Why does the skin itch during pregnancy?

Skin itching during pregnancy is not a very common phenomenon. Most often, the skin begins to itch unbearably (as after mosquito bites) in the evening, closer to night, which can provoke insomnia and generally worsen a woman’s mood. Usually itching does not harm the baby and goes away after childbirth. However, it is still worth consulting with a gynecologist and dermatologist.

What does it come from?

The cause of itching during pregnancy in most cases is a violation of the liver: the production and outflow of bile, a general increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood. This is due to a hormonal failure in the body of the expectant mother - a violation of estrogen synthesis, as well as due to fetal pressure on the bile ducts. Fatty acids produced in large quantities enter the woman's skin with the bloodstream and irritate the nerve endings, causing excruciating itching. Similar phenomena associated with stagnation of bile in the body can make themselves felt in the third trimester of pregnancy. Sometimes itching is accompanied by such dangerous diseases as diabetes mellitus.

Who is predisposed?

Itching during pregnancy is usually observed in women with chronic diseases of the biliary tract and with high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Such future mothers need to regularly (at least once a month) do a biochemical blood test to exclude toxic effects on liver cells.

How to fight?

A pregnant woman should tell her gynecologist about the discomfort associated with skin itching. In some cases, itching can be a sign of the development of such a dangerous disease as hepatitis. The doctor will conduct appropriate examinations. If, according to an objective examination, itching does not pose any danger, it is often possible to get rid of discomfort simply by following a diet aimed at lowering cholesterol levels, limiting the intake of fatty, spicy and salty foods that prevent the liver from coping with the function of bile secretion, as well as drinking plenty of water - it is necessary to eliminate dry skin. If the diet does not help, the doctor may prescribe choleretic drugs suitable for pregnant women.

It is important to find the cause of the bothersome itching, eliminating a whole group of skin diseases that can occur during pregnancy.

Itching in the abdomen and chest

This itch is worth mentioning separately. As a rule, the skin on the abdomen or chest itches in the second and third trimesters due to its stretching, because it is these parts of the body that increase in volume during pregnancy. In this case, it is very important not to scratch the skin - this will lead to the appearance of stretch marks, which, unlike itching, will not go away after childbirth. Regularly use moisturizing creams, special products for stretch marks, do a light massage of the chest and abdomen with circular movements of your fingers and do not take hot showers.

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causes and how to prevent itching during pregnancy

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Contents:

1. What causes itchy skin during pregnancy?
2. What diseases does pruritus during pregnancy signal?
3. How to prevent skin itching during pregnancy?

Itching of the skin is a frequent companion of pregnancy, which significantly affects the quality of life of expectant mothers. It is caused by a complex of endocrinological, immunological, metabolic and vascular changes. Why does the stomach and other parts of the body itch so much? How to get rid of these feelings? Will the baby suffer from an unpleasant symptom?

An endless number of questions torment the pregnant woman. Therefore, you should know when body itching during pregnancy is the norm, and when is a serious reason to see a doctor.

What causes itchy skin during pregnancy?

The body of the expectant mother is subject to a large number of physiological changes. But sometimes harmless causes lead to strong consequences.

Skin itching during pregnancy is promoted by:

1. Hormonal changes.

   Progesterone, the main protector of pregnancy, increases skin dryness.

2. Stretching of the connective tissue.

   Itching of the abdomen, chest, thighs and buttocks during pregnancy is often the result of the rapid growth of the above parts of the body in the second and third trimester and the appearance of striae. But the high elasticity of the skin can save a woman from discomfort.

3. Pathological weight gain.

   This is another common cause of stretch marks and itching in the abdomen.

4. Reduced immunity.

   Immune system reactivity drops early in pregnancy to prevent fetal rejection. But in this way, a woman is more easily exposed to infections and allergies.

5. Psycho-emotional overwork.

   Pregnant women constantly worry about the condition of the baby and about changes in their own body; they are already burdened with mother's anxieties. Stress causes psychogenic pruritus in pregnant women, which closes a vicious circle and further worsens well-being.

What diseases does pruritus during pregnancy signal?

Irritation of the skin and mucous membranes is not only a discomfort for the mother, but also a reason for additional research and medical consultations. Therefore, itching of the body during pregnancy should not be ignored.

Some diseases accompanied by this symptom require serious treatment and may adversely affect the growth and development of the baby.

1. Polymorphic dermatosis of pregnant women.

   This pathology does not affect the fetus in any way and occurs in one of 160 expectant mothers. In the area of ​​striae on the skin of the abdomen, papules 1–2 mm in diameter appear, and this is accompanied by severe itching. Sometimes they spread throughout the body, but more often they are limited to the hips and buttocks; the area of ​​the umbilical fossa is not affected. After 4-6 weeks, the symptoms subside on their own.

