Itching is a common sensation during pregnancy. An itchy belly during pregnancy happens due to the stretching of the skin of your abdomen as the baby grows. Itchiness in the belly is most common during the third trimester as the belly is the most expanded during this time. However, it might occur before that as well. Keep reading this post as we present you with the causes and a few treatment options for this condition.
Is It Normal To Have An Itchy Belly During Pregnancy?
It is quite normal for the growing belly to be itchy due to the stretching skin. In some cases, your breasts, palms, and soles might turn itchy too. This may be due to the hormonal changes and skin conditions that develop with progressing pregnancy (1). If the itching gets serious, you should immediately consult your healthcare practitioner.
When Can You Have Itching Around The Belly Area?
An itchy belly might occur in the second trimester, i.e., between 13 and 28 weeks (2). But it could happen in the first or third trimester as well. Itching is likely to be prominent in the case of multiple pregnancy, as the skin may stretch more than it does in a regular pregnancy.
What Causes The Belly To Itch During Pregnancy?
Mild itching is common and might not be a concern. It usually happens due to these reasons (3).
Expanding belly: Most often, an itch on the belly could be due to the growing uterus. The skin expands and stretches, becomes moisture-deprived, dries out, and might become itchy. Treating the dryness would solve the problem.
Hormonal surges: Hormonal changes, especially the increase in estrogen levels, are another cause of the itching sensation on the stomach.
Is Itching During Pregnancy Dangerous?
Sometimes, an itchy belly could be a sign of a serious medical condition. Along with severe itching, rashes may develop in some cases.
1. Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPS):
PUPPS is a condition characterized by itchy red bumps on the pregnant belly and large patches of hives-like rashes.
It is also called polymorphic eruption of pregnancy.
These rashes could occur in the third trimester or the last five weeks of pregnancy, and sometimes after delivery too (4).
The cause of PUPPS is unknown, and women carrying twins or more, and those carrying their first baby are more susceptible to it.
Sometimes, PUPPS may spread out to other parts of your body, such as thighs, buttocks, back, arms, and legs. It could rarely spread to your face, neck, and hands.
Your doctor may typically prescribe a topical ointment.
If the intensity of the condition is high, antihistamine or oral steroids are recommended.
PUPPS is harmless to the unborn baby and disappears after delivery (5).
2. Prurigo and pregnancy:
If you notice small eruptions that start as bug bites (and change into cuts as you scratch), you may be suffering from a severe itchy condition called prurigo.
It is also known as popular eruptions of pregnancy, occurring on stomach, limbs or torso, and develops in the late second or early third trimesters.
Treatment might include topical ointments and antihistamines as in PUPPS, and oral steroids in severe cases.
Prurigo is harmless to your baby and disappears soon after delivery. In some cases, it could stay up to three months post-delivery.
It may occur in successive pregnancies (5).
3. Pemphigoid gestationis:
Pemphigoid gestationis is an extreme skin condition where itchy eruptions begin as hives and turn into large-sized blisters or lesions.
It is also known as herpes gestationis due to its virus-like appearance.
These rashes might appear in the second or third trimesters and even one to two weeks after delivery.
It starts near the belly button and spreads to the trunk, arms, legs, palms, and soles. Oral steroids are prescribed for treatment. Pemphigoid gestationis that flares up after delivery is said to reduce with breastfeeding.
This condition is more serious than PUPPS and is known to trigger pre-term labor, fetal growth problems, and even stillbirth. So, consult your doctor as soon as you see the signs.
In rare cases, a newborn may develop a rash that is usually mild and subsides in a few weeks. This condition might occur in successive pregnancies and could be more severe than in the earlier pregnancy (5).
4. Impetigo herpetiformis:
Impetigo herpetiformis is not caused by the herpes virus, but it is a skin infection and a form of psoriasis in pregnancy.
It develops in the third trimester and is characterized by red patches filled with pus that slowly grow into larger pus-filled, white rashes.
These patches may appear on your thighs, groin, belly, armpits, under the breasts, and other areas. Impetigo herpetiformis is associated with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and chills.
This condition is treated with systemic corticosteroids, and you may be under observation.
