Everything has been great with your pregnancy so far. You’ve just gotten over morning sickness and you’ve just worked up an appetite. Then one day, you get that itch. There is itching everywhere. Even a light brush on something drives you crazy. And now you think, “This is normal? What in the world is happening to me?’ So mom, that’s itchy during pregnancy!
Is it normal to itch all over during pregnancy?
We hate to break it to you, but it’s common to have itchy skin during pregnancy. In pregnant women, mild itching is a result of increased blood supply to the skin, making it increasingly sensitive.
Itching can also be caused by rapid hormonal changes or the stretching of the belly skin as your little one grows. Other factors may also include dry skin, dehydration and wintertime.
Itchy skin during pregnancy is more common than you think
How can I deal with itchy skin during pregnancy?
While it’s true that itching can become your new “normal,” no one wants to endure itching throughout pregnancy. If you experience itchy skin, you don’t have to wait until the pregnancy is over to get rid of the discomfort.
Although it sounds simple enough, having a healthy skin care regimen is key to relieving itchy pregnancy skin. That being said, we have these few simple additions to your skincare routine that can help reduce pregnancy itchiness.
The best remedies to treat itchy skin during pregnancy
A well-moisturized skin is supple, moist and healthy. That’s why it’s essential to moisturize itchy skin regularly, especially during pregnancy where dry skin is extremely common.
It doesn’t hurt to include moisturizing in your skin care routine. show your skin some love by giving it daily applications of luscious, vitamin-rich lotions. But make sure they’re organic and mom-approved!
Here’s a list of hydrating products we know you’ll love:
Spoiled Mama’s Stretch Mark Prevention Cream
While the Spoiled Mama stretch mark cream it’s great for preventing stretch marks, it’s also great for soothing your itchy skin.
Made with organic cocoa butter and infused with vitamin E and 11 organic oils (and of course, unicorn tears!), this cream deeply hydrates your skin while giving it the nourishment it needs. And, the rich smell of orange and chocolate is a big plus!
Soothe your itchy skin with The Spoiled Mama Tummy Butter
Apply a generous helping of this stretch mark cream to itchy areas as often as you like. You can also use it as a body lotion after showering and on your growing belly to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Nourishing body oil
Pregnancy oils are also great for relieving itching during pregnancy. When applied to the skin, the right oils nourish and hydrate the skin and strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier. However, if you don’t like the slimy feeling after each application, look for non-greasy types like ours Bump Gloss Stretch Mark Oil.
You can apply the bump gloss after showering to lock in moisture and prevent skin dryness. For itchy skin, gently massage Bump Gloss into affected areas.
Moisturizing body wash
When we say moisturizing body wash, we’re not talking about your drugstore body wash brands. Most commercial body washes and soap bars are moisture vampires — they suck moisture from the skin, leaving it drier than ever.
Look for a sulfate-free, pregnancy-safe moisturizing wash
For a truly hydrating body wash, look for a Mom-approved sulfate-free wash with vitamin E, aloe vera and essential oils. Moisturizing body washes infuse the skin with moisture and prevent dryness and itching.
Balsam everywhere
Designed with the daisy’s cousin, Calendula, this sore throat cream (aka The Everywhere Balm) helps relieve itchy skin, from insect bites to rashes and eczema. Calendula is a traditional herbal remedy for itchy skin that moms around the world (including me!) swear by. Apply this nipple cream to itchy skin and let it work its *magic*.
How To Treat Itchy Skin Naturally During Pregnancy: Other Tips
Using products to extra moisturize and nourish the skin is only one part of treating itchiness in pregnancy. You should also develop simple habits to make sure your skin stays supple, well-moisturized and itchy-free throughout the day.
Nourishing your skin from the outside in is not enough. Make sure you nourish it from the inside out. drink plenty of water (2.3 liters a day or more) to prevent dehydration and keep your skin hydrated.
During the summer, add an 8-ounce glass of water for every hour of light activity. Not a fan of water? Try adding lemon juice to your water or infusing it with fruit slices and herbs (like mint and basil) to make hydration more exciting!
As much as you love hot baths, hot water is bad news for your itchy skin. Hot water strips your skin of moisture, leaving it dry and more itchy than usual. not to mention it’s harmful to your little one too. Baths up to your body temperature (98.6℉ or 37C) are not good for you.
Prefer relaxing, warm (not hot) baths
After bathing, gently pat (not rub) your skin to dry. Vigorous rubbing can pull and stress your skin and cause microtears and inflammation of the skin.
Scratching makes the itching worse, so the legs! Massage your skin with moisturizers and oils to soothe your irritated skin.
Tight clothing that rubs against sensitive skin can make your skin itch more. To minimize itchy skin during pregnancy, try wearing loose clothing made from natural fibers (eg cotton) or breathable materials. Avoid wearing clothes made of synthetic fibers, as they tend to be more uncomfortable.
Wear clothes that feel comfortable on your skin
Opt for mildly scented products, as heavily scented cosmetics can aggravate your itchy skin. Also, avoid commercial cosmetics as they are loaded with chemicals that are harmful to your skin, your baby and the environment.
Stress often causes physical reactions in your body, such as inflammation and flare-ups. The same thing happens with itching. the more stressed you are, the worse your itchy skin gets.
Find time to relax and meditate. Drink a cup of pregnancy tearead your favorite book or take a break from social media. Do whatever you feel is necessary to feel refreshed and de-stressed.
When should I worry about itching during pregnancy?
Mild itching during pregnancy is okay, but excessively itchy skin can be a sign of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), or sometimes called obstetric cholestasis (OC). When the itching becomes unbearable and non-stop and is accompanied by other symptoms, see your doctor.
Signs of ICP/OP to look out for include:
- Unbearable itching that may worsen at night
- Dark urine
- Pale bowel movement (poo)
- Jaundice or yellowing of the skin/eyes
How can I stop itching during pregnancy?
Remember that your body is unique and you may need to experiment with treatments for itchy skin to find out what works best for you. However, the key is to take care of your skin first, both inside and out.
Also, if you think your symptoms are getting worse, see your dermatologist/GP/OB-GYN.
Hope this helps!
