Body itching during pregnancy: what to do. Itching during pregnancy: why the body itches during pregnancy. What causes it?

Itching during pregnancy occurs in 20% of women. It not only disturbs expectant mothers, but causes discomfort, causing the scratching reflex. Itching during pregnancy may appear suddenly without any particular reason, but it is worth noting that scratching the entire body or individual areas may be a signal that you should pay attention to and consult with your doctor.

According to the type of localization, itching during pregnancy has two types:

Local (when a separate area of skin itches)
Whole body itching

Causes of itching during pregnancy

In most cases, itching during pregnancy indicates that changes are occurring in the body during pregnancy. Before treating itching during pregnancy, you should pay attention to a large list of causes.

Itching during pregnancy is caused by the following pathologies:

Allergic reaction. Itching during pregnancy may be associated with an allergic reaction to a certain irritant: clothing, detergent, animal hair, etc. In this case, you should avoid contact with the irritant and use hypoallergenic products. If allergies are caused by food, then you need to review your diet and follow a diet.
Polymorphic dermatosis in pregnant women. In pregnant women, the cause of itching can be a rash that appears only during pregnancy. This rash is harmless and usually disappears after childbirth. Your doctor may prescribe a special ointment to relieve itching.
Stretch marks on the body. Pregnancy itching caused by stretch marks on the body is a harmless cause. To eliminate itching, use stretch mark cream.
Weight gain, breast growth, abdominal enlargement. All these reasons provoke stretch marks on the body, causing itching during pregnancy.
Sweating. Sweat can accumulate in certain areas of the skin due to poor hygiene or excessive sweating.
Kidney disorder. The body retains nitrogenous wastes, which come to the surface, causing severe itching during pregnancy.
Jaundice. Another reason why the body itches during pregnancy. Jaundice can be determined by taking a biochemical blood test.
Diabetes. Itching during pregnancy can be triggered by diabetes mellitus, which has two types: diabetes mellitus, which a woman had before pregnancy, and so-called gestational diabetes mellitus, which manifests itself only during pregnancy itself.
Diseases of the liver and biliary tract. Severe itching during pregnancy is most often characterized by the appearance of cholistasis due to hormonal imbalance in the pregnant woman’s body. Symptoms include severe itching of the palms and heels with severe redness. The localization of itching gradually moves to other parts of the body. The following diseases can also cause itching: cholecystitis and hepatitis.
Infectious diseases. Itching in the vagina during pregnancy is usually caused by lack of hygiene, or infectious and fungal diseases: candidiasis, cystitis, urethritis, chlamydia, herpes. Chickenpox can cause itching all over the body during pregnancy.
Hormonal changes. An increase in estrogen in the body of the expectant mother causes severe itching. These hormonal changes do not pose a danger to mother and baby.
Other dermatoses of pregnancy. Eczema, urticaria, contact and atopic dermatitis.
Anemia.

Itching during pregnancy is not associated with diseases:

Poor hygiene
Stress, depression
Temperature hypothermia or overheating
Mechanical irritants are caused by tight clothing made of poor quality material.
Fear of upcoming birth

Why does the body itch during pregnancy?

Itching of the skin of the entire body during pregnancy is not as common as local itching. As a rule, itching of the whole body during pregnancy manifests itself at night in the 2nd trimester, since during the day the expectant mother is distracted by household chores or work matters.

Itchy skin during pregnancy has a large list of root causes. These can be skin diseases, such as rashes and hives, as well as problems in the liver, kidneys, and digestive system. Often, hormonal changes associated with an increase in estrogen cause cholestasis and bile stagnation. Bile acids, getting on the skin, provoke skin itching in pregnant women.

Dry skin also causes itchy skin during pregnancy. In this case, you should use softening and moisturizing personal hygiene products. Milk or body oil will help relieve itching during pregnancy.

If the cause of body itching is toxins in the body, then the doctor prescribes activated charcoal. It is not recommended to drink activated charcoal on your own without a doctor’s prescription.

No-Shpa promotes the outflow of bile. During liver diseases, medications are prescribed: Karsil, Essentiale and others.

If your skin itches during pregnancy after eating food, for example, after exotic fruits or seafood, then you should listen to your body and not experiment with food while pregnant.

