Do you feel your belly and breasts are growing to accommodate your baby’s growth? Itching in pregnancy is common and inevitable. Don’t worry, we got you covered.
Causes of itching during pregnancy
🥴Skin stretches
As your baby is growing bigger and bigger, your skin stretches when your breasts and belly are growing in size. Itchy nipples are also common during pregnancy.🤰
🥴Dry skin and hormonal changes
During winter, if your skin is not moisturized enough, you can feel extra itchy and uncomfortable. Dry heat from the heating system can also lower moisture in the air and exacerbate itching.☀️🥵
🥴Itchy skin conditions
Some skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can improve better and worse depending on each individual case.😃 If you experience severe itching on your palms or the soles on your feet, you should reach out to doctors since these symptoms may require medical care.👩⚕️
Ways to prevent itching during pregnancy
🥴Lukewarm showers or baths
Hot water🚿 can make your skin like a desert and itching worse. It’s best to use mild, fragrance-free soap🧼 and rinse it off well with lukewarm water. Then towel yourself to dry.
🥴Stay as cool as possible
Try to avoid being outside for a long time bearing the heat of the day. Heating either from the sun☀️ or the heating system🥵 in winter can make itching worse.
🥴Wear comfy clothes
Cotton and comfy clothes👚 are your best options to keep yourself cool. They don’t get in contact with your skin much so it will be less irritated.
🥴Moisturize
Body lotion🧴, hand cream or any kind of moisturizer are your best friends now. After taking shower, apply a thin layer of cream and let it absorb. You’ll notice how soft your skin is.😃
🥴Lower your stress
Stress and anxiety during pregnancy☹️ may seem unrelated but actually can worsen itching. Stay positive and maintain a healthy mental state of mind.😃
Ways to relieve itchy skin during pregnancy
🥴Apply cold
Put an ice pack or wet compress on itchy areas for a few minutes until the itchy fades.🧊 Then apply moisturizing cream on that area.
🥴Moisturize
Since lack of moisturize is the main culprit, lotions and creams that are fragrance free are the best remedy. Pure the cream on itchy areas and observe the magic.🧴
🥴Occasional warm oatmeal bath
Oatmeal baths are available in drugstores and online.🛀 Colloidal oatmeal binds to your skin, locks moisture and provides a protective barrier.
🥴Apply medicines before moisturizing
Consult with your healthcare provider about anti-itch medications if you feel extremely itchy. While most of these medicines are safe for pregnant women, it’s best to review them and apply as instructed.👩⚕️