for children;
Pay attention to the quality of your linen. Bra and panties must be made of natural material, preferably from cotton fabric;
Underwear should be in size and not restrict movement;
Drink enough water to maintain optimal skin balance;
Adhere to the principles of proper nutrition.
By following these recommendations, you can avoid discomfort and discomfort during the period of bearing a child. But if you still have itching during pregnancy, you should not self-medicate. It is better to visit a medical institution to get professional advice from a doctor.
All the complications that arise during pregnancy include one thing, which is not necessarily a sign of some kind of disease, but it certainly brings discomfort, and sometimes even drives you crazy - it's skin itching. This is not to say that if you become pregnant, you will certainly encounter this problem. But absolutely everyone has a chance, because practice shows that the skin of many expectant mothers itches.
This may be constant or occasional itching, it may appear alone or in combination with other symptoms, increase in the evening or not change its character. But be that as it may, before doing anything, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist, an infectious disease specialist and a dermatologist and find the cause of the skin itch.
Why does the skin itch during pregnancy?
To the question: “Doctor, why do I itch during pregnancy?” No doctor will definitely answer you, because there is simply no exact answer. But still, for some reason, the skin itches, and the reason for this must be sought.
There are several theories regarding the occurrence of pruritus during pregnancy. Causes are looking for depending on the manifestations. It can be:
- The appearance of stretch marks: due to the rapidly growing chest and abdomen, the skin is overstretched and severe itching occurs at the points of fiber rupture, preceding the appearance of striae. Such itching is localized in the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, chest, and sometimes the upper arms. It occurs in the second half of pregnancy, most often in genetically predisposed and fairly recovered mothers.
- Cholestasis of pregnancy: caused by a malfunction due to . It is mainly accompanied by reddening of the palms and feet, which are very itchy. Over time, itching spreads to the whole body and intensifies in the evening and at night. Cholestasis of pregnancy most often occurs in the third trimester. At the same time, urine can noticeably darken, but on the contrary become lighter. The risk group includes women with high blood cholesterol levels and chronic diseases of the biliary tract.
- Hormonal changes: they are often the cause of the development of cholestasis. Such itching is also localized on the palms and feet and disappears only after childbirth.
- Skin diseases: often there is dermatosis and eczema of pregnant women, skin fungus and other diseases accompanied by itching and other manifestations on the skin (peeling, rashes, swelling).
- Allergic reactions: usually accompanied by rash, redness and itching, as well as other associated symptoms. A provocateur can be washing powder, a new shampoo, seafood, exotic fruits, plant pollen, and anything else. Therefore, it is better not to experiment with anything now. In the case of an allergy, it is first necessary to exclude the effect of the allergen on the body.
- Excessive sweating: Sweat that collects in the folds of the skin can cause itching and discomfort. If you find yourself sweating more, take a shower more often and change into clean clothes (necessarily made from natural fabrics). Telling the doctor that the sweating has intensified will also not be superfluous.
Among the causes of itching can be such serious diseases as hepatitis. Therefore, it is still necessary to start your research and solve the problem with a visit to the doctor. And even though skin itching does not affect the child in any way, it certainly brings discomfort to the mother, it can also be the cause of a bad mood and even pose a certain threat if it is a sign of some kind of illness. A latest research and do show that itching increases the risks of an unfavorable course of not only pregnancy, but also childbirth.
How to eliminate skin itching during pregnancy?
The solution to the problem depends on the identified cause. With cholecystitis or other medical diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe an examination, treatment and diet. In addition, you need to properly care for your skin. Try to take a warm (or summer), but not a hot shower more often, rub yourself with a towel. Massage with alternating strokes and rubbing is especially useful for those prone to stretch marks - it will significantly alleviate your condition.
After showering, always apply a light moisturizer to your body, as drying out the skin can make it more itchy. Try not to overheat, wear loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics, and drink plenty of fluids.
Pay special attention to cosmetics - these should be the safest creams and gels without fragrances and other harmful substances. There are also many recipes for traditional medicine for itchy skin.
Especially for- Elena Kichak
Skin itching during pregnancy is not a very common phenomenon. Most often, the skin begins to itch unbearably (as after mosquito bites) in the evening, closer to night, which can provoke insomnia and generally worsen a woman’s mood. Usually itching does not harm the baby and goes away after childbirth. However, it is still worth consulting with a gynecologist and dermatologist.
What does it come from?
The cause of itching during pregnancy in most cases is a violation of the liver: the production and outflow of bile, a general increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood. This is due to a hormonal failure in the body of the future mother - a violation of the synthesis of estrogens, as well as due to fetal pressure on the bile ducts. The fatty acids produced in large quantities enter the woman's skin with the bloodstream and irritate the nerve endings, causing excruciating itching. Similar phenomena associated with stagnation of bile in the body can make themselves felt in the third trimester of pregnancy. Sometimes itching is accompanied by such dangerous diseases as diabetes mellitus.
Who is predisposed?
Itching during pregnancy is usually observed in women with chronic diseases of the biliary tract and with high level cholesterol in the blood. Such future mothers need to regularly (at least once a month) do a biochemical blood test to exclude toxic effects on liver cells.
How to fight?
A pregnant woman should tell her gynecologist about the discomfort associated with skin itching. In some cases, itching can be a sign of the development of such a dangerous disease as hepatitis. The doctor will conduct appropriate examinations. If, according to an objective examination, itching does not pose any danger, it is often possible to get rid of discomfort simply by following a diet aimed at lowering cholesterol levels, limiting the intake of fatty, spicy and salty foods that prevent the liver from coping with the function of bile secretion, as well as drinking plenty of water - it is necessary to eliminate dry skin. If the diet does not help, the doctor may prescribe choleretic drugs suitable for pregnant women.
It is important to find the cause of the bothersome itching, eliminating a whole group of skin diseases that can occur during pregnancy.
Itching in the abdomen and chest
This itch is worth mentioning separately. As a rule, the skin on the abdomen or chest itches in the second and third trimesters due to its stretching, because it is these parts of the body that increase in volume during pregnancy. In this case, it is very important not to scratch the skin - this will lead to the appearance of stretch marks, which, unlike itching, will not go away after childbirth. Regularly use moisturizing creams, special products against stretch marks, do a light massage of the chest and abdomen in a circular motion fingers and do not take hot showers.
You can get answers to any questions about pregnancy and childbirth from leading EMC experts in the classroom.