Itching during pregnancy

Itching during pregnancy is often a normal side effect, but a frustrating side effect, of pregnancy. This is particularly the case when your uterus grows and expands to accommodate your new baby and your skin stretches. Pregnancy hormones can also result in some itching during pregnancy as well as changes in your liver enzymes.

Some women experience unusual itching during pregnancy. This may occur in the soles of feet or in the palms of your hands while pregnant. This condition may be caused by increasing levels of bile salts from the liver in the body during pregnancy.

Treating Itching During Pregnancy

Typically the best way to treat itchy skin during pregnancy is by using plenty of moisturizer and avoiding drying situations (like hot showers or baths). A mild soap can also help prevent the skin from feeling too dry. Some women find a warm bath with soothing products like oatmeal helps relieve itching skin.

If you do apply a moisturizer, apply it just after getting out of the bath when your skin is still wet. This will help your skin absorb more moisture and prevent itching much better than if you simply apply moisturizer while your skin is dry. Applying a heavy moisturizer like cocoa butter to your abdomen may also help prevent stretch marks or reduce their severity during pregnancy.

What is Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Cholestasis of pregnancy is a rare condition that results from a liver problem. Roughly 2 percent of pregnant women may develop this condition, which occurs when bile fails to flow normally in the small ducts of the liver. This results in bile salt accumulation in the body and can cause excessive itching. This itching is more intense than other forms of itching. Some women scratch so severely they end up with small tears in the skin.

This problem like many other pregnancy related skin conditions clears shortly after delivery. In some cases your doctor may recommend an early induction depending on the severity of your condition. Many women who develop cholestasis of pregnancy will develop the condition in subsequent pregnancies.