Severe body itching during pregnancy. What causes itchy skin in pregnant women and how you can cope with it

Quite a lot of women, while carrying a baby, different dates are beginning to experience itchy skin. It can be of varying intensity, and in some cases it is accompanied by rashes. So what causes itchy skin during pregnancy, and how to deal with it?

Provoking factors

If skin itching occurs in pregnant women, there are several reasons that can provoke this condition:

1. Allergic reaction to certain foods or medications. While carrying a baby, the female body becomes more sensitive to all external and internal influences. This may result in an allergy to the product. household chemicals Therefore, pregnant women need to carefully choose personal care products, home care, and food products.

1. Skin itching during pregnancy later can be provoked by stretching of the skin, the baby grows in the womb, and the skin stretches with the enlargement of the abdomen. The breasts itch for the same reason, but this is often observed in the early stages.
2. It's no secret that during pregnancy, the body produces a large amount of estrogens, which can also cause itchy skin.
3. Itchy skin may be a symptom of serious liver disease. A woman can scratch her skin until it bleeds.

Important! If there is liver pathology, then the pregnant woman’s whole body itches, and not a certain part of it. The itching is especially severe at night.

1. Itchy skin during pregnancy can be caused by certain skin pathologies, such as eczema or scabies mites. Usually, if they are present, the symptoms only intensify during pregnancy.

1. Most expectant mothers suffer from thrush, which can cause itching in the genital area.

Need to know. Considering the fact that serious pathologies can provoke skin itching, when it appears, a woman should urgently visit her doctor.

Fighting itchy skin during pregnancy

If skin itching during pregnancy is caused by natural causes and not by serious illnesses, then you can completely reduce its intensity by following the following recommendations:

1. To eliminate the allergic component of itching, you need to reconsider your diet. Avoid products that may cause allergies, and therefore itchy skin.
2. No one has canceled compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, but for this it is better to use hypoallergenic products.

Need to know. Sometimes tap water can cause itchy skin, so it is necessary to install filters to purify it.

1. For skin care during pregnancy, it is better to use neutral products; it is advisable to purchase them in pharmacies. You can use baby cream, it does not cause allergies and is completely safe for the skin.
2. While carrying a baby, it is especially necessary to maintain a water regime, although this should always be done. Drink at least 2 liters of clean water per day.
3. During pregnancy, it is better to avoid taking sunbathing, this can also cause itchy skin. Use cool water to wash your face.
4. For the skin of the abdomen and chest, you need to choose a moisturizer.

1. To cleanse the body of harmful substances (they can also cause itching), you can use activated carbon, zinc powder or cholestyramine.
2. A pregnant woman should choose clothes from natural fabrics, especially underwear.
3. Take a walk every day fresh air, and ventilate the room.

Important! If the cause of itching of the body skin during pregnancy is liver pathology, then it is necessary drug treatment, which is selected only by a specialist.

Getting rid of itchy skin with folk remedies

Traditional healers have recipes that help relieve itchy skin.

Need to know. Any folk remedies during pregnancy should be used only with the permission of a doctor.

1. To take a bath, you can use decoctions of calendula, chamomile or string.

1. For itching certain parts body, you can make a compress of oatmeal. They must first be soaked in milk and applied to itchy areas.
2. Take a cabbage leaf and hold it for a few minutes apple cider vinegar, and then knead it until the juice appears and apply to the skin.
3. You can prepare a decoction from equal parts of celandine, elecampane, horsetail, lingonberry leaves and elderberry flowers. Add St. John's wort and mix everything thoroughly. Then take a tablespoon of the mixture and pour 250 ml of boiling water, leave in a thermos for several hours. The infusion must be strained and drunk 3 times a day, 200 ml before meals. After a month's course, take a week's break and you can repeat.

Despite quite discomfort, which causes skin itching, most often it is still not dangerous to the baby’s health and expectant mother. Nine months of waiting will fly by, and everything will return to normal, and the joy of the birth of the long-awaited baby will overshadow all the recent troubles.

