The happiness that comes with having a baby is amazing. But, while it comes with thrills, it also has many ups and downs. One may have a lot of experiences; dizziness, nausea, tiredness, and, worse, itching.
Nobody is cool with itching; it is very uncomfortable, especially when pregnant. All you can think of at that point is how much you want to itch.
Itching during pregnancy can happen due to changes in the body and any part of the body. For example, it may itch in the breast, skin, or vagina area depending on your body and the causes that could lead to it.
This article will give you the relevant details you need to know about pregnancy itching. Stick around!
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When Does Itching Start During Pregnancy?
The duration of itching in pregnancy is not a specific one. Some women do not even experience itching, but those who do, have different timing.
But what does it mean? In pregnancy, there are 3 trimesters which make up the 9 months. That is to say. The 9 months get divided into 3 months per interval which makes up each trimester.
Thus, women who itch in pregnancy may experience it either from the first or third trimester. But, of course, all these depend on the nature of their bodies.
More so, women who get this itching may not have it all over their bodies or during pregnancy. Hence it can occur in their vagina, breast, or stomach. Some may even itch all over their bodies which is very discomforting.
So knowing the cause and getting itching relief in the vaginal areas and other parts of the body is the best way to get through your pregnancy without much discomfort.
Areas and Causes of Itching in Pregnant Women
Different areas or parts of the body may itch during pregnancy. Let’s look at those parts and the causes of pregnancy itching.
Vagina
Itching in the vagina and around the urethra during pregnancy is possible. It may even become more frequent as the pregnancy goes on. Also, you can have some uneasy but usual symptoms like pain, burning, or vaginal discharge. After giving birth, these symptoms usually go away.
Another cause of itching is your shifting hormones, leading to a pH imbalance. As a result, you may develop yeast infections and vaginal itching when pregnant.
Also, there is a chance of urinary tract infection (UTI) due to frequent urination. This is because the baby presses the bladder, which leads to urinating most of the time. So when the mother does not maintain proper hygiene, it could lead to infection, which can cause itching. Again, seeing your doctor is the best option for treatment.
Finally, shaving too can cause vaginal itch. But this is normal after shave and is not that serious. One can use the doctor’s recommended vaginal itching cream to get itching relief in the vaginal area.
Breast
Pregnancy-related itching mainly results from your skin expanding, stretching, and drying out, which is the exact cause of itching everywhere else. You might experience some itching and obvious changes in your breasts even in the early stages of pregnancy. If you gain an entire cup size during the first trimester, don’t be shocked!
The majority of the growth is brought on by bigger milk glands and fat storage, which help prepare for feeding your kid. But do nipples itch while carrying a child? Yes, You may experience itchiness on your areolas because your entire breast is prone to itching.
The Skin on Stomach, Thighs, and Arms
Know that you’re not the only pregnant woman experiencing itchy skin. It turns out that itchiness on the abdomen or elsewhere on the body will affect some but not all pregnant women. So, your increasing belly bump causes your skin to become dry, flaky, and strained, and you may develop a rash, which is often the source of the itching.
You might also experience stretch marks on your breasts, abdomen, thighs, butt, or upper arms in addition to itching. Stretch marks, as the name implies, occur when the skin stretches and loses elasticity due to hormonal changes. As a result, your stretch marks may also itch.
More so, perfumes and fabrics can also react with your skin and cause irritation or itching. It often occurs because pregnancy comes with a lot of sensitivity. Your skin may be sensitive to the chemicals in some perfumes and fabrics. As a result, it will, in turn, cause itching.
How to Relieve Pregnancy Itching?
Now you know the areas and causes of itching during pregnancy. So let’s look at some remedies that bring relief.
Use Doctor’s Prescribed Vaginal Cream
Consult your doctor for advice if you have vaginal itching during pregnancy. So do not use any over-the-counter creams that you feel may do the trick. Instead, get a doctor’s report which you can use to buy a good vaginal itching cream that is safe for you and your baby. In other words, avoid self-medicating and always check in with your doctor.
Avoid Harsh Perfumes, Creams, and Soaps
To avoid getting irritated by perfumes and soaps, avoid using the ones with a harsh smell. You may react to it and start itching. Hence, go for milder soaps, creams, perfumes, and any cosmetics of yours. Also, you can make them yourself to avoid those sensitive chemicals.
Wear Loose and Comfortable Fabrics
Avoid wearing tight clothing that hugs your body, especially your belly. It could make you sweat and increase the urge to itch. Also, wear fabrics that allow air to touch your body, like cotton clothing.
Soaking Baths with Oatmeal
Another way to soothe skin is to use a cornstarch or oatmeal bath. Both cornstarch and colloidal oatmeal (a type of oatmeal used in lotions and bath products) can help soothe irritated skin. It is known to soothe and provide some relief. Plus, taking a bath during pregnancy sounds pretty good!
Use Moisturizer
Any natural oil-containing cream can provide moisture which can reduce itching. This solves the problem of dryness and flakiness. Thus using oils helps reduce pregnancy itching.
Stay Hydrated
Increase your water intake and stay hydrated. Don’t forget to include electrolytes in your hydration regime. Be sure to add coconut water or water with added electrolytes to help your body get the most out of the water you provide.
To Wrap Things Up
Having a child is a thing of joy, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. As a mother, you must care for yourself to get a healthy baby.
Thus, always check in with your doctor if you notice anything abnormal about yourself or your baby. Also, consult your doctor while using these remedies if you still notice things that are off with your body. So, in the end, you and your baby come out strong and healthy.
