Itching in Pregnant Women: 12 Tips to Treat Itching

Women will experience many psychological and physical changes during pregnancy. Pregnant mothers’ skin may stretch, dry and have dermatological problems such as hives, rashes, itching and discomfort. This may be due to hormonal and immune system changes that occur during pregnancy.

According to medicine, itching is a symptom of a skin lesion that leads to scratching or an uncomfortable feeling on the skin. Some pregnant women experience itching on the palms and soles of the feet, while other pregnant women experience itching accompanied by signs of a rash all over the body, such as excessive stretch marks that appear as itchy patches on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks and thighs in the last months of pregnancy.

This is a common symptom in 40% of women during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. However, intrahepatic cholestasis, also known as cholestasis of pregnancy, causes bile to not circulate normally in the small ducts of the liver, causing bile salts to accumulate in the skin, leading to “severe” itching all over the body.

Although it does not cause a rash, this condition causes the skin to become red and sore with small cuts in the area of ​​skin that is rubbed a lot due to itching. This condition has a negative impact on the health of pregnant women and the development of the fetus.

Therefore, effective itching treatments for pregnant women are needed to prevent the disease from recurring. Let’s learn about the most effective itching treatments with Wilimedia!

Does Itching in Pregnant Women Affect the Fetus?

Women have to face and experience everything during pregnancy, from changes in appearance, personality changes or skin changes. In addition, the skin is very sensitive and easily irritated at this time. Therefore, even a small impact from the environment is enough to cause skin irritation and itching.

Researchers have found that in the last three months of pregnancy, you often feel itchy. The stimulation of embryonic cells entering the mother’s body is the main cause of this itching. In addition, itchy rashes appear due to autoimmune disorders in the mother’s body. Some other cases may be the result of hormonal changes in the body, leading to uncomfortable itching.

Itching during pregnancy is not a harmful disease and does not affect the fetus, according to experts. Pregnant women with itching often feel uncomfortable, lose appetite, tired and weak. In particular, when pregnant women are itchy more, this causes them to scratch more, causing skin scratches, reducing aesthetic function.

Pregnant women often experience sudden itching, causing discomfort and irritability, although skin itching is not a very serious problem. In addition, the mother may lose appetite, feel tired and not be able to fully take care of the fetus and herself. Pregnant women need to be treated as soon as symptoms of skin itching appear.

According to a specialist pharmacist, the health of the mother and baby is not affected by skin itching. However, it can also be a sign of congenital liver disease Obstetric Cholestasis (OC). Itching often starts on the legs or arms, which is the main symptom of OC. Then, it spreads throughout the body, especially itching at night. Dark urine, possibly combined with jaundice, are manifestations of this disease.

Pregnant women can experience itching for many reasons other than weight gain and hormonal changes. One could be Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP). Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, also known as PUPPP, usually begin in the third trimester and do not affect the fetus.

Some pregnant women experience burning and itching in the vaginal area. Hormonal imbalances and poor nutrition can cause urethritis.

Reasons Why Pregnant Women Get Itchy

Itchy belly during pregnancy is usually benign and will disappear on its own after giving birth and this condition is not harmful to the fetus. Here are some common causes of itchy belly in pregnant women:

Hormonal changes

Pregnant women will have to deal with many hormonal changes during pregnancy. These changes will affect the mother’s mental and physical health. Pregnant women may experience itching, red rashes and hives on the skin due to hormonal changes, especially estrogen.

Changes in blood volume

Pregnant women can experience itchy belly at any time during pregnancy, but those in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy are more likely to experience itching. The reason may be that the amount of blood increases significantly, causing itching and discomfort for pregnant women, which can also be the cause.

Weight changes

The mother and fetus grow every day, which leads to weight changes, which will cause the belly to grow, stretch the skin and itch. Stretch marks on the mother’s thighs and belly are the most recognizable features.

History of skin diseases

Pregnant mothers with dry skin or who have had certain skin diseases, such as psoriasis or eczema, are at increased risk of itching and the itching often becomes more severe. Pregnant mothers may also experience itching and discomfort due to folliculitis and papules in the hair follicles in the last months of pregnancy. In addition, due to atopic dermatitis, some pregnant mothers also experience itching in the navel area, back and feet.

Due to other diseases

Pregnant women may have itchy abdomen due to other diseases, such as:

+ Urticaria: Itchy rashes appear in patches on the skin, mainly on the abdomen, thighs, arms, legs and other areas.

+ Cholestasis of pregnancy: Women with a history of liver disease or relatives with a history of liver disease are at high risk of cholestasis during pregnancy, leading to symptoms of itchy abdominal skin. Hormones have a significant impact on gallbladder function, they can slow down the flow of bile and even block it, leading to cholestasis of pregnancy.

+ Chickenpox: If women have itchy skin, rashes, pus or fever, they should not be subjective because it can be a sign of chickenpox. Pregnant women should go to the doctor for diagnosis and effective treatment.

Sensitive to fragrances and detergents

The mother’s body will also change when her hormones change a lot, and her body often becomes more sensitive, prone to itchy skin, allergies to food, fragrances or some detergents. In addition, many pregnant women may have itchy skin if exposed to allergens, such as dog hair, cat hair, dirt or fabric fibers.

12 best ways to treat itching for pregnant women using folk methods:

Moisturize the skin and prevent stretch marks

Gels or essential oils extracted from natural ingredients such as coconut oil, almond oil, sunflower oil and other ingredients have the ability to moisturize and prevent stretch marks. Gently apply the cream to the abdominal area to avoid uterine contractions. Using soap or some skin care products containing a lot of sodium can cause irritation and can increase itching.