Skin itching during pregnancy is not so common, but this symptom cannot be called rare either. Typically, the appearance of itchy skin occurs in the second half of pregnancy, more often from the 6th month. Sometimes it occurs simultaneously with yellowing of the skin, sometimes on its own. Skin itching in pregnant women is especially severe at night, perhaps because during the day a person is distracted by various activities and thoughts, but at night he notices more ailments like itchy skin.
Why does itchy skin appear during pregnancy? Any skin manifestations, unless they are independent dermatological diseases, indicate some kind of malfunction of the liver. IN in this case An increase in estrogen levels during pregnancy leads to cholestasis - stagnation of bile in the liver, while bile acids are released in excess, those that, when they come into contact with the skin, cause itchy skin. Often during the same period, liver function tests change - ALT, bilirubin - the numbers of these indicators may increase. In order to alleviate the condition, you need to follow several rules. Firstly, take a warm shower more often, after which lubricate the skin, especially in itchy areas, with neutral body milk or oil. This way, excess bile acids are mechanically removed from the skin, and to avoid drying out the skin after water and detergents, emollients and moisturizers are used. Among the medications, cholestyramine, various talkatives, and activated charcoal are good for relieving skin itching - it removes all excess from the intestines. In addition, it is good to use substances that improve liver function and relieve cholestasis, although complete relief from skin itching will most likely occur after childbirth. The liver can be supported with conventional hepatoprotectors, such as Essentiale, Karsila, and to improve the outflow of bile, use no-shpa. There are also drugs that help the liver, less known, but more effective - these are derivatives of animal bile - Ursofalk and Ursosan, plant substances - Hepatofalk - Plante. Of course, all this should be used only after consulting with your doctor, and just in case, visit an infectious disease specialist and get tested necessary tests, in order to exclude more serious liver damage, for example, viral hepatitis, which, like any disease, may well manifest itself during pregnancy.
Itching of the skin, although less often, can be caused by intolerance to any food product, especially exotic, which formerly a woman I didn’t use it, but during pregnancy I decided to pamper myself - seafood often plays this role - shrimp, oysters, mussels - you just need to exclude them from food and not experiment with food anymore.
In general, we must try, as always, to understand the causes of itching during pregnancy and do the maximum possible to reduce this unpleasant symptom, which interferes with normal sleep and brings a lot of trouble to pregnant women, to a minimum.

Itchy skin 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 cause insomnia and generally worsen a woman’s mood. Usually the itching does not harm the baby and goes away on its own after childbirth. However, it is still worth consulting with a gynecologist and dermatologist.

What causes it?

The cause of itching during pregnancy in most cases is a disruption of the liver: the production and outflow of bile, a general increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood. This occurs due to a hormonal imbalance in the body of the expectant mother - a disruption in the synthesis of estrogen, as well as due to pressure from the fetus on the bile ducts. Produced in large quantities fatty acids enter the woman's skin through the bloodstream and irritate the nerve endings, causing painful 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 dangerous diseases such as diabetes.

Who is predisposed?

Typically, itching during pregnancy occurs in women with chronic diseases biliary tract and high level cholesterol in the blood. Such expectant mothers need to regularly (at least once a month) undergo 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 itchy skin. In some cases, itching may be a sign of the development of such dangerous disease like hepatitis. The doctor will conduct appropriate examinations. If, according to an objective examination, itching does not pose any danger, often getting rid of discomfort can be achieved by simply following a diet aimed at reducing cholesterol levels, limiting the consumption of fatty, spicy and salty foods, which interfere with the liver’s ability to cope with the function of bile secretion, as well as drinking plenty of fluids - 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 disturbing itching, eliminating the whole group skin diseases which may occur during pregnancy.

Itching in the abdomen and chest

This kind of itching 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 these are the 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. Use moisturizers regularly by special means against stretch marks, do a light massage of the chest and abdomen with circular movements of your fingers and do not take a hot shower.

You can get answers to any questions about pregnancy and childbirth from leading EMC experts in classes.

During pregnancy, women often experience itchy skin. Itching can be localized in one place or spread throughout the body. There are many reasons for this, but you need to know how dangerous it is for the woman and the fetus. There are reasons of a safe nature and those that entail pathological changes.

Why does your body itch during pregnancy?

Causes that are not included in the dangerous group:

If your body is constantly itching, contact your supervising doctor immediately. Itching can be a sign of serious pathological abnormalities!

