Itching on Stomach During Pregnancy – Causes and Home Remedies

As pregnancy progresses, it brings about many changes in a woman’s body. One of the most exciting changes is your growing belly! It is an exhilarating feeling to flaunt the baby bump and embrace the incredible journey of motherhood. However, along with the joy and anticipation, you may face a new challenge, and that is itching on your belly. Itching on the stomach in pregnancy is a common issue that many women experience, often caused by the stretching of the skin to accommodate your growing baby and hormonal changes. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and an uncomfortable sensation. While it might seem bothersome, there are safe and effective ways to alleviate the itching and keep your skin feeling healthy and hydrated.

Is Itching on Stomach Normal in Pregnancy

Yes, itching on the stomach is normal in pregnancy. That happens because your belly skin stretches as you move ahead with your pregnancy. The stretching causes the surface to get dry, and the moisture-deprived skin tends to get itchy. It happens because of the hormonal changes occurring in your body. You may also feel itchy on the other parts of the body, such as palms, soles, and even on your breasts. Itching usually begins towards the end of the second trimester. However, you may experience it in the first trimester as well. Itching can be extremely uncomfortable, and if you feel that it is increasing, you should seek immediate medical help.

Causes of Itchy Tummy When Pregnant

The most common causes of itching on the belly during pregnancy are:

• Hormonal Changes: Increased levels of estrogens usually cause less itching on the abdomen and more on the soles and palms during pregnancy.
• Weight Gain: The growing uterus expands the belly skin. The stretched skin gets dry and feels itchy.

Can Itching on Tummy Be Dangerous

Though itching is exceptionally normal, some cases of itchy rashes on the belly while pregnant can be a matter of grave concern, such as:

1. Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy

PUPPP is a skin rash that resembles hives in appearance, and also causes itching on the belly of a pregnant woman. Though this is not a very dangerous condition, it can be very discomforting.

2. Prurigo in Pregnancy

This appears as bug bites and may turn into small cuts. The torso and limbs may get itchy. It occurs towards the end of the second trimester or at the beginning of the third trimester.

3. Impetigo Herpetiformis

This rare condition is a form of psoriasis that may affect a woman during pregnancy. This condition is associated with small pus-filled rashes. The pregnant woman and her baby are closely monitored in this condition.

4. Pemphigoid Gestationis

This rare itching condition begins as hives but slowly turns into large blistering lesions. They start around the belly button and may spread to other parts of a pregnant woman.

5. Cholestasis

Cholestasis causes liver problems in pregnancy, and the pregnant woman may feel itchy all over the body. This condition can be extremely harmful to the unborn child and needs immediate treatment.

Home Remedies for Itching on Stomach During Pregnancy

Following are some of the home remedies that may prove to be helpful for itching in pregnancy:

1. Aloe Vera

Apply Aloe Vera twice a day to the affected area. This plant is known for its healing properties, and it soothes dry and itchy skin.

2. Oatmeal Bath

Soak oatmeal in the bathwater and bathe with it. The soothing properties of oatmeal provide relief from itching.

3. Baking Soda Bath

Apply a paste made from baking soda and water to the affected area and let it dry. Baking soda is useful in providing relief from redness and itching.

4. Cold Compression

The skin inflammation and itching can be relieved by applying cold compressions to the affected area.

5. Juniper Berry Oil

Though juniper berries are hard to find, oil made from them works wonders on the itchy skin.

6. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice, when mixed with water and dabbed on the surface, provides relief from skin itching.

7. Gram Flour Paste

The gram flour and water paste applied on the affected area makes the skin smooth and soft and thus provides relief from dry itchy skin.

8. Coconut Oil

Apply extra virgin coconut oil to your belly. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturiser for dry skin.

Tips to Get Relief During Itching

Since belly scratching during pregnancy can result from hormonal changes, dry skin, or irritation caused by tight clothing or certain products, the following steps can be taken to get relief from itching:

• Drink enough water to keep your body hydrated, as hydrated skin itches less.
• Refrain from excessive usage rather low temperatures of the air conditioner, as prolonged exposure to ACs dries up the skin.
• Moisturize your skin frequently.
• Refrain from staying out in the hot weather for too long, as hot weather causes dryness and itchiness.
• Dress up in loose, comfortable clothes as tighter clothes rub against the skin to cause dryness and itching.
• Use milder soaps, as strong-smelling soaps tend to make the skin dry.
• Do not take a bath with hot water as hot water devoids the skin of its natural moisture.
• Reduce your salt intake. all the above are correct

Over-the-Counter Products to Relieve Itchy Belly

Belly itching during pregnancy is widespread, and there are many over-the-counter medicines available to help relieve an itchy pregnant belly:

1. Vitamin E Lotion

A moderate amount of Vitamin E lotion or capsules are very useful in treating itchy skin during pregnancy.

2. Calamine Lotion

Apply calamine lotion a few times a day to get relief from itching.

3. Oil-Based Moisturizers

Oil-based moisturisers are readily available at any drug store. These are very effective in treating itching.

When to Seek Doctors Help

You should seek immediate medical help if:

• You feel itchy all over your body
• You feel the itch is severe and is spreading to other parts of the body as well
• You feel the dryness of the skin is not the cause of the itch
• You notice a change in the colour of your bowels and urine, along with nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite
• You experience severe bouts of rashes and itching because of PUPP.

FAQs

1. Can itching on the stomach during pregnancy indicate an allergic reaction to prenatal vitamins?

Yes, in rare cases, certain ingredients in prenatal vitamins, such as synthetic dyes or fillers, may trigger an allergic reaction that causes itching. If you suspect this, consult your doctor to explore alternative formulations.

2. Is it normal for itching on the stomach to worsen at night?

Yes, hormonal changes and increased blood flow during pregnancy can intensify itching sensations, particularly at night when the body is at rest. Keeping your room cool and applying a soothing moisturizer before bed can help alleviate discomfort.

3. Are there any specific foods that can help reduce skin itching during pregnancy?

Yes, consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and hydration-boosting fruits can help nourish the skin and reduce itching. Examples include avocados, walnuts, salmon, and cucumbers.

4. Can using scented lotions worsen the itching on the stomach during pregnancy?

Yes, some scented lotions may contain chemicals or fragrances that irritate sensitive pregnancy skin, potentially worsening the itching. Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products designed for sensitive skin instead.

Most cases of belly itching do not pose severe complications in pregnancy. You may use any home remedial measures or over the counter medicines to treat the itching. However, it is advised to do so in consultation with your doctor. You should also seek immediate medical help if you notice anything unusual about itching during pregnancy.

References/Resources:

1. Skin Conditions During Pregnancy: FAQs; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy

2. Humidifiers: Ease skin, breathing symptoms; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/humidifiers/art-20048021

3. 10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief; American Academy of Dermatology Association; https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-uncontrollably-itchy-skin

4. Itching and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/complications/itching-and-intrahepatic-cholestasis/

5. Itching during pregnancy; Pregnancy, Birth & Baby; https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/itching-during-pregnancy

6. Prurigo of Pregnancy; Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22642-prurigo-of-pregnancy

7. Pustular psoriasis of pregnancy; DermNet; https://dermnetnz.org/topics/pustular-psoriasis-of-pregnancy

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Home Remedies For Itching in Pregnancy