Tips for Dealing With an Itchy Belly During Pregnancy
The content below was summarized from the following Very Well Family by Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH
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Overview
The cause of an itchy belly in pregnancy is usually just the skin expanding.
You have to expand to accommodate the developing fetus, so there is not a way to get out of that. This doesn’t mean that everyone will experience itching, or to a level that is even noticeable.
Here are tips for preventing and treating an itchy belly during pregnancy:
Avoid Things That Dry Your Skin
We do a lot of things that dry our skin out without even thinking about it. One of the main culprits is hot water. While a bath is perfectly acceptable, how you take it may be drying out your skin.
You might consider being sure that you don’t use too hot of water on your stomach. This can further dry put the skin, particularly troublesome for some mothers in the winter months. In fact, when you get out of a bath, gently towel off, not removing all of the water. This is the ideal time to add a moisturizer to your skincare plan.
When to See a Doctor
Be sure to talk to your doctor before using any medicated creams or taking oral medications to alleviate itching. There are some skin issues that can crop up in pregnancy that go beyond simple dry skin.
You may have PUPP, a condition marked by very uncomfortable itching and hives. Your doctor can help you determine the best form of treatment for itching that goes beyond dry skin.
There is also a dangerous liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Severe itching without a rash, most commonly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, is the main symptom (although itching can also spread to the torso). Since ICP may increase the risk of preterm birth and other problems, make sure to tell your doctor if you experience itching without a rash.
Keep Your Belly Moisturized
Having dry skin can make the itching worse and lead to scratching. Keeping yourself and your belly well hydrated will usually help tone down the itching, but not necessarily alleviate it. This is where creams and oils can come in handy. A nice moisturizing lotion will go a long way with the itchiness.
Shop our Pregnant Belly Balm by Motherlove.
Read the full article from Very Well Family.
