Itching during pregnancy has become common. Women who feel joyous when they see a positive sign in the pregnancy kit tend to feel uncomfortable with the early signs of pregnancy. While itching may not come under the early signs, it can develop in some women. It results in constant scratching of the skin. All of a sudden, women who become pregnant only think about itching. Most women get warning from others regarding the other signs such as:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Heartburn
- Trouble breathing
But, nothing prepares them to face discomfort such as itching. Intense itching during the pregnancy can make the whole experience uncomfortable. Many women who experience this problem wonder if itching indicates anything serious or if they need to get medical help. If you wish to know more about it. Read ahead.
About Itching During Pregnancy
Many women who become pregnant cannot stop scratching. Their entire body itches. Some feel their hands, feet, and even their hair itches. It is a common condition in pregnant women. Many people may not inform about it. But, you can expect the problem. There are several underlying reasons why a pregnant woman suffers from itching. In most cases, it may not cause any danger to the baby.
Causes Of Itching During Pregnancy
Itching during pregnancy can occur due to several underlying issues. It may include the following reasons:
Stretching Of Skin
During your first pregnancy, the skin around the abdomen can stretch more than usual. It can also occur when you are carrying multiple babies. The uterus grows to accommodate the growing baby. It causes the skin around the belly to stretch. It means the oil glands cannot meet the moisture requirement as necessary. It is the reason why pregnant women develop dry and itchy skin in the legs and tummy region.
Changes In Hormone
Pregnancy means changes in your body. It also causes hormonal fluctuation to ensure the safe growth of the baby. But, due to hormonal fluctuations, you can experience itching. So, itching during pregnancy is another discomfort caused due to fluctuating hormones apart from fluctuating moods. Women with already existing skin conditions can see the problem worsening once they become pregnant.
Skin Dryness Causing Itching During Pregnancy
Hormonal changes can result in the skin losing its elasticity. It also loses moisture as the baby grows in the uterus. The stretching and tightening caused due to the growing belly can make your skin dry. It leads to the following issues:
- Itching
- Flaky skin
- Other signs associated with dry skin
Irritation To Fabrics/Perfumes
In some cases, fabrics and perfumes used by pregnant women can irritate the skin. The materials or the chemical can rub them the wrong way.
Cholestasis
At times, itching during pregnancy can develop due to some serious health problems such as cholestasis. It is a type of lover disorder resulting in a build-up of bile acids in the blood. Due to the excessive build-up, you may feel itching.
PUPPP (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy)
It is the condition that pregnant women face. Itching during pregnancy develops due to an itchy rash occurring around the stretch marks. It develops during the later stages of pregnancy.
Prurigo
It is the condition causing itchy bumps with a crusty appearance developing on the abdomen, legs, or arms. The problem can appear in any trimester.
Does Itching During Itching A Cause Of Concern?
When you suffer from itching during pregnancy, you need to monitor the regions of the body that develops it. While most pregnancies may not pass without itching. It generally develops on the belly and breasts. Itching in the areas develops due to the skin in such areas undergoing several changes.
Certain underlying diseases can also trigger itching. Conditions such as PUPP can lead to itching developing around the stretch marks while itching on the arms and legs occurs due to prurigo. Itching on other areas of the body can also develop due to the fabrics you choose to wear. Tight and unbreathable fabrics can rub the skin the wrong way. While slight itching seems normal when intense itching occurs see a doctor.
See A Doctor For Itching During Pregnancy
When you cannot control intense itching in the arms, legs, and abdomen, it points to a sign that the body needs your attention. In some people, itching can also develop in the vaginal region. Such issues require immediate medical intervention. Some women also see rashes with itching. It requires treatment.
You cannot consider itching as an early pregnancy symptom. In most cases, pregnant women develop rashes only during the later stages of pregnancy. It may resolve after delivering the baby. But, to maintain safety, you need to report your symptoms to your doctor when the itching becomes intense. Prolonged itching also requires medical intervention.