Itchy body diseases

Diseases indicated by body itching during pregnancy:

1. Liver dysfunction. Main symptoms: itching, formation of a red rash in certain areas (most often on the feet and palms). The itching intensifies in the evening.
2. Allergic reactions often accompany pregnancy. Even if there was no allergy before conception. Signs: rash, redness, itching. To know more information about allergies during pregnancy - .
3. Thrush, bacterial vaginosis. With such pathologies, the genitals itch, accompanied by copious discharge.
4. Skin diseases– dermatitis, eczema, scabies, lichen, fungus, etc. Accompanied by redness, peeling and rashes.
5. Diabetes. During the second half of pregnancy, blood sugar levels may rise. This condition is called gestational diabetes because the disease occurs during pregnancy. But if a woman had undiagnosed diabetes mellitus before pregnancy, then skin itching may be present already in the first months of pregnancy.
6. Violationsnervous or endocrine system . Consultation with specialized specialists is required.

It is very important to consult a doctor in a timely manner, because treatment of diseases during pregnancy excludes the use of fast-acting drugs. Therapy should be prescribed for early stages development of one or another pathology.

How to eliminate itching all over the body during pregnancy

The problem of eliminating itching during pregnancy should be approached with special attention, as there is a risk of harm to the fetus. For the same reason, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before using any product or drug. The method of eliminating itching depends on the etiology of its occurrence, so a variety of remedies are used.

Conservative therapy

1. At increased ALT and/or AST you need to contact a gastroenterologist to prescribe medications such as Ursosan or Ursofalk. Additionally, Enterosgel, Essentiale, Hofitol may be prescribed.
2. If noted allergic reaction, the doctor initially identifies its cause. Based on this, medications are prescribed. An allergist provides treatment.
3. At diabetes mellitus It is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control. You should not eat a lot of sweets, you should give up other prohibited foods. If necessary, the endocrinologist increases the dose of insulin.
4. At skin pathologies you will have to follow a special diet. Vitamin therapy is used, antihistamines and calcium preparations are used. Lotions containing a solution of potassium permanganate should be applied directly to areas of the skin.
5. If diagnosed diseases of the liver and biliary tract, hepatoprotectors are prescribed that are acceptable for use during pregnancy. It could be “Karsil”, “Essentiale”. To improve the flow of bile - “Papaverine”.
6. At genital skin infection candles are used.
7. To prevent and neutralize stretch marks ointments and creams are prescribed. Recipes are also used traditional medicine.
8. At nervous system disorders, excessive excitement, anxiety and nervousness, the doctor prescribes sedatives.

Relieving itching with folk remedies

Traditional medicine recipes have always been used to relieve itching. Especially during pregnancy. After all medicinal herbs and other medicinal products contain many essential substances. They are safe and harmless to the fetus.

Before use, be sure to consult your doctor. Some of the herbs may cause allergic reaction. Remember, a pregnant woman’s body changes at the physiological level!

1. For a lotion you can make tincture of periwinkle leaves: for 1 tbsp. l. take a glass of boiling water. Boil for 10 minutes over low heat and let it brew. The decoction can be used for taking a bath, and the strained remains can be applied to the itching area.
2. Melissa and mint tea It perfectly calms the nervous system, so it is used for itching caused by nervous tension.
3. Ointment based chicken egg helps relieve itching in certain areas of the body. Combine the boiled yolk with butter (1 tsp) and fried nuts, crushed to powder (1 tbsp). Heat the mixture and transfer it to a glass container.
4. Take cabbage leaf, soak it in apple cider vinegar and grind. You should get a paste that is applied to the itchy area of ​​the skin.
5. Accept bath with decoctions chamomile, calendula, oregano, elecampane, celandine and other herbs.

Preventing itching during pregnancy

To relieve or prevent itching, every pregnant woman should adhere to certain recommendations:

1. Eat right! Eliminate fatty and smoked foods, spicy and salty foods from your diet. Be sure to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits and drink enough fluids. It is not advisable for pregnant women to consume exotic foods; they can cause allergies.
2. Personal hygiene should come first. Therefore, take a bath or shower more often. Use hypoallergenic products to wash and care for your skin.
3. Body cream should be moisturizing or baby cream. Today, special creams for pregnant women are produced.
4. The skin loves to breathe, so spend more time in the fresh air and always ventilate the room.
5. Do not wear synthetic or too tight underwear or clothes.
6. Do not visit the solarium and do not long time in the open sun.
7. Never scratch your body. This will make the situation worse.

