How to Deal Itching During Pregnancy

The itching sensation is fairly common in pregnancy, especially in the abdominal region, in the breasts and extremities. The cause is often represented by the physiological changes associated with pregnancy, although in many cases there is no direct correlation between itching and pregnancy; this unpleasant symptom may in fact be triggered by factors beyond as allergies or food intolerance, dry skin or eczema.

The hormonal and bodily changes associated with pregnancy may still worsen the itch, or even represent the primary cause. Consider, for example, the voltage which is subjected to the skin of the breast and abdomen during the nine months, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy. It also increased levels of estrogen help to stress test the elasticity of the skin, increasing water retention and volume of tissue, and finally, immunological changes can exacerbate certain allergies, including food.

No coincidence, then, the itching usually appears towards the third trimester of pregnancy and tends to increase progressively until delivery, and then disappear within hours or days following the happy event.

Estrogen and increased fetal size are also involved in the occurrence of specific liver disorders, absent in non-pregnant patients (though sometimes common among women taking contraceptive pills, for the aforementioned predisposing role of estrogen). There is talk of cholestasis of pregnancy to indicate a liver disease that occurs mainly during the second half of gestation, becoming manifests with intense itching, rising transaminasemia modest and sometimes jaundice. The itching is probably caused by the accumulation of circulating bile turn determined from the rising volume of the abdomen and cholestatic estrogen.

Similarly to the previous conditions, including cholestasis has a benign course and disappears after birth but may reappear in subsequent pregnancies or with oral contraceptive use. The disease also can cause some problems to the fetus, since it increases the chance of premature delivery, fetal distress in labor and the possibility of birth asphyxia. For this reason, if the itching is very intense and is suspected cholestasis of pregnancy, it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible, that the mother and fetus undergo a series of diagnostic tests. If the itching is intense or blood values showed a particularly marked cholestasis, are prescribed to clean the blood from the bile (cholestyramine). If health conditions so require, may also be induced premature labor.

In a small percentage of women itching in pregnancy is caused by a condition known as urticaria papules of pregnancy. More common in women who expect their first child or twins, manifested by the appearance of itchy red spots in the abdomen, especially near the stretch marks, which may also extend to the rest of the body sparing the face. This condition, although very annoying, does not cause particular problems or the mother or the fetus, the treatment involves the application of cooling lotions or creams / moisturizers and possibly in the acquisition of specific drugs under medical supervision (usually antihistamines).

Drink plenty of water is very important and helps to relieve the itching keeps skin hydrated, reducing water retention and preventing dehydration and for this it is useful to avoid extremely hot baths and use mild detergents. At the same time, the adoption of a diet low in foods difficult to digest (eggs, gravies, fried foods, meats, etc.) save the liver unnecessary overload. Finally, the itching in pregnancy can be prevented by applying special skin preparations elasticity and stretch marks, or mitigated by applying talcum powder or lotion refreshing menthol.