It disappears after delivery and might recur in the successive pregnancies (6).
5. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP):
ICP is a severe condition that triggers massive itching.
It may develop in the third trimester and is a condition connected with the liver where bile does not flow normally. Instead, bile salts accumulate in the skin, causing intense itch, rashes, and hives.
You are likely to develop red rashes mostly on soles, palms, and stomach. Symptoms of ICP include nausea, malaise, and loss of appetite.
ICP is extremely dangerous and might lead to stillbirth (5).
These conditions have similar signs. When you notice any skin issues, you must check with your doctor, who can recognize the exact problem and treat you accordingly.
When To Consult A Doctor?
Call your healthcare provider if you:
Develop severe itch on the stomach and other body parts.
Experience any itch not related to dry or sensitive skin.
The itch spreads all over the body.
Have severe itching and rashes, which could be due to PUPPP or ICP, in the third trimester.
Have itching accompanied by light-colored bowel movements, dark colored urine, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
If the itching is not associated with any health condition, then simple home remedies or over-the-counter solutions might provide relief.
Home Remedies For Itchy Belly During Pregnancy
Here are some safe and natural remedies that you may try for itching, rashes, pain, and swelling.
1. Oatmeal bath for itchy skin:
Add a cup of oatmeal to warm water and bathe with it. It is believed to soothe the irritated skin and reduce itchiness (7). You could also tie knee-high nylon socks, filled with steel-cut oatmeal, to the tap. When you use the warm tap water that has run through those socks, it may provide relief and help you relax.
2. Baking soda bath:
Pour half cup of baking soda in warm water and soak in it for as long as you get relief. Prefer baking soda to baking powder as soda is likely to be effective in relieving the itch and skin inflammation. You may also make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the tummy and other itchy areas (8).
3. Aloe vera gel:
Use aloe vera gel to all those itchy and irritated skin areas soon after a shower. It might soothe and reduce inflammation (9). The aloe vera gel layer may protect the skin and prevent any damage when you tend to scratch on the stomach.
4. Cold compress:
Apply a cold compress on your tummy with a flannel or washcloth soaked in cold water to reduce the itchy sensation (10). You may also use it in addition to oatmeal or baking soda bath.
5. Moisturize:
Dab a little moisturizer that is gentle and fragrance-free. Applying it frequently could provide temporary relief from itching.
6. Coconut oil:
Apply the oil on the itchy belly throughout your pregnancy to mitigate dryness and itchiness.
7. Apple cider vinegar:
It is believed that applying some apple cider vinegar on the itchy tummy might help in relieving irritation and dryness.
Over-The-Counter Products For Itchy Belly
1. Oil-based moisturizers:
The products are believed to be ideal for an itchy belly as they could be easily absorbed into your skin. You might get them at any beauty aisle or drug store.
2. Calamine lotion:
You may apply small amounts of calamine on the itchy stomach several times a day. Calamine contains zinc carbonate, zinc, and iron oxides, which may help relieve itchy skin (11).
3. Vitamin E lotion:
You may prevent itching during pregnancy by applying vitamin E lotion or capsule oil, available at local drug stores (12). In addition to the home and OTC remedies, you may take some precautions to prevent an itchy belly.
Can You Prevent An Itchy Belly During Pregnancy?
While you may not be able to prevent the onset of itching, you could take measures to reduce or prevent the itchiness from aggravating. Adopt the following steps:
Avoid hot water baths or showers as they may trigger itchiness. Instead, use warm water for bathing.
Do not use soaps and gels with a strong fragrance, as they lead to dry skin. Use mild soap or shower gels that are gentle on the skin.
Wear loose cotton clothing that is clean and dry. Tight and wet clothes may rub against the skin affecting the dryness and cause itchiness.
Do not stay in the sun or hot weather as that might dry the skin, leading to itchiness. Also, the UV rays from the sun are known to aggravate the rashes on the dry skin.
Moisturize your skin frequently and adequately. Use good moisturizers that have a neutral pH.
Avoid being in the AC for long periods as that too might dry your skin and lead to itchiness and irritation.
Drink enough water (about eight to ten glasses a day) as it hydrates your body and moisturizes your skin naturally.
