Itchy and Scratchy Skin

Can't stop scratching? Itchy everywhere? Well, you are probably not alone. Thousands of pregnant women right now are scratching away at their itchy skin. Thankfully, this is temporary and can be remedied. Read on for some itch