WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

How to fight itchiness

How to Fight Itchiness during Pregnancy
Itchiness during pregnancy is a common symptom that many women experience.
It can be attributed to various factors, including hormonal changes, stretching of the skin, and increased blood flow.
Here are some key causes of itchiness during pregnancy:
  • Stretching skin: As your baby grows, your skin stretches to accommodate the expanding belly, leading to itchiness, particularly around the abdomen.
  • Hormonal changes: Pregnancy hormones, such as estrogen, can affect the skin's moisture balance, leading to dryness and itchiness.
  • Increased blood flow: During pregnancy, there is an increased blood supply to the skin, which can contribute to itchiness.
Tips to Relieve Pregnancy-Related Itchiness
If you're experiencing itchiness during pregnancy, try these tips to find relief and maintain your comfort:
  • Moisturize: Apply a gentle, unscented moisturizer to your skin regularly, especially after showering, to help keep your skin hydrated and reduce dryness.
  • Avoid hot showers: Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness and itchiness. Opt for lukewarm showers instead.
  • Choose gentle skincare products: Opt for mild, fragrance-free soaps and cleansers to avoid further irritation to sensitive skin.
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing: Choose cotton or other natural fibers that allow your skin to breathe and minimize friction, which can worsen itchiness.
  • Keep cool: Overheating can worsen itchiness. Use fans, stay in well-ventilated areas, and dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to help regulate your body temperature.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While itchiness during pregnancy is often harmless, there are instances when it may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.
It's important to consult your healthcare provider if:
  • The itchiness is severe and persistent, interfering with your daily activities and sleep.
  • You notice a rash, redness, or swelling in addition to the itchiness.
  • The itchiness is accompanied by other symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin), dark urine, or pale stools.
Your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms, conduct any necessary tests, and provide appropriate treatment or guidance to address your specific situation.
Dig deeper
J
Joevena
26 Jan 2024

So tempted to wax it all off. But it always itch when they grow back. I don't know if I want to deal with the itchiness while recovering from the birthing. Should I just cut it with scissor as short as I can?

7 comments
N
Nik
I don't do anything 😂natural and wild. The doctor doesn't care
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
J
Joevena
It's my first time so I feel shy. But I want to leave it all natural and wild too. Thank you! I think Ima do all natural too then
27 Mar 2024

Answer


S
Shelby
2 Dec 2023

Anyone experiencing extreme itchiness? My entire body is itchy. Mainly at night and no matter how much lotion I try to use it doesn’t help😭 it’s driving me insane.

1 comments
J
Justine
Petroleum jellyyyyyy. It’s my fave. The itch is from the skin stretching
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

T
Tiffany Weeman
13 Sep 2023

So my nipples are itchy and a bit painful. I know I need a more supportive bra but don't know what and is there a cream to soothe the itchiness? #16weeks #haveacold

2 comments
A
Ash
i had the same problem my whole pregnancy but i just use the stretch mark cream for it , it helped sometimes but that itch be bugging smh
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
T
Tiffany Weeman
Meh that sounds horrible. I have 2 successful pregnancies and I dont remember them being this itchy this early 😥
27 Mar 2024

Answer


P
Paulina
16 Jul 2023

Hey girls have anyone got yeast infection, how to deal with the itchiness i got it a few weeks a go talk to my midwife she prescribed me monistat 7 i used n the yeast it was gone but im starting to feel again the symptoms 😫 it is so uncomfortable help!!!

9 comments
M
Mia
That monistat cream suppose to help with the itchiness and if you’re feeling it again then you need the pill ask the dr it’s a one time pill and it’s safe to use as long as it’s not early pregnancy and your babies organs are already formed. The same thing happened to me and the pill took care of it
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
P
Paulina
Thnk you! I’ll ask her the bad thing today its sunday 😩 n they’re closed n I can’t handle it!
27 Mar 2024

Answer


T
Tiffany
9 Jul 2023

I developed itchiness last night before bed. I got a cold shower to try to help, but eventually I just slept it off. I'm still itchy this morning, but not as much. I'm almost 17 weeks pregnant and I'm worried it has something to do with my liver since I googled it. Anyone else experience this before?

3 comments
A
Ashton
Yes it's completely normal I had it bad around 8-10 weeks it should go away on its own ..just keep In mind if your hands or feet inch only then it could be a liver issue
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
T
Tiffany
it's everywhere but there. My legs, inner thighs, under my belly (I'm plus size) , my armpits, and my chest. This is my first child so I'm not really sure what to expect, you know. It almost feels like prickly heat.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


S
Sandra
10 Mar 2023

Too early.. but anyone else dealing with itchiness? My boobs are super itchy I am trying so hard NOT to scratch..I keep moisturizing, but nothing works what can I use to scratch myself without creating stretch marks!!!! #HELP:( #1stTimeMom

7 comments
a
andrea
i have stretch mark on my boobs before i got pregnant so i scratch 😆 scratch over your shirt not under and don’t put so much pressure
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
S
Sandra
Thank you! Lol I definitely will try to do that
27 Mar 2024

Answer


N
Nicole💖
8 Feb 2023

I’m so ready for baby girl to come this constant itchiness all over has to stop 😩 it doesn’t help with the weather where I live it’s so cold but has anyone got any recommendations to help?

6 comments
O
Ohmee
I did get over the counter itch creams to start with. Then I got prescribed stronger cream.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
O
Ohmee
my doc said Claritin was ok and benendryl.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Alexis
8 Jan 2023

I have a rash all over my body and it itches so bad my doctor says It's not pupps becuase I have to be in my 3rd trimester in order to have it...I just want the itchiness to stop please if anyone here has had this please help 😢 😭😫

2 comments
M
Maya🦋
Following.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Alaysha
I use aveeno body wash in the shower for soothing. Get out, immediately dry off, put on lotion(I use jergens) and then once it soaks in a bit, put aquaphor (on the itchiest spots) then, use baby oil!
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Alicia
22 Dec 2022

Is there a solution to itchiness and cramping do y'all have that problem I have tried everything and nothing is working

6 comments
🍹
🍹Jenni
I told my doctor and she prescribed phinigran and it’s really helping me. The first 2 days I have taken it I have had such relief from all symptoms, especially the cramps and burning stomach!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Alicia
ok I tried heat I didn't know if I was supposed to use it but it helped but then I ended up really hot afterwards
27 Mar 2024

Answer


P
Pearline
21 Jul 2022

Ok now what can I do for the C-section scar itchiness? 🤣 Google told me some stuff but I wanna know what really will work. It’s not that bad it’s just annoying & I hate to even touch it

1 comments
J
Jessica
Try Vaseline
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

Related articles

Hot topics

More questions from Moms