Itching During Pregnancy: Causes and Cures

Many changes in the body take place when a woman is pregnant such as hormonal as well as physical changes. There is also notable change to the skin during pregnancy due to a surge of hormones in the body. Many women develop skin blemishes, pigmentation, acne and itching during pregnancy. Usually these symptoms disappear after the delivery. During the first and second trimester many pregnant women suffer from dry skin which in turn causes the skin to itch.

Not only during pregnancy but after the deliver women tend to experience itching which is caused by postpartum hives or rashes. There are several reasons why a woman may develop itching during and after pregnancy. Some pregnant women may experience mild itching and others may experience sever itching which in turn causes stress. One of the most common causes of itching during pregnancy is high levels of estrogen. An increase in hormones can result in redness of the soles of the feet as well as the palms of the hands.

Once the mother has delivered the hormones return to normal and the itching disappears. As the baby starts growing in the mother's womb, the skin starts stretching and skin contains natural oil glands which in turn start to dry out which leads to the skin becoming itchy. In the final trimester many women start developing skin rashes which appear as large bumps referred to as pruritic urticaria papules and causes severe itching. This type of rash occurs on the abdominal region and can spread to the upper and lower parts of the body.

Another common ailment in pregnant women is vaginal itching resulting from an infection causing microbes. Another cause for vaginal itching is a drop in the pH levels. Some women also form a rare condition known as Pemphigoid gestationis which appears as blisters on the abdomen. These types of lesions resemble hives and this condition is indicative of complications related to the fetus such as the risk of premature labor as well as impaired fetal growth.

During pregnancy there are occasions where the bile duct fails to function properly and in turn lead to salts accumulating on the surface of the skin which causes itching. This can occur during the second or third trimester and is known as intrahepatic cholestasis. Other causes of itching during pregnancy are skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis and others. These types of disorders are inclined to flair when a woman is pregnant and usually reduced after delivery.

However, there are several remedies that can be used to relieve this discomforting condition. For instance avoid wearing clothes that are tight especially during the last stages of pregnancy as the skin needs to breathe and be free of excess moisture. If one suffers from dry skin then make sure you apply ample moisturizers to the skin to keep it moist. Drinking plenty of water also helps keep the skin well hydrated.

Being pregnant is a wonderful phase of any women's life, so don't allow itching during pregnancy to spoil this happy occasion. Even after moisturizing the skin or trying various remedies the skin is still itching, then consult with your doctor.

By Gerree McGonagal