Itching of the body during pregnancy, regardless of the symptoms and severity of irritation, should be diagnosed by the attending physician. Moreover, if skin itching is accompanied by drowsiness and a general deterioration of the condition - this is the first sign of disturbances in the pregnant woman’s body.

Why do breasts itch during pregnancy?

Itching during pregnancy can occur anywhere, however, the stomach and chest are the most common local places that bother pregnant women. Significant hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother explain why the breasts itch during pregnancy.

Breast itching during pregnancy is a natural process associated with bearing a baby. Firstly, a pregnant woman’s breasts increase in size, and secondly, breast milk (colostrum) begins to be produced in the milk ducts. Milk flow is characterized by itching in the breasts. Often, breast itching during pregnancy is noted in the 2-3 trimesters.

Breast itching during pregnancy is also due to an increase in its size and the appearance of stretch marks. This causes some discomfort in the pregnant woman. At this time, it is important to understand that the skin of the breast is very sensitive and during scratching, thin and delicate tissues can be damaged, irritated and reddened.

Since the sensitivity of the skin of the breast increases, an allergic reaction can be another reason why the breasts itch during pregnancy. Synthetic clothing, cosmetics, and washing powder are common irritants.

Breast itching during pregnancy is often caused by a tight bra. Breast sizes gradually increase and require more space. In this case, the pregnant woman should choose a bra of the appropriate size.

Why does your stomach itch during pregnancy?

Itching of the abdomen during pregnancy can have both dangerous and harmless symptoms. Firstly, the stomach itches during pregnancy due to its enlargement and the appearance of stretch marks. Secondly, abdominal itching during pregnancy can be caused by more serious factors: cholecystitis, hepatitis, cholestasis.

With pathologies, the pregnant woman begins to experience the so-called “sand itching”, which manifests itself at night during sleep.

The stomach also itches during pregnancy in special cases:

Previous hepatitis A before pregnancy
Chronic cholecystitis (caused by an abnormal anatomical structure of the S-shaped bile duct or bending of the bile duct)
Hormonal medications taken by the pregnant woman
Multiple pregnancy
Women carrying a boy
Age over 35 years

If abdominal itching during pregnancy is associated with the liver, then the pregnant woman is referred for additional examination. To identify pathologies, the pregnant woman is sent for a biochemical blood test and liver tests for ALT, bilirubin, AST. Routine visits to doctors can help identify test abnormalities and prevent the development of itching.

If the tests turned out to be normal, then the doctor rejects the version of itching associated with liver failure.

Vaginal itching during pregnancy

Vaginal itching during pregnancy is an unpleasant sensation that accompanies the desire to scratch the perineum, damaging the skin membranes. As a rule, severe vaginal itching in pregnant women indicates a problem caused by an infectious disease. Mild itching may indicate poor hygiene or tight underwear made of synthetic materials.

Common causes of severe itching and burning of the genitals:

Candidiasis or thrush. Itching and burning of the genitals in pregnant women are caused by Candida fungi. It manifests itself as an unpleasant sour odor, cheesy discharge, pain when urinating and during sexual intercourse.
Bacterial vaginosis. The normal microflora of the vagina is replaced by a pathogenic one. Accompanied by gray discharge with an unpleasant smell of rotten fish, it provokes severe itching and burning of the vagina.
Genital herpes. It has a characteristic itching and burning sensation, is localized in intimate places, and is then accompanied by the appearance of small blisters.
Trochomoniasis. Transmitted sexually. The first symptoms: redness of the vagina, yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor, itching, pain during urination.
Chlamydia. It has mild symptoms, manifested by mild itching.

What to do if your vagina itches during pregnancy

Treatment of itching in the perineum in a pregnant woman is aimed at an initial examination by the attending physician and establishing the root cause. Taking medications and self-medicating is strictly prohibited. Before visiting a doctor, you should abstain from sexual intercourse and take a shower 2-3 times a day.

First steps:

Get examined by a gynecologist and get tested
Get examined by highly specialized doctors to identify hidden causes
Maintain intimate hygiene
Avoid hypothermia
Wear loose natural underwear.

Treatment of itching during pregnancy

Treatment for itching during pregnancy will depend on the diagnosis. Only a doctor can determine the exact reason why the stomach, chest, vagina and whole body itches. In some cases, there is no need to treat itching during pregnancy, but in others, it is necessary to undergo a series of examinations and undergo a course of treatment, since itching can be a signal of abnormalities in the pregnant woman’s body.

