An itchy stomach during pregnancy is a condition where pregnant women find themselves scratching and itching their belly and other parts of the body. The itchiness usually occurs in the second or third trimester while some people experience it earlier on. For some women, this may be an even more intense symptom than morning sickness. Not all pregnant women get itchiness in their stomachs, but some do.
In fact, it is estimated that about 20% of pregnant woman have an itchy belly at one point or another during pregnancy. The itching can be very intense and uncomfortable enough to cause sleepless nights. This type of itchiness needs medical attention, as it can signify some health problems, such as preeclampsia and placental abruption. If you are having any kind of itching sensation during pregnancy, here’s what you need to know about this common side effect.
In This Article
What does mean of the itchy stomach during pregnancy?
The itchy stomach during pregnancy has nothing to do with the normal changes that occur. Pregnancy itch is a special category of itching where somatic sensation takes over mental awareness. During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations play a major role in causing nausea and vomiting.
The itchy belly during pregnancy can be compared to the same feeling which a person has when they are suffering from food poisoning or other stomach-related health problems. In both cases, a person will have a sensation of being very hungry with an urge to eat more. But later they might throw up all that they ate. It is important to eat when you feel this kind of sensation in order not to let the stomach acids go down into your digestive tract and cause complications such as diarrhea, Yawning, and also nausea.
Unfortunately, no medicine can be used during pregnancy in order to get rid of itchy stomachs. Because whatever medicine a pregnant woman takes will be transferred to the baby. Whenever you feel that you are ready to throw up, try drinking carbonated drinks or even just water. It is often recommended that pregnant woman take small bites of tasty food including bananas, rice with chicken cubes, dry toast, and crackers until feeling better.
What causes an itchy belly during pregnancy?
Virtually all expected women experience bouts of itchy skin. The most common cause of an itchy rash during pregnancy is the stretching and expansion of skin caused by weight gain, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and itchiness. Another common cause of itchy belly button during pregnancy is eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis). Below you find some main severe itching causes in pregnancy and they are:
1. Skin stretches:
A pregnant woman’s belly stretches and expands to accommodate her growing baby. During the third trimester (last 3 months of pregnancy), a pregnant woman’s belly might itch as the skin stretches over her belly button and pubic area. Stretched skin is a mild itching condition that affects about 10 percent of all women during pregnancy.
2. Dry Skin:
Dry skin can be a normal result of pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones reduce the body’s production of oil (sebum), causing dry, itchy skin for many women during pregnancy. This is most common in the first trimester when hormonal changes might make the pregnant woman’s skin drier and itchier than ever before. To preventing pregnancy itching you can use some home remedies on dry skin.
3. Pregnancy hormones:
In the pregnancy period, hormones changes can other symptoms that are found in the itchy belly button, pregnant women. This might worsen other pre-existing skin conditions, such as eczema. It’s also possible that the type of rash known as prurigo of pregnancy is related to elevated estrogen levels. Hormonal changes during pregnancy reduce the body’s production of oil (sebum) and cause to skin dry, stretch marks, and make itching worse than ever.
4. Cholestasis:
Cholestasis is a rare condition of the liver that can develop during pregnancy. Cholestasis causes itching all over the body, including the itchy belly. It may also cause yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes ( jaundice ). Cholestasis also causes stretch marks because bile backs up into your body. And affects your skin instead of your bowels. Obstetric cholestasis is a serious condition that requires close monitoring by your doctor. It is the serious liver problems that caused serious health problems.
And similarly, Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a milder form of this condition. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is more commonly happens in first pregnancies. Including multiple pregnancies such as twins, and tends to be more severe in women who are Asian or Pacific Islander.
5. Prurigo:
Prurigo of pregnancy is a skin condition that causes an itchy rash on the stomach, upper arms, and thighs. During pregnancy, this condition can develop from dryness and itching. In addition to being very itchy, prurigo typically gets worse at night and may interfere with sleep. Prurigo is sometimes called the “itch that rashes.”
6. Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy:
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) is an itchy skin condition that affects about 1 in 150 expected women. PUPPP causes red, raised patches on the skin that look like hives, but the skin isn’t overly sensitive to touch. They can develop anywhere on the body, but they usually appear on the abdomen and occasionally around the eyes, mouth, or in the earlobes.
The red patches are usually accompanied by tiny bumps (papules) and tiny blisters (vesicles). The cause of PUPPP is unknown, but it’s not the result of an allergic reaction. Some doctors think that PUPPP might be related to an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina, which can sometimes happen during pregnancy. Which appearing mostly on the lower abdomen and itching for the first two weeks then disappears by the third week.
