Itching During Pregnancy

There is a serious condition named ‘Cholestasis of Pregnancy’ that requires immediate treatment.

Causes of Abdominal Itchiness

The main cause of abdominal itchiness is the stretching of the abdominal skin caused during pregnancy. As the baby grows in the uterus, to accommodate its increasing size, the skin starts stretching as well. During the first trimester, the whole stretching process is slow and the mother can’t feel any change at all. As the pregnancy progresses, the baby starts growing quickly. As a result, the abdominal skin stretches at a faster rate. This can result in abdominal itching. Some mothers also feel a bit itchy in their bottom as the baby grows.

READ: Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy

Important Facts About Abdominal Itchiness

If you are feeling itchy over your entire body and not just your abdominal area, you should consult your obstetrician as it might be a symptom of a serious medical condition called ‘Cholestasis of Pregnancy’.

Treatments for Abdominal Itchiness

Before you start treatment for Abdominal Itchiness, you must make sure that it is not because of ‘Cholestasis of Pregnancy’. Make sure that you don’t scratch the irritated skin. Doing this will only lead to more irritated skin and a cycle will begin. Here is what you can try:

• Instead of scratching, use a moisturizer. Use a lotion made specifically for curb itching like calamine lotion. It will help you relief from scratching.
• Apply Vitamin E to your skin.
• Soak yourself in a warm bath with oatmeal. This will help in curbing irritation.
• Increase your water intakes as it staves off dry skin which might be a cause for irritation.
• If you think the reason for irritation is dry skin, increase the air moisture by using a humidifier in the home. It also decreases the drying time of the skin.