One of the important rules is that if your skin itches during pregnancy, you should not scratch it. With an increased scratching reflex, itching during pregnancy increases, causing irritation, redness and scratches on the body.

Allergy. Treatment for allergies will depend on the type. If an allergy occurs upon contact with an allergen, then you should minimize interaction with the irritant and use hypoallergenic products. If allergies are caused by food, then you should reconsider your diet. Antihistamines may also be prescribed. When choosing an antihistamine, the doctor is guided by the duration of pregnancy and the condition of the pregnant woman. If you have contact dermatitis, you should also wash your hands frequently and use personal hygiene products. A pregnant woman should have her own towel. Frequently changing clothes and underwear will also help avoid irritation if the cause is frequent sweating. The use of perfumes, creams, deodorants, and various chemicals that cause irritation should be limited.
Stretch marks. Stretch marks on the body due to enlarged breasts, abdomen, or body weight do not require treatment. To soften stretch marks on the body, special ointments and creams will help.
Disorders of the kidneys, liver, biliary tract. Pregnant women who undergo routine examinations with doctors can minimize problems with the liver, kidneys and biliary tract. Treatment of possible abnormalities should only take place under the supervision of a physician. It is contraindicated to self-medicate and take medications that were not prescribed by your doctor. Any drug, even the safest one, should be taken only after consulting a doctor. Treatment of cholecystitis and cholestasis is aimed at taking adsorbents (activated carbon and its more serious analogues) and hepatoprotectors that help restore liver function - these include: No-Shpa, Karsil, Papaverine and others. The doctor prescribes a diet for the pregnant woman, which must be followed without fail. The diet limits the consumption of foods: fatty, fried, spicy, smoked,
Infections of the genitourinary system. If infections associated with the genitourinary system are detected, the doctor prescribes suppositories that are applied topically. When choosing suppositories, the doctor is guided by the duration of pregnancy. The genitals should be washed with a stream of water from top to bottom 2-3 times a day. For the prevention of treatment, medicinal herbs are suitable: chamomile, St. John's wort, oak bark, mint, celandine.
Diabetes. Treatment of diabetes mellitus comes down to constant monitoring of the pregnant woman’s blood sugar levels. In some cases, the pregnant woman is given insulin. Treatment is carried out only under the strict supervision of a doctor.
Jaundice. Jaundice is a dangerous disease during pregnancy and requires immediate hospitalization.

Prevention of itching in pregnant women

Itching during pregnancy causes a lot of discomfort during pregnancy, disrupts the pregnant woman's sleep, and affects her overall well-being. Treatment of itching during pregnancy may not always be effective, so relapses occur. To minimize the recurrence of itching in pregnant women, preventive measures should be followed:

Control your weight. With a sharp increase in weight, a pregnant woman develops stretch marks, which is why her stomach and chest itch during pregnancy. You should control your weight and eat right during pregnancy. Read also: .
Observe hygiene rules. During pregnancy, you should shower at least once a day. The water should be warm (not hot or cold).
Monitor the condition of your skin. Dry skin provokes itching during pregnancy, so after a shower, use lotions, creams, oils to moisturize the skin without additional additives or fragrances.
Cloth. Give preference to clothes only made from natural fabrics.

During pregnancy, women often experience itchy skin. Itching can be localized in one place or spread throughout the body. There are many reasons for this, but you need to know how dangerous it is for the woman and the fetus. There are reasons of a safe nature and those that entail pathological changes.

Why does your body itch during pregnancy?

Causes that are not included in the dangerous group:

The liver enzymes ALT and AST reflect the real load on the pregnant woman’s liver. Their increase is called hepatosis or cholestasis of pregnancy, which occurs as a reaction of the body to bearing a fetus, taking vitamins and other medications.

Hormonal surge. During this period, the body produces estrogen (female hormone) several times more than usual. As a result, the liver cannot cope with processing, which leads to the accumulation of bile. Then all these substances are distributed through the blood into the muscle fibers, irritating the nerve endings. The body begins to itch.

Itching occurs in the background drying and stretching of the skin. This is usually observed in women who are rapidly gaining weight. Therefore, doctors recommend strictly monitoring body weight during pregnancy. In this case, there is a slight itchy tingling sensation in the abdomen and lower back.

