Pregnancy Itch

Skin conditions and skin disorders during pregnancy

That your body changes during pregnancy is no news. But the fact that you can also suffer from pregnancy itch is less well known. Still, about 1 in 5 women experience it. There are different types of pregnancy itch. Often it is mainly very annoying but usually harmless. In this blog we’ll tell you what you can do to relieve the itch, how to recognize it, and when you should contact your midwife.

20% of pregnant women suffer from itching

Itching can be worse than pain, and anyone who suffers from pregnancy itch will probably confirm that. About 20% of pregnant women are affected. It occurs more often in the last trimester than in the first, and most women who experience it notice it on a specific body part such as arms, legs, breasts, or belly. However, some experience it all over the body. Usually it disappears, fortunately, after childbirth.

Causes of pregnancy itch

Pregnancy itch is one of those annoying complaints that usually arises from all the changes in your body. It may be caused by your belly and breasts growing, which stretches the skin. This tension can trigger itching. Another result of your growing body is that your skin becomes drier, making you more prone to itching. In addition, your body is better supplied with blood during pregnancy. As a result, you often feel warmer, which can also cause itching. However irritating this itching may be, it’s good to know that it is harmless for both you and your baby.

Eczema or past allergies

Did you suffer from eczema or allergies in the past? Then you may experience them again now. If this causes pregnancy itch, it often starts early in pregnancy. It usually doesn’t stop at just itching; bumps, red skin, and flaky patches can also (re)appear. This type is unpleasant, but fortunately harmless for both you and your baby. Do you recognize the rash and itch? Then visit your GP or dermatologist. They can treat this form of pregnancy itch effectively.

PUPPP: skin condition in pregnancy

Another skin condition that can occur during pregnancy is PUPPP: Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy. With PUPPP you don’t just get itching – in the last months of pregnancy, raised itchy bumps and sometimes even blisters may appear. They usually show up on your belly, similar to stretch marks. It may spread further but doesn’t always. This type of pregnancy itch is very bothersome, but fortunately harmless.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Just as bothersome but unfortunately not harmless is itching caused by intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. With this condition, bile cannot leave the liver properly, causing bile acids to enter the blood. These trigger itching, usually on the hands and feet, though it can occur elsewhere too. Your skin and eyes may turn yellow. Bile stasis can be dangerous for your baby. If you experience itching in the last months of pregnancy, a blood test will be done to check for intrahepatic cholestasis. If so, you’ll receive medication that is safe for both you and your baby.

Pregnancy itch with blisters: pemphigoid gestationis

A rare skin condition that can also occur during pregnancy is pemphigoid gestationis. With this condition, in addition to itching, you also develop blisters on your skin. It is sometimes referred to as the “blistering disease.” It is an autoimmune disorder that can pose risks for your baby. If you have this, you will be monitored by both a gynecologist and a dermatologist for the remainder of your pregnancy.

Is pregnancy itch dangerous?

As you can read above, pregnancy itch is usually harmless. But it can be a symptom of an underlying condition that may be dangerous for you and your baby. Do you suffer from extreme itching without a rash, especially in the evening and at night? Or do you also have blisters on your skin? Then always contact your midwife immediately. With a simple blood test we can quickly determine whether something is wrong.

What can you do against pregnancy itch?

Pregnancy itch is, unfortunately, not always preventable. However, there are several things that can help relieve the itching:

• The hardest of all: try not to scratch. It really makes it worse.
• Use a mild, fragrance-free shower gel or wash your skin with water only.
• Don’t stay too long in the shower or bath, as this dries out your skin. Also, avoid very hot showers.
• Moisturize your skin daily with a nourishing, preferably natural, body lotion; avoid using oil.
• Wear loose, airy clothing made of cotton or linen.
• Keep your nails short: if you scratch unconsciously at night, you’re less likely to damage your skin.
• Cold, wet compresses or ice on itchy areas can bring relief.
• Take alternating hot/cold showers and finish with cold water.
• Wash your clothes with detergent that is free of, or contains minimal, chemicals.
• For PUPPP, a cooling gel or mild corticosteroid cream can sometimes provide relief. Always discuss this first with your midwife.

Suffering from itching during pregnancy? Tell us!

Even though most forms of pregnancy itch disappear on their own shortly after childbirth, in the meantime they can be very bothersome. Of course, you’ll tell us when you come in, but if you’d like to discuss it earlier, you always can. Because even though most types of this itch are very irritating but harmless, we still want to be sure. So if you have doubts or symptoms, or if you recognize issues such as extreme itching on your hands, feet, or blisters, contact us and we’ll see you soon at our midwifery practice in Amsterdam South.