Severe Itching During Pregnancy

When a woman is pregnant, her body undergoes many changes, in terms of physical and hormonal changes. Since there is a surge of hormones in the body during pregnancy, many changes in the skin can also be noticed. Some women may develop acne or blemishes, which may go away after the delivery, while some women may experience itching sensation due to hormonal changes. Itchy skin and rashes are common occurrences and are a part of pregnancy. A pregnant woman can have itchy skin during the first or second term or may even develop this condition in the later stages of pregnancy. Some women may also experience severe itching after pregnancy, caused due to postpartum rashes or hives which may develop after childbirth. Let us now discuss the causes and remedies of severe itching during pregnancy.

Causes of Severe Itching During Pregnancy

There can be several reasons why women experience itching during pregnancy. Some may experience mild itching, whereas some may experience severe itching during pregnancy, which is can be a very distressing condition. Given below are some of the severe itching during pregnancy causes.

• One of the most common reasons for developing itchy skin during pregnancy is high levels of estrogen in the body. This hormonal increase can result in redness of the palms and soles, which may turn itchy after a period of time. This condition may fade after the delivery, since estrogen levels come back to normal.
• The skin contains natural oil glands which keep it moist. As the baby grows, it expands the womb and the skin stretches. The glands are unable to suffice the requirement of moisture content, which leads to dry skin. This dryness can lead to itching.
• Some women during their late pregnancy may develop skin rashes, which are large and bumpy. This condition is referred to as pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) in medical terms and causes severe itching during late pregnancy. This develops in the abdominal region from where it can spread towards the thighs and upper part of the body.
• Vaginal itching is also very common during pregnancy as result of the presence of infection causing microbes. A drop in the pH levels in the body can also lead to mild to severe itching.
• Pemphigoid gestationis is a rare skin condition which causes appearance of blisters in the abdomen. The lesions that erupt on the skin may resemble hives. This condition may be a sign of complication related to the fetus like impaired fetal growth or risk of a preterm labor. It is advisable to keep in touch with your gynecologist.
• If the bile fails to perform its function properly, it can lead to the accumulation of salts on the skin's surface, resulting in itching. This condition, which is known as intrahepatic cholestasis, can occur during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
• Some other causative factors for severe itching during pregnancy may be the presence of skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, etc. These disorders may become severe during the entire term of pregnancy and may reduce once the child is delivered.

Remedies for Severe Itching During Pregnancy

Experiencing severe itching during pregnancy can be a very discomforting condition. Here are a few remedial measures which can help reduce itching and soothe the skin.

• Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially during the later stages of pregnancy development, since the skin needs to be moisture free.
• In case you have dry sin, then apply generous amounts of moisturizer to keep your skin supple and moist. Aloe vera gel is considered to be the best natural moisturizer. Also use a gentle soap as certain soaps have harsh chemicals which may make the skin dry.
• Have an oatmeal or milk bath as they can soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Applying a paste made of baking soda and warm water is also an effective home remedy to treat itching.
• In case the itching persists, consult your doctor who may prescribe medications and creams to provide relieve from this discomforting condition.

Severe itching during pregnancy, though benign can be very frustrating and can cause a lot of annoyance. Apart from taking these home as well as clinical remedies, following a proper diet, drinking plenty of water and fluids will help keep this condition at bay and also keep you and the baby in good health. Maternity is one of the most beautiful phases in a woman's life. Don't let this condition dampen your spirits of enjoying this wonderful phase. Happy Motherhood!!!