2. Atopic dermatitis.

   It occurs in about half of pregnant women and also does not affect the baby. With atopic skin lesions, the appearance of itchy eczematous or papular rashes on the neck and flexion surfaces of the limbs is characteristic. Usually, dermatitis bothers a woman in the early stages or in the second trimester, in the 3rd trimester it is less common.

3. Pregnancy pemphigoid.

   The rarest pathology, occurring in one in 50,000 pregnant women, more often in the second trimester. Skin itching accompanies rashes that first appear in the navel and then spread to the chest, back, thighs and arms. Papules and plaques turn into blisters, so the rash is confused with a herpes infection. Pemphigoid is accompanied by the production of antibodies that are able to cross the placenta. Therefore, rashes are observed in 5-10% of newborns.

4. Seborrhea.

   Cause of scalp itching in 2% of women during pregnancy. Seborrhea occurs due to interruptions in the work of the endocrine system, as a result of which there is excessive production of sebum in the area of ​​​​hair follicles. Dandruff develops, hair becomes sticky and greasy, then begins to fall out.

5. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

   This condition is characterized by severe pruritus. First, it is localized in the palms and soles, but then spreads throughout the body. Pathology can be suspected by the presence of scratching, which is called excoriation. Severe itching in intrahepatic choletasis of pregnancy occurs due to the high content of conjugated bile salts in the peripheral blood. Severe forms are complicated by jaundice.

   It is very important to diagnose cholestasis in time for a future mother, as it can lead to prematurity of the fetus, intrauterine development disorders, and even intrauterine death. The higher the level of bile acids in the mother's blood serum, the higher the risk for the baby.

6. Other diseases.

   Less commonly, itching of the body during pregnancy accompanies pathologies such as diabetes mellitus and autoimmune thyroiditis, which also debut during childbearing.

How to prevent itching during pregnancy?

The first thing a woman who has itching should do is to report the problem to the attending obstetrician-gynecologist.

If a symptom is found to be a manifestation of a more serious pathology, then therapeutic measures are taken quickly and clearly.

In this case, not only a gynecologist observes a pregnant woman, but also doctors of other specialties - a dermatologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist. It is necessary to correct the root cause, not the itch itself. Fast and well-coordinated work of related specialists ensures the correct diagnosis, and timely treatment prevents the development of unpleasant complications and improves the quality of life of a woman.

But let's not forget about the physiological processes that cause itching. A woman can minimize their effect on her own.

1. Balanced nutrition.

   The diet of a pregnant woman should include lean meats and fish, vegetables and fruits, dairy products. Refrain from smoking, pickling, pickled and canned foods. It is also recommended to avoid food rich in allergens, such as citrus fruits, red berries, seafood, nuts. It is important to follow a healthy diet both at the beginning of pregnancy and later in pregnancy.

2. Adequate drinking regime.

   Discuss fluid intake with your doctor as it varies during pregnancy depending on the trimester and weight of the woman. For example, toxicosis depletes water reserves, which means that in the early stages it may be recommended to drink up to 3 liters per day. And with a tendency to edema in the 3rd trimester, limit the volume to 700 ml per day. It is important to stay hydrated.

3. Stress limitation.

   As you know, worries and fatigue cause an additional surge of hormones and biologically active substances, which are already in abundance in the body of a pregnant woman.

4. Body hygiene:

   • regular water procedures;

   • use of hypoallergenic, unscented bath products;

   • daily moisturizing of the skin with special gels, creams and lotions for pregnant women with a neutral pH level.

5. Comfort clothes:

   • refuse synthetics, wear natural fabrics;

   • choose loose clothing that does not chafe the skin;

   • Use phosphate-free laundry detergents.

6. Lifestyle:

   • avoid stuffy rooms;

   • do not spend much time in the sun;

   • give up active physical activities that contribute to excessive sweating;

   • give preference to outdoor walks.

In conclusion, I would like to reassure the lovely ladies. Most often, itching of the skin in pregnant women is caused by a growing tummy, and diseases accompanied by this symptom respond well to treatment. Nevertheless, you need to be attentive to your feelings and report discomfort to the doctor in time. This will help to start the necessary therapy on time, as well as maintain healthy sleep and the psycho-emotional background of the expectant mother.

Sources:

1. Differential diagnosis and treatment of pruritus / Zaykov S.V.// Health of Ukraine. — 2014.

2. Ambros-Rudolph C.M. Disorders of pregnancy. In: Burgdorf WHC, Plewig G., Wolff H.H., Landthaler M., editors. Braun-Falco's dermatology. 3rd ed. Heidelberg: Springer Medizin Verlag, 2009. P. 1160–1169.

3. Warshauer E., Mercurio M. Update on dermatoses of pregnancy // Int. J. Dermatol. 2013 Jan. Vol. 52, No. 1. P. 6–13.

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