If your body itches during pregnancy, it causes discomfort, so try to be examined in a timely manner and prevent the development of diseases. Use conservative and folk remedies (in consultation with your doctor), get rid of existing diseases and do not be nervous.

Among all the complications that arise during pregnancy, there is one thing that is not necessarily a sign of any disease, but certainly brings discomfort, and sometimes even drives you crazy - itchy skin. This is not to say that if you become pregnant, you will certainly encounter this problem. But absolutely everyone has a chance, because practice shows that many expectant mothers have itchy skin.

This may be constant or occasional itching, it may appear independently or in combination with other symptoms, intensify in the evening or not change its character. But be that as it may, before doing anything, you need to consult a gynecologist, infectious disease specialist and dermatologist and find the cause of the itchy skin.

Why does your skin itch during pregnancy?

To the question: “Doctor, why do I itch during pregnancy?” no doctor will answer you unequivocally, because there is simply no exact answer. But for some reason the skin itches, and the reason for this must be sought.

There are several theories regarding the occurrence of itchy skin during pregnancy. Causes are sought depending on the manifestations. It can be:

• Appearance of stretch marks: Due to the rapidly growing chest and abdomen, the skin overstretches and in places where the fibers are torn, severe itching, preceding the appearance of striae. This itching is localized in the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, chest, and sometimes the upper arms. It occurs in the second half of pregnancy, most often in genetically predisposed and significantly recovered mothers.
• Cholestasis in pregnancy: caused by a malfunction due to . It is mainly accompanied by redness of the palms and feet, which are very itchy. Over time, the itching spreads to the entire body and intensifies in the evening and at night. Cholestasis in pregnancy most often occurs in the third trimester. In this case, the urine may darken noticeably, or, on the contrary, become lighter. The risk group includes women with increased level cholesterol in the blood and chronic diseases of the biliary tract.
• Hormonal changes: They are often the cause of the development of cholestasis. This itching is also localized on the palms and soles and only goes away after childbirth.
• Skin diseases: Dermatosis and eczema of pregnant women, skin fungus and other diseases accompanied by itching and other manifestations on the skin (peeling, rashes, swelling) are often found.
• Allergic reactions: usually accompanied by rash, redness and itching, as well as other associated symptoms. Can act as a provocateur washing powder, new shampoo, seafood, exotic fruits, pollen and basically anything you like. Therefore, it is better not to experiment with anything now. If an allergy develops, it is first necessary to eliminate the effect of the allergen on the body.
• Excessive sweating: Sweat collecting in the folds of the skin can cause itching and discomfort. If you notice that you begin to sweat more, take a shower more often and change into clean clothes (certainly made from natural fabrics). Telling the doctor that the sweating has increased will also not be a bad idea.

Among the causes of itchy skin can be such serious diseases as hepatitis. Therefore, it is still necessary to begin your research and solution to the problem with a visit to the doctor. And even though itchy skin does not affect the child in any way, it definitely brings discomfort to the mother, can be the cause of a bad mood, and even pose a certain threat if it is a sign of some kind of disease. And recent studies even show that itching increases the risk of an unfavorable course of not only pregnancy, but also childbirth.

How to eliminate itchy skin during pregnancy?

The solution to the problem depends on the identified cause. If you have cholecystitis or another medical diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe an examination, treatment and diet. In addition, it is necessary to properly care for your skin. Try to take warm (or summer) showers more often, but not hot showers, and rub yourself with a towel. A massage with alternating stroking and rubbing is especially useful if you are prone to stretch marks - it will significantly alleviate your condition.

After showering, always apply body light moisturizer, because dry skin makes itching worse. Try not to overheat, wear loose clothing made from natural fabrics, and drink enough fluids.

Pay special attention to cosmetics - they should be as safe creams and gels without fragrances or other harmful substances. There are also many traditional medicine recipes for itchy skin.

Especially for- Elena Kichak