Re: Itchy Skin
You may notice faint red streaks, otherwise known as striae, or stretch marks on your tummy, hips, buttocks and breasts. Lots of women have very itchy skin as well pregnancy hormones can make your skin drier and stretching over a growing bump doesn't help. Rubbing on creams may make you feel more comfortable and help soothe the itching but it won't get rid of stretch marks and is unlikely to prevent them. Stretch marks are typical at this stage of pregnancy and will fade to silvery white marks after you give birth.
Is it normal to itch all over during pregnancy?
About 20 per cent of all pregnant women have some kind of generalized skin itchiness. Hormones and your stretching skin especially over your growing belly are probably to blame for your discomfort.
About two-thirds of all pregnant women will get red and itchy palms and soles, a condition experts think is caused by an increase in oestrogen. It usually disappears straight after delivery.
How can I get some relief?
Apply moisturiser or try a warm oatmeal bath (some chemists sell them ready-made or you could just wrap a handful of oats tightly in a muslin square and dump in in your bath). Heat rash can intensify the itching, so wear loose cotton clothing and avoid going out in the heat of the day.
I've heard that itching in the third trimester could be a sign that something's wrong. Is that true?
It depends. Some women develop harmless itchy bumps on their abdomen, thighs, buttocks or arms in the last few months of pregnancy. A cream to ease the itching is all that is needed for this.
In rare cases, severe itchiness in your third trimester can be a sign of a serious liver problem called obstetric cholestasis. In this case the itchiness is very widespread and often includes itching of the hands and feet. It may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, pale-coloured stools and jaundice. Make an appointment with your doctor or midwife if the itching is very widespread. A blood test can be carried out to assess your liver function. If the liver is affected, you may be given medication, but it may also be necessary to deliver your baby a little early.
