Table of contents:
- Is it normal to experience an itchy stomach during pregnancy?
- What are the causes of an itchy stomach during pregnancy?
- 1. Hormonal changes
- 2. Some skin problems
- 3. Intrahepatic cholestasis
- How do you deal with an itchy stomach during pregnancy?
- 1. Apply a moisturizer to the skin
- 2. Apply anti-itch cream
- 3. Take a cold shower
- 4. Don't scratch
- 5. Avoid going out during hot weather
- 6. Wear comfortable clothes
In your opinion, of the several complaints during pregnancy, what is the most disturbing? If the choice is an itchy stomach during pregnancy, take it easy because you are not alone. Let's read first, the full explanation and how to deal with an itchy stomach during pregnancy below.
Is it normal to experience an itchy stomach during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, it is not only the breasts that can feel itchy. Another area of the body that can itch is the stomach.
Quoted from Tommy's, you don't need to worry because Itching stomach during pregnancy is normal and often felt by pregnant women.
This happens because the skin stretches as the fetus develops in the stomach.
An enlarged stomach during pregnancy is also the cause of the itching you feel.
When the stomach enlarges, the skin also widens. Your skin can lose moisture and become dry, making it easier for you to feel itchy and uncomfortable.
Not only that, the itching that often occurs during pregnancy is also caused by an increase in blood supply to the skin.
What are the causes of an itchy stomach during pregnancy?
As explained above, a common cause of itchy stomach during pregnancy is due to stretching of the skin due to fetal development.
In addition, here are some conditions that cause stomach itching during pregnancy, such as:
1. Hormonal changes
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can also cause itching in the area around your stomach.
The hormone estrogen, which increases during pregnancy, can make your skin more prone to itching.
There is no need to worry as this is a temporary condition that gradually subsides after childbirth.
2. Some skin problems
Not only hormonal changes, other skin conditions can also cause an itchy stomach during pregnancy. One of them is eczema which can also occur when you are pregnant.
If you have eczema, what you can feel is itching in your stomach as well as any folds of skin such as on the inside of your knees or elbows.
It's different when itching during pregnancy is also accompanied by a rash, you may experience polymorphic eruptions in pregnancy.
Usually this occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy and is not dangerous for you or the fetus. This condition can just disappear after you give birth.
3. Intrahepatic cholestasis
The cause of itchy stomach during pregnancy is also commonly referred to as intrahepatic cholestasis.
This is a condition that occurs when there is a problem in the liver because bile acids accumulate in the body.
One of the symptoms that appears is itching without any other symptoms such as skin rash. Not only in the abdominal area, itching can also be felt on the palms and soles of the feet.
Although it can occur throughout the day, some pregnant women may feel unbearable itching at night.
How do you deal with an itchy stomach during pregnancy?
Itching in your stomach or other parts of your pregnancy can make you feel uncomfortable.
To overcome this, you can't do it carelessly because it could just be worse.
The following are ways that can be done to deal with itching during pregnancy:
1. Apply a moisturizer to the skin
Itching can be caused by skin that is too dry due to lack of care.
Therefore, you need to apply moisturizer to the skin to treat the stomach and other areas that itch during pregnancy.
This is also a way to avoid scratching as the cool sensation you feel after applying moisturizer can also make your skin feel more comfortable.
You can apply a moisturizer or topical oil to the skin as often as possible as long as the ingredients of the product are safe for pregnancy.
Avoid products that contain urea, essential oils, salicylic acid, or retinoids.
2. Apply anti-itch cream
If applying moisturizer has not been able to deal with an itchy stomach during pregnancy, you can try other methods.
The way that can be done is by applying anti-itch medication or cream to the stomach area or other area that feels itchy.
You can also use cold powder which has anti-itching properties.
It never hurts to consult a doctor to get an itching medication that is safe for pregnant women.
3. Take a cold shower
A warm bath may make you feel more refreshed and energized.
However, this method is not able to overcome the condition of the stomach or other areas of the body that feel itchy during pregnancy.
Keep in mind that taking a warm shower can actually dry out your skin, making it easier for you to itch.
Therefore, you should take a shower using plain water because the cold can soothe the skin.
When you shower, you should also use a soap that is moisturizing and free from alcohol.
Not only taking a shower, you can also compress the skin area with a cold towel to make it feel comfortable and reduce the itching sensation.
4. Don't scratch
When you feel itchy, you will spontaneously scratch it.
However, scratching is not a good thing to deal with itching. Scratching will only irritate your skin.
No need to scratch excessively, just scratch without using nails.
5. Avoid going out during hot weather
The heat from the sun can make your skin sweaty and clammy, which can trigger prickly heat.
Therefore, as much as possible avoid going outside when the weather is hot.
Not only that, the ultraviolet rays from the sun can also trigger a rash on dry skin.
6. Wear comfortable clothes
When wearing clothes that are too tight, this can make it easier for your skin to rub together and trigger an itchy stomach during pregnancy.
Therefore, you can wear loose clothing to make it comfortable and your skin to breathe easier.
Also, make sure that your clothes are clean, made of cotton, and avoid synthetic or wool fabrics.
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