Formation of stretch marks. Striae appear due to a lack of elastin and collagen and rapid weight gain.

Increased sweating. Body moisture promotes the spread of pathogenic bacteria. It is important to maintain personal hygiene.

Wearing synthetic and excessively tight underwear.

If your body is constantly itching, contact your supervising doctor immediately. Itching can be a sign of serious pathological abnormalities!

Diseases with body itching

Diseases indicated by body itching during pregnancy:

Liver dysfunction. Main symptoms: itching, formation of a red rash in certain areas (most often on the feet and palms). The itching intensifies in the evening.
Allergic reactions often accompany pregnancy. Even if there was no allergy before conception. Signs: rash, redness, itching. Find out more information about allergies during pregnancy -.
Thrush, bacterial vaginosis. With such pathologies, the genitals itch, accompanied by copious discharge.
Skin diseases– dermatitis, eczema, scabies, lichen, fungus, etc. Accompanied by redness, peeling and rashes.
Diabetes. During the second half of pregnancy, blood sugar levels may rise. This condition is called gestational diabetes, since the disease occurs during pregnancy. But if a woman had undiagnosed diabetes mellitus before pregnancy, then skin itching may already be present in the first months of pregnancy.
Violationsnervous or endocrine system. Consultation with specialized specialists is required.

It is very important to consult a doctor in a timely manner, because treatment of diseases during pregnancy excludes the use of fast-acting drugs. Therapy should be prescribed in the early stages of development of a particular pathology.

How to eliminate itching all over the body during pregnancy

The problem of eliminating itching during pregnancy must be treated with special attention, as there is a risk of harm to the fetus. For the same reason, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before using any product or drug. The method of eliminating itching depends on the etiology of its occurrence, so a variety of remedies are used.

Conservative therapy

At increased ALT and/or AST you need to contact a gastroenterologist to prescribe medications such as Ursosan or Ursofalk. Additionally, Enterosgel, Essentiale, Hofitol may be prescribed.
If noted allergic reaction, the doctor initially identifies its cause. Based on this, medications are prescribed. An allergist provides treatment.
At diabetes mellitus It is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control. You should not eat a lot of sweets, you should give up other prohibited foods. If necessary, the endocrinologist increases the dose of insulin.
At skin pathologies you will have to follow a special diet. Vitamin therapy is used, antihistamines and calcium preparations are used. Lotions containing a solution of potassium permanganate should be applied directly to areas of the skin.
If diagnosed diseases of the liver and biliary tract, hepatoprotectors are prescribed that are acceptable for use during pregnancy. It could be “Karsil”, “Essentiale”. To improve the flow of bile - “Papaverine”.
At genital skin infection candles are used.
To prevent and neutralize stretch marks ointments and creams are prescribed. Traditional medicine recipes are also used.
At nervous system disorders, excessive excitement, anxiety and nervousness, the doctor prescribes sedatives.

Relieving itching with folk remedies

Traditional medicine recipes have always been used to relieve itching. Especially during pregnancy. After all, medicinal herbs and other medicinal products contain many essential substances. They are safe and harmless to the fetus.

Before use, be sure to consult your doctor. Some of the herbs may cause an allergic reaction. Remember, a pregnant woman’s body changes at the physiological level!

For a lotion you can make tincture of periwinkle leaves: for 1 tbsp. l. take a glass of boiling water. Boil for 10 minutes over low heat and let it brew. The decoction can be used for taking a bath, and the strained remains can be applied to the itching area.
Melissa and mint tea It perfectly calms the nervous system, so it is used for itching caused by nervous tension.
Chicken egg ointment helps relieve itching in certain areas of the body. Combine the boiled yolk with butter (1 tsp) and fried nuts, crushed to powder (1 tbsp). Heat the mixture and transfer it to a glass container.
Take cabbage leaf, soak it in apple cider vinegar and grind. You should get a paste that is applied to the itchy area of the skin.
Accept bath with decoctions chamomile, calendula, oregano, elecampane, celandine and other herbs.

