Why does the skin itch during pregnancy?

Itching of the skin during pregnancy is not a particularly common phenomenon. Most often, the skin begins to itch unbearably (as after mosquito bites) in the evening, closer to night, which can provoke insomnia and generally worsen a woman's mood. Usually, itching does not harm the baby and goes away on its own after giving birth. However, consult gynecologist and a dermatologistis still worth it.

The cause of itching during pregnancy in most cases is a malfunction of the liver: the production and outflow of bile, a general increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood. This is due to a hormonal malfunction in the body of the expectant mother – a violation of the synthesis of estrogens, as well as due to fetal pressure on the bile ducts. The fatty acids produced in large quantities enter the woman's skin through the bloodstream and irritate the nerve endings, causing excruciating itching. Similar phenomena associated with stagnation of bile in the body can make themselves felt in the third trimester of pregnancy. Sometimes itching is accompanied by dangerous diseases such as diabetes mellitus.

Who is predisposed?

Itching during pregnancy is usually observed in women with chronic diseases of the biliary tract and with high cholesterol levels in the blood. Such expectant mothers need to have a biochemical blood test regularly (at least once a month) to exclude toxic effects on liver cells.

A pregnant woman should tell her gynecologist about the discomfort associated with itching of the skin. In some cases, itching may be a sign of the development of such a dangerous disease as hepatitis. The doctor will conduct appropriate examinations. If, according to an objective examination, itching does not pose any danger, it is often possible to get rid of discomfort by simply following a diet aimed at lowering cholesterol levels, limiting the consumption of fatty, spicy and salty foods that prevent the liver from coping with the function of secreting bile, as well as drinking plenty of water – it is necessary to eliminate dry skin. If the diet does not help, the doctor may prescribe suitable choleretic drugs for pregnant women.

It is important to find the cause of the disturbing itch, excluding a whole group of skin diseases that can occur during pregnancy.

This itching should be mentioned separately. As a rule, the skin on the abdomen or chest itches in the second and third trimesters due to its stretching, because it is these parts of the body that increase in volume during pregnancy. In this case, it is very important not to comb the skin – this will lead to stretch marks, which, unlike itching, will not go away after childbirth. Regularly use moisturizers, special anti-striae products, do a light massage of the chest and abdomen with circular movements of the fingers and do not take a hot shower.

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