Natural Remedies To Treat Itching During Pregnancy
The journey from woman to mother can bring a lot of joy and challenges. It is the beautiful phase in a woman’s life. But, the challenges can trigger discomfort and uneasiness in women. One of the bothering issues during pregnancy is itching. It occurs due to hormone changes in the body and excess blood circulation. If your doctor has eliminated the presence of any underlying health condition as the reason for the itching during pregnancy, you can try some home remedies. You can find most of the holistic products at your home. Here are the remedies available:
Oatmeal Bath For Easing Itching During Pregnancy
The anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties of oats can help ease itching or inflammation of the skin. Apart from relieving inflammation, oatmeal can also provide moisturization to the skin. It can leave the skin soft and smooth. Pregnant women can try this oatmeal bath to ease their itching during pregnancy.
To make an oatmeal bath, you need one cup of oatmeal. You have to add this to a tub of water. Soak in the oatmeal added water for at least twenty minutes. You can also try switching your loofah for muslin cloth with soaked oatmeal tied in it for easing the itching. Use oatmeal bath or loofah once a day for the best results.
Apply Coconut Oil
The lauric acid in coconut oil may soothe itchy skin. It can work wonders as it has anti-inflammatory properties to calm your irritated skin. Apart from having moisturizing properties, coconut oil can heal common skin issues such as:
- Eczema
- Dry skin (xerosis)
- Psoriasis
Take a small amount of organic coconut oil. Massage coconut oil gently on the affected areas of the body. If possible, leave the oil overnight. Else, you can wash it off after leaving it for thirty to forty minutes. You can try this method for at least a day to ease the discomfort.
Apply Aloe Vera Gel To Ease Itching During Pregnancy
Aloe vera is a natural product with hydrating and moisturizing compounds. So, applying aloe vera to your skin can provide it with necessary moisture during the changes happening in your body with pregnancy. Aloe vera is popular as the best home remedy to address different skin conditions and infections. It also contains photo components. They have anti-inflammatory properties and soothe your skin.
You can take a little aloe vera gel from the plant or a product from a trusted brand. Apply it to the affected area. Leave the gel on the affected area for at least twenty to thirty minutes. Wash it off with water. Pat your skin dry. You can try this at least two to three times a day for the best results.
Baking Soda Bath
Itching during pregnancy occurs when your skin loses its pH value. By restoring the pH value, it becomes possible to ease itching linked to pregnancy. A baking soda bath may prove beneficial to restore the pH of your skin. Taking a bath in water mixed with baking soda can offer relief. The alkaline nature of baking soda may restore the balance in your skin.
To try this method, you can take one cup of baking soda and water as necessary. Mix baking soda in the water and pour it into the tub filled with water. You can now soak in the tube for at least twenty to thirty minutes. You can do it once a day to ease the discomfort triggered due to itching.
Apply Essential Oils
Essential oils have anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are effective in easing itching triggered during pregnancy. The two essential oils effective in dealing with itching includes:
Rose Geranium Oil
Rose geranium oil contains several compounds that may antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the skin, it may soothe and hydrate. Also, if you have developed selling, it can ease the problem. But, while using the essential oil, you need to mix it with a carrier oil. Take twelve drops of rose geranium oil with 30ml coconut oil. Mixture well and apply on the areas you feel itching. You can leave it for thirty to sixty minutes before washing it off. You can try this option once or twice a day to see results.
Juniper Oil
Juniper essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of thujone. Thujone possesses antibacterial properties that can prevent infection. It can also speed up healing. It is effective in easing swelling and inflammation. So, applying it to the affected areas can ease itching. Like other essential oils, you must add carrier oil before applying it to the akin. Apply the mixture of carrier oil and essential oil to the affected areas. You can try applying it on the skin once or twice.