Preventing itching during pregnancy

To relieve or prevent itching, every pregnant woman should adhere to certain recommendations:

Eat right! Eliminate fatty and smoked foods, spicy and salty foods from your diet. Be sure to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits and drink enough fluids. It is not advisable for pregnant women to consume exotic foods; they can cause allergies.
Personal hygiene should come first. Therefore, take a bath or shower more often. Use hypoallergenic products to wash and care for your skin.
Body cream should be moisturizing or baby cream. Today, special creams for pregnant women are produced.
The skin loves to breathe, so spend more time in the fresh air and always ventilate the room.
Do not wear synthetic or too tight underwear or clothes.
Do not visit the solarium or stay in the open sun for a long time.
Never scratch your body. This will make the situation worse.

If your body itches during pregnancy, it causes discomfort, so try to be examined in a timely manner and prevent the development of diseases. Use conservative and folk remedies (in consultation with your doctor), get rid of existing diseases and do not be nervous.

Among all the complications that arise during pregnancy, there is one thing that is not necessarily a sign of any disease, but certainly brings discomfort, and sometimes even drives you crazy - itchy skin. 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 many expectant mothers have itchy skin.

This may be constant or occasional itching, it may appear independently or in combination with other symptoms, intensify in the evening or not change its character. But be that as it may, before doing anything, you need to consult a gynecologist, infectious disease specialist and dermatologist and find the cause of the itchy skin.

Why does your skin itch during pregnancy?

To the question: “Doctor, why do I itch during pregnancy?” no doctor will answer you unequivocally, because there is simply no exact answer. But for some reason the skin itches, and the reason for this must be sought.

There are several theories regarding the occurrence of itchy skin during pregnancy. Causes are sought depending on the manifestations. It can be:

Appearance of stretch marks: Due to the rapidly growing breasts and abdomen, the skin becomes overstretched and severe itching occurs in places where the fibers are torn, which precedes the appearance of stretch marks. This 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 significantly recovered mothers.
Cholestasis in pregnancy: caused by a malfunction due to . It is mainly accompanied by redness of the palms and feet, which are very itchy. Over time, the itching spreads to the entire body and intensifies in the evening and at night. Cholestasis in pregnancy most often occurs in the third trimester. In this case, the urine may darken noticeably, or, on the contrary, become lighter. The risk group includes women with high levels of cholesterol in the blood and chronic diseases of the biliary tract.
Hormonal changes: They are often the cause of the development of cholestasis. This itching is also localized on the palms and soles and only goes away after childbirth.
Skin diseases: Dermatosis and eczema of pregnant women, skin fungus and other diseases accompanied by itching and other manifestations on the skin (peeling, rashes, swelling) are often found.
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, pollen, or anything at all. Therefore, it is better not to experiment with anything now. If an allergy develops, it is first necessary to eliminate the effect of the allergen on the body.
Excessive sweating: Sweat collecting in the folds of the skin can cause itching and discomfort. If you notice that you begin to sweat more, take a shower more often and change into clean clothes (certainly made from natural fabrics). Telling the doctor that the sweating has increased will also not be a bad idea.

Among the causes of itchy skin can be such serious diseases as hepatitis. Therefore, it is still necessary to begin your research and solution to the problem with a visit to the doctor. And even though itchy skin does not affect the child in any way, it definitely brings discomfort to the mother, can be the cause of a bad mood, and even pose a certain threat if it is a sign of some kind of disease. And recent studies even show that itching increases the risk of an unfavorable course of not only pregnancy, but also childbirth.

How to eliminate itchy skin during pregnancy?

The solution to the problem depends on the identified cause. If you have cholecystitis or another medical diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe an examination, treatment and diet. In addition, it is necessary to properly care for your skin. Try to take warm (or summer) showers more often, but not hot showers, and rub yourself with a towel. A massage with alternating stroking and rubbing is especially useful if you are prone to stretch marks - it will significantly alleviate your condition.

After showering, always apply a light moisturizer to your body because dry skin makes itching worse. Try not to overheat, wear loose clothing made from natural fabrics, and drink enough fluids.

Pay special attention to cosmetics - these should be the safest creams and gels without fragrances or other harmful substances. There are also many traditional medicine recipes for itchy skin.

Especially for- Elena Kichak

Itchy skin 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 cause insomnia and generally worsen a woman’s mood. Usually the itching does not harm the baby and goes away on its own after childbirth. However, it is still worth consulting with a gynecologist and dermatologist.

What causes it?

