Pregnancy Complaints: Itchy Skin!
No doubt about it - itching constantly is no fun! in pregnancy, itchy skin can appear as your body begins to grow and accommodate the changes to house your baby. So what’s normal and what’s not?
When will itching begin?
Itchy skin can begin at the beginning or throughout pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters when changes to growing breasts and a burgeoning belly are more apparent and rapid. Dry weather can exacerbate symptoms during the winter months as well.
What causes this itchiness?
You guessed it: hormones! As your skin continues to stretch and elasticize, it becomes drier and this dryness can create an itchy environment. While itchiness is usually localized to the belly and breasts, sometimes it can extend to arms and legs.
So when should you be concerned?
If your itching isn’t isolated to your torso, is severe, or localized to the palms and soles of your feet, contact your care provider to make sure the itching is not an indication of an underlying condition.
While a pregnancy condition at the end of term, cholestasis, has itching as an underlying cause, it is important to remember that it is not the only determining diagnosis factor for the condition. Also, a cholestasis diagnosis requires thorough conversation with your health care provider, to monitor your condition and discuss the best resources and procedures for birthing your baby. In many cases, close monitoring is all that is required to provide a calm, joyous birthing experience.
How can you deal with frequent itching?
Prevention is key! While the steam feels great, avoiding overly hot showers and baths which strip skin of moisture, as well as increasing the strength of your creams and moisturizers after emerging from bathing can help to lock moisture into your skin. If you use products containing alcohol, or soap, to clean your skin, consider switching to different formulas that don’t excessively dry your skin. If itching is persistent, an oatmeal bath soak can provide relief, albeit temporary.
While itching in pregnancy usually isn’t the greatest, it’s one more indication that your body is preparing for an amazing transformation and housing a growing and thriving baby! Embrace those new curves, and look at itching as an excuse to try out some new products and give yourself soft, supple skin!
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