Cold Compress
A cold compress can offer immediate relief from itching. But, the effect remains temporary. Cold compress provides a cooling effect. It can also cause numbness in the areas you place the compress. So, it eases any swelling or inflammation triggering the itching. You can place a cold compress on the areas you feel itching for at least five minutes. You can repeat this process at least three times after waiting for a couple of hours.
You can use a cold compress daily. But, while placing the cold compress, try to use a barrier such as a towel on your skin. Applying a cold compress to your skin can cause damage to it. So, using barriers can avoid such complications.
Apply Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a well-known home remedy for many conditions. It contains Vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid. The citric and acetic acids have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. So, lemon juice can restore the pH of the skin. Using lemon juice can ease inflammation and itching. Mix one lemon juice in at least a quarter cup of water. You need to soak a cotton pad in this mixture. Now, apply the cotton pad to the affected areas gently. Allow it to remain on the skin for at least twenty to thirty minutes. Try this at once every alternate day to get relief from itching during pregnancy.
Dandelion Root To Ease Itching During Pregnancy
Dandelion root can soothe inflammation. The alkaline nature of the natural product can ease itching by restoring the lost pH of your skin. Also, the carotenoids in the dandelion roots promote good skin. You can make a solution of the dandelion root by boiling it in water. Allow the root to strain by simmering the mixture for at least five minutes. After cooling down, you can apply this mixture to areas where you experience itching the most. Allow the mixture to dry. You can leave it as such to see how it reacts. If you feel at ease with the itching sensation, you can try it at least two to three times a day.
Gram Flour Paste
Gram flour is used by many as the best home remedy to ease skin-related problems. Why is this effective? Gram flour is rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acids. It also contains protein. Gram flour is also rich in vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, beta-carotene, and folate. You can make a paste of gram flour with a little yogurt and apply it to the areas where you feel itching. Allow the mixture to dry. You can wash it off after waiting for at least half an hour. Doing it at least once a day can ease inflammation, skin irritation, and itching you experience.
Juniper Berry Lotion
The seed cones from the Juniper tree found in Asia, North America, and Europe has high nutrients in them. The powerful plant components found in it can offer several benefits. Juniper berries have high levels of essential oils and flavonoids in them. It possesses powerful antioxidant properties. Hence, it may help reduce inflammation. So, using it on the areas where you feel itching can ease the discomfort. Take juniper berry lotion as necessary and apply it to the affected areas. You can apply it once or twice a day to see improvement.
Apply Calamine Lotion To Ease Itching
Calamine lotion is one of the effective remedies for easing itching during pregnancy. Calamine lotion contains ferric oxide and zinc oxide as the active ingredients. These ingredients have antiseptic and anti-itching properties. Applying to the affected area can ease itching and prevent you from scratching the area. It is helpful to avoid scarring caused due to excessive scratching of the skin. Calamine lotion is available over-the-counter in drug stores. You can take some calamine lotion and apply it generously to the itchy areas. Leave it as such to ease the itching sensation. You can use it at least twice every day for the best results.
Most of the remedies suggested here may prevent or avoid the recurrence of itching. It can increase at the advanced stages of pregnancy. You can try these natural remedies to ease the discomfort. But, if the itching does not ease with these remedies or prolongs for a long time, seek a doctor. You must check with your gynecologist to get the necessary treatment. Expert opinion is also needed to rule out any underlying condition triggering the problem. Apart from the natural remedies, you can also make some changes to your lifestyle. It will ensure you and your baby remain safe.
Lifestyle Changes To Ease Itching During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a joyous time in a woman’s life. But, it has its ups and downs. While many women cherish the pregnancy period, it may seem breezy for many. The distress and discomforts they face during their pregnancy can make them feel frustrated. Itching during pregnancy is one such condition that can dampen pregnancy bliss. Itching can develop in pregnant women due to simple reasons such as hormonal fluctuation and stretching of the skin. Such simple issues may not indicate serious problems. If your gynecologist has ruled out any serious condition, you can try some lifestyle changes. You can try these steps at home to get relief from itching. But, consult a doctor to get an expert opinion.