The cause of itching during pregnancy in most cases is a disruption of the liver: the production and outflow of bile, a general increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood. This occurs due to a hormonal imbalance in the body of the expectant mother - a disruption in the synthesis of estrogen, as well as due to pressure from the fetus on the bile ducts. Fatty acids produced in large quantities enter the woman’s skin through the bloodstream and irritate the nerve endings, causing painful 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 dangerous diseases such as diabetes.

Who is predisposed?

Typically, itching during pregnancy is observed in women with chronic diseases of the biliary tract and high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Such expectant mothers need to regularly (at least once a month) undergo 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 itchy skin. In some cases, itching may be a sign of the development of a dangerous disease such as hepatitis. The doctor will conduct appropriate examinations. If, according to an objective examination, itching does not pose any danger, often getting rid of discomfort can be achieved by simply following a diet aimed at reducing cholesterol levels, limiting the consumption of fatty, spicy and salty foods, which interfere with the liver’s ability to cope with the function of bile secretion, as well as drinking plenty of fluids - 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 disturbing itching, eliminating a whole group of skin diseases that can occur during pregnancy.

Itching in the abdomen and chest

This kind of itching 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 these are the 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 with circular movements of your fingers, and do not take a hot shower.

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It’s not for nothing that our grandmothers said that pregnancy is stress for the body. Whatever a pregnant woman has to endure in order to bear and give birth to a healthy baby. Some people are only “familiar” with toxicosis, and some women do not know this at all, but most women in an interesting situation face many more trials. One of them is itching during pregnancy. Why does my skin itch during pregnancy? Many pregnant women want to get an answer to this question.

As we have already said, during pregnancy the female body faces serious stress. First of all, it is a hormonal surge. While the body adapts to hormonal changes, a woman may experience various inconveniences, ranging from mood swings and taste preferences to itchy skin. Often pregnant women complain that their skin is very itchy. This occurs in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, around the 5th month. The reasons may vary.

Why does the body itch?

Not only a hormonal surge can cause itchy skin. This can happen due to various diseases. For example, with liver disease. In this case, the woman not only suffers from unpleasant sensations, the disease manifests itself in different ways: a tingling sensation may appear (like thousands of tiny needles piercing delicate skin), a burning sensation and even a rash. By the way, if the liver suffers, then a rash appears on the extremities (arms and legs). In the practice of gynecologists, there is an unspoken term “pregnancy itch or liver itch.” Those women who have recently suffered from diseases such as cystitis, hepatitis (form “A”), and cholecystitis may encounter this problem. In addition, it is possible that women over 37 years of age may suffer from itchy skin, even if the liver is absolutely healthy.

The second reason for itchy skin is a hormonal surge. Let's take a closer look at this issue. The fact is that during pregnancy the body produces large quantities of female hormones (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 (cholestasis of pregnancy). These substances then enter the muscle fibers along with the blood and irritate the nerve endings. Now the cause of itching during pregnancy is clear.

If this kind of itching bothers you (the cause can be found out after consulting a gynecologist and specialists), then there is no 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 periodically itches, you should visit a gynecologist who is monitoring your pregnancy. After passing the necessary tests and examination by a specialist, you will be prescribed appropriate treatment. If there is no need to take medications, then you can get by with sedatives: use milk, body cream, take soothing baths.

In general, you can quickly cope with unpleasant sensations only with the help of hormonal drugs, but such treatment methods are unacceptable for a pregnant woman. Therefore, you need to be patient and resort to folk remedies. By the way, your doctor will recommend that you endure itchy skin or take enzymes that will help the liver cope with double the load. Regular activated carbon will do. Just remember that long-term use of this drug can lead to constipation.

When your hormones are okay

The cause of skin itching may be different - a woman’s tummy gradually increases with each week. The baby is growing, and itching may appear due to the fact that the skin quickly stretches. 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 has multiple pregnancies.

The medical term for itchy skin is “dermatosis of pregnancy.” There are often cases when a rash is added to a banal skin itch. You can 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 your chest itches during pregnancy, as does your stomach and other “growing” parts of the body, you need to pay more attention to these areas. Buy collagen cream and rub it into 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. When showering, direct the water stream to your thighs (and other areas) and lightly pinch the skin. By the way, subject your tummy to this procedure least of all. It is enough to rub your stomach and chest with a hard terry towel immediately after a shower.

If it is not possible to buy a special skin-softening cream for pregnant women, you can make such a product yourself.