7. Fabrics and perfumes:
Sweat or constant rubbing from tight clothes can irritate the skin and cause itchy skin. At times, perfumes, lotions, body sprays, and even flowers in your home can be sources of irritation to your sensitive skin. Certain perfumes, fabric dyes, and other chemicals are used in clothing, carpets, household cleaners. And even the paint on your walls may trigger an allergic reaction that causes extreme itching or stretch marks after pregnancy progresses.
Itching on stomach during pregnancy is normal?
Itching on the stomach during pregnancy week is common, and can be caused by a number of factors. Itchiness may result from heightened nerve sensitivity, hormone changes such as progesterone and estrogen. Which helps the uterus prepare for birth, or even anxiety about your changing body shape. Although itching can be distressing at times, it does not usually lead to anything serious so there is no need to worry.
It is possible that the itching sensation in the stomach region could be related to UTIs or yeast infections. Some expected women experience these types of infections when their balance in vaginal flora changes because of hormonal changes.
Therefore, when itching occurs in the stomach region during pregnancy, it is recommended to see your doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment. However, it’s always best to check with a healthcare professional. If the itching persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, vaginal discharge, or a rash elsewhere on the body.
How to get relief from an itchy belly?
An itchy belly can be a result of various causes. In some cases, it may just be a mild irritation that is common to anyone who uses braces or has consumed certain types of medications. There are so many remedies you can use for preventing yourself from itching. Look at the below:
1. Wear loose clothes:
Wearing tight clothes can be one of the reasons for an itchy belly. Loose dresses help you to avoid irritation caused by the skin rubbing on the itching belly region. Wearing loose clothes also helps in preventing stretch marks after pregnancy. Loose-fitting clothes are made of natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and wool, etc. That protects your skin from chafing against the rough fabric of tight-fitting clothes while you have an active bowel movement.
2. Take Oat milk bath:
This is one of the most effective home remedies for an itching belly. Take one cup of oat milk in a bucket of water. Pour this milk into the bathtub and take a warm bath with it to get relief from itchiness. Bath with milk is also good for your baby’s growth. It is very effective in hot weather and also helpful for reduce itching in your affected area. Baking soda or hot bath water is an excellent home remedy for itching that can be used by expected women too.
3. Use calamine lotion:
For providing relief from the rash or stretch marks expected mothers can use calamine lotion. Calamine lotion helps in preventing the spread of infection as well as keeps skin cool and soft. Calamine lotion contains ingredients that help you in providing relief from itchiness. It also keeps it dry during the itching caused. This is also prescribed by doctors and peer-reviewed studies prove that calamine lotion is good to use for growing belly and for baby.
4. Use coconut oil:
As we have known that coconut oil is also an effective home remedy for preventing stretch marks. To prevent, itching the expected mother should use it on itchy areas. Using coconut oil during pregnancy is good for the skin and also provides relief from itching. The fatty acid present in it gives nourishment to the skin and makes it smooth and softened. It is the general nature treatment for skin changes that don’t affect the baby growth.
5. Antihistamines:
Almost every maternal-fetal medicine is good for prevention, not for curing. Anti-histamines are also used to prevent itching caused by allergies or any skin diseases. Also, it is recommended by doctors to take some antihistamines for providing relief from itchy skin during pregnancy. If an expected mother feel itchy constantly then they can use it without any hesitation.
6. For avoiding constant scratching use anti-itch cream:
Does scratching belly hurt baby? Well, do not scratch your itchy belly as you may damage the skin and make it sore. Use an anti-itch cream or gel to provide relief from the itching by applying it to the skin. According to academic research institutions, most women can find anti-itch cream more effective relief way from itchiness during pregnancy. You can apply this cream to the affected area it doesn’t harm your baby. In fact, the doctor also prescribed this trustworthy health information to the expected mother.
The Conclusion!!
An itchy stomach during pregnancy is something that many women experience. And this can lead to a lot of uncertainty about what the cause may be. The signs of pregnancy are often difficult to identify, and an itchy stomach is one that many pregnant women experience.
For some women, the itchiness may be more intense than others or only happen intermittently. If you’ve been experiencing any symptoms at all during your pregnancy. Then check with your healthcare provider for advice on what might help relieve the discomfort. If you have any queries regarding the context feel free to share with us through a comment below, respectively.