Keep the vagina dry and clean. If you want to use a feminine hygiene solution, choose the one suitable for pregnant women and avoid using too much because they can change the natural pH environment in the vagina.

Do not scratch or scratch when itchy

When you have an itch, avoid scratching or scratching because scratching will irritate the itchy skin, causing more itching. Use a warm or cool towel to apply on the itchy skin to prevent itching. To relieve itching, you can use a warm or cool compress.

Healthy scientific diet

Increase foods rich in vitamin A (found in fish, liver, eggs, vegetables and tubers …), vitamin D (found in sea fish, fish liver oil, some dairy products …) and olive oil. Limit eating spicy foods and “hot” spices (such as chives, garlic, chili, …)

Bathe with oatmeal

For pregnant women who want to treat itchy skin, this is one of the best methods. Soak oatmeal in warm water until dissolved, then rub it on itchy skin to reduce symptoms immediately.

Use cold compresses

Using cold compresses is another way to treat itching for pregnant women. If you have an infection in a part of your body, this solution is especially effective. The cold temperature will quickly reduce itching.

Simple exercise

To improve blood circulation, do some light movements regularly. When exercising, wear loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton and light colors. To prevent dark spots on the skin surface, pregnant women should avoid going out in hot weather or in hot places. In addition, pregnant women should apply sunscreen.

Green tea, betel leaf water or diluted salt water should be soaked in before going to bed every night.

Use a damp towel

Pregnant women should use a damp towel to cover the itchy skin area to reduce itching. Relax by placing the towel between the abdomen and chest. Pregnant women will feel better.

Use baking soda

To reduce itching and burning in pregnant women, you can mix baking soda with water to create a thick mixture and apply it to the abdomen or itchy areas. Your skin will be softer and the itching will subside quickly.

Pregnant women can also use lemon juice or massage oil to apply to the itchy skin area, which will reduce itching after a few minutes.

Using aloe vera

Aloe vera is one of the wonderful beauty ingredients that many people love. This ingredient not only moisturizes the skin but also helps reduce itching and prevent infection. Aloe vera gel is a great method to treat itching for pregnant women at home.

• • How to do it: Wash a fresh aloe vera branch and use a spoon to get the gel. After cleaning the damaged skin area, pregnant women apply a sufficient amount of gel to the skin and massage gently so that the nutrients are absorbed evenly. Leave it for about ten minutes before rinsing with warm water. Persistence must be done until the condition is completely reduced.

Using fresh chives

According to modern medical research, chives contain many ingredients that are beneficial for the skin, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, minerals and antioxidants. This herb also has ingredients that help reduce itching and prevent the spread of damage.

• • How to do it: Cut the washed green chives into small handfuls. Then put all in a pot of water about 200 to 400ml and boil for about 7 to 10 minutes then turn off the stove. Use half as water to drink, the rest use cotton or soft cloth soaked in water to apply to the itchy skin area.

Using star fruit leaves

• • How to do: Wash the star fruit leaves to remove dirt and impurities. Then put two liters of water in the pot and boil until the nutrients dissolve in the water. Then turn off the stove and mix with cool water to bathe.

Pregnant women will feel less itchy if they persistently treat itching with folk remedies. However, this method is only useful for people with mild itching. It is not effective in eliminating the causes of itching. Therefore, to completely stop itching from the root, prevent the disease from recurring, pregnant women should go to medical facilities for examination and have the best treatment method.

Expert Advice for Pregnant Women with Itching

In addition to using medicine or folk remedies to treat itching, pregnant women also need to have a good health care regimen through changing their daily lifestyle and diet. Because these are all very important factors to prevent the disease quickly. Here are some tips given by experts:

Keep your skin dry and clean by bathing daily. In addition, pregnant women should avoid bathing in water that is too hot or too cold. Because hot water will dry the skin and cause irritation. Meanwhile, cold water will cause colds due to sudden changes in body temperature.

Pregnant women should use some skin care products to provide moisture to the skin after cleaning the body. To be safe, pregnant women should choose and use products extracted from natural ingredients.

Wear cool and loose clothing. To minimize damage to the skin, wear clothes that are moisture-wicking.

Do not scratch the damaged skin area too hard. The skin can be scratched by scratching, creating favorable conditions for bacteria to enter and cause inflammation.

Limit exposure to agents that damage the skin, such as chemicals, detergents, pollen, dirt, dirty water sources and detergents, to avoid damaging the skin.

Supplement foods rich in vitamins and minerals for the body. At the same time, eliminate foods that cause allergies.

Pregnant women should drink from 2 to 2.5 liters of water per day. When you drink enough water, the body will quickly eliminate harmful substances.

Use foods containing a lot of stimulants such as caffeine and alcoholic beverages. These foods can make itching worse.

Use fresh vegetable or fruit juice. This drink not only hydrates the body but also provides the necessary nutrients to improve the skin’s immune system.

Take time to relax and rest. Pregnant women can attend classes for pregnant women to learn how to take care of their children or exercise to improve their physical health.

Conclusion:

Wilimedia has shared with readers some effective methods to treat itching for pregnant women at home as well as ways to take care of their health at home to quickly repel the disease. Hopefully, the article will help pregnant women prevent and eliminate itching. In addition, pregnant women should proactively have regular health check-ups to detect other diseases that can harm the health of the mother and fetus.

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