Change Perfume/Detergents
Your skin tends to become sensitive during pregnancy. It occurs due to fluctuating hormone levels. Your skin also becomes sensitive due to the stretching to accommodate the growing baby. In women who suffer from skin conditions such as eczema, pregnancy can aggravate the problem. It is essential to choose detergents and products that may not trigger a rash or itch.
Some women can suffer from itching after they wear washed clothes. Itching occurs in areas where the clothes come in contact with the skin. In such cases, change the detergent used to wash the clothes. They may contain compounds causing itching during pregnancy. Use a non-biological/unperfumed softener and detergent for the clothes. It eliminates the high chances of irritation. You can also put the clothes in the washing machine for an extra rinse cycle. It will remove all traces of the detergent from the clothes.
Choose Cosmetic And Skincare Products With Care
You can switch to unperfumed soap or lotion. Perfumed soaps and skincare products tend to irritate the skin. If you feel skin sensitivity after using perfume, try to go without for a while to settle your skin. In some women, the usual cosmetics they use can trigger skin problems once they get pregnant. When the skin reacts to the usual makeup brand, they can opt for a mineral makeup option. Such products may not contain a preservative or block the pores. You can try using the tester or a free makeover. It will help you realize whether the makeup suits your skin or not.
You can choose hypoallergenic formula for skincare products. They are formulated for people with sensitive skin. If usual skincare products cause a problem, you can switch to unperfumed bath products made for babies. It is the same when choosing sunscreen. Due to sensitive skin during pregnancy, your skin exposed to sunlight can burn. It can make your skin feel prickly and itchy. Invest in a good sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Avoid staying outside for a long time. In case, the sunscreen causes skin irritation, choose one containing a physical filter. You can opt for an option with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. It has fewer chances of triggering problems compared to a chemical filter.
Wear Loose Clothes
When you wear tight clothes, they can rub against the skin. It can result in itching during pregnancy. To avoid such issues, you need to wear loose clothes. Choose clothes made of natural fibers such as cotton. Keep away from irritating fabrics that can affect the skin. Natural fabrics also allow good air circulation. So, you can keep the body cool. It will also prevent the development of rashes triggered due to excess heat.
Use Moisturizer
Using a moisturizer can ease itching to an extent. If dry skin triggers itching during pregnancy, applying moisturizer may help with the condition. You can either invest in a good moisturizer suiting your skin or use natural options. Olive oil and coconut oil have moisturization properties. You can apply these oils directly to your skin to alleviate dry skin. You can also use coconut or shea butter to ease itching. Choose products containing these ingredients to retain moisture.
 Ensure Good Hydration To Avoid Itching During Pregnancy
To avoid dehydration during pregnancy, you need to drink water. Staying hydrated becomes necessary when you develop itching. You can also add electrolytes to the water you drink. Try to include coconut water to get the electrolytes needed for the body. You can also mix electrolytes in water to ensure the body retains the water you drink.
Use Humidifier
To avoid moisture from stripping off the skin, you can use a humidifier or fan. It will keep the air around you moist. If you suffer from itching, cool air will avoid the development of a heat-related rash.
While these preventive tips may ease itching, you need to seek professional assistance when the itching during pregnancy becomes worse. A doctor can help you determine the underlying cause of the condition and suggest remedies to overcome them.
Conclusion
Itching during pregnancy can occur due to different underlying conditions. But, you need to monitor your body to check for other symptoms that may develop along with itching. Monitor the timeline of the itching along with the activities you complete to detect the cause of the problem. You can try the home remedies suggested here to ease the discomfort. But, when such techniques fail to offer results, you need to see the doctor. It is also important to get advice from the doctor when other symptoms start to appear. It is better to diagnose the problem and get treatment for it as early as possible. You never want something bad to happen to your or your baby’s health.