You can make your own cream for stretch marks yourself if you prepare the following components:

liquid honey – 1 tsp;
calendula tincture – 50 g;
menthol tincture – 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. Apply the home remedy after lightly exfoliating the skin. To speed up the process of tissue renewal, you need to use a scrub. You can also make it yourself 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 cheesy discharge may appear. This is thrush. It appears in every woman for different reasons, only one thing is clear - the microflora of the mucous membrane is disturbed and help is needed. A pregnant woman may be prescribed medication, this could be a cream or suppositories. Taking antifungal drugs during pregnancy is prohibited!

How to get rid of genital itching during pregnancy? Our grandmothers also advised their daughters to use an effective remedy: you need to dissolve salt or several crystals of potassium permanganate in warm boiled water. You can add a few drops of iodine to regular boiled water. This solution should be douched and washed twice a day. Remember that iodine, salt and potassium permanganate dry out the mucous membrane, so it is important not to overdo it.

Unpleasant diseases that cause discomfort to women are scabies and eczema. The first option is unlikely, unless you “pick up” a tick in the hospital through bedding (using feather beds and feather pillows). The second is possible, especially if the woman suffered from skin diseases before conception. During pregnancy, all chronic diseases worsen. You need to remember this.

Allergic reaction of the body

When your body itches in the early stages of pregnancy, it is possible that the cause of the discomfort is an allergic reaction.

Then the pregnant woman needs:

limit contact with animals;
try not to be in dirty rooms where there is a lot of dust;
Avoid skin exposure to direct sunlight;
do not sleep on a feather pillow;
avoid contact with woolen items;
exclude 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 is not possible to cure allergies forever, but you can follow your doctor’s recommendations and adhere to proper nutrition to alleviate the condition.

What should a expectant mother do?

No matter what part of the body causes discomfort to a woman, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist. Only the attending physician will be able to identify the exact cause of itching. If there is a suspicion that the liver is not functioning properly, then it is necessary to undergo a number of additional examinations: an ultrasound scan, a blood test. If a woman needs help, she may need to go to a hospital to undergo a course of treatment under the supervision of specialists.

If the cause of itchy skin does not pose a threat to the health of the baby and mother, then these tips will help you alleviate the condition:

Think back and list the foods you have eaten over the past few weeks. It is important to exclude heavy foods: fried, salty, fatty. It is also not recommended to indulge in seafood and overseas fruits. They just can cause allergies. Eat more seasonal vegetables and fruits, prunes and dried apricots to improve the functioning of your intestines and stomach. Taboo on 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.
Body cleanliness comes first! No one has 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, you need to install a filter. 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 itchy skin using a cream. Choose a product without a strong aroma or dyes. The pharmacy sells many products intended for expectant mothers. As a last resort, you can buy a regular moisturizing baby cream or take olive oil (cold pressed).
Don't forget about drinking regime! If you do not have edema, then you need to drink up to 2 liters of clean water per day.
You can improve your body's condition in simple ways: walks in the fresh air and sleep in a cool, well-ventilated room.
Review your wardrobe. It is possible that itchy skin appears due to improperly selected underwear. Wear underwear only made from natural fabrics; it is better not to wear synthetics. By the way, clothes should be spacious and comfortable.
Don’t be lazy to take herbal baths at least 1-2 times a week. Just before choosing herbs, consult a gynecologist. Chamomile, calendula and a decoction of string will help relieve the condition.
If one of the areas itches, for example, when your feet itch during pregnancy, then you can apply a soothing compress of oatmeal steamed in herbal decoction or milk to this area.
It is forbidden to overheat in the sun and take hot baths.
Try to distract yourself and not scratch your skin.
A healthy herbal cocktail will not only help reduce itching, but also improve digestion, refresh the skin and give you a great mood. Prepare a drink from the following herbs: chamomile, linden blossom, calendula and sage (take 1 tsp each). Pour boiling water (1.5 l) over the dry herb, place it on the stove and heat over low heat for 5 minutes. After this, remove from heat and leave until completely cool. During this time, the broth will infuse and can be filtered. You can drink a healthy drink 1 glass in the morning and evening after meals.

Itching during pregnancy causes a woman a lot of inconvenience, and can even affect her mood, appetite, and disrupt her sleep. Try to calm down and not focus on this problem, because the baby is developing inside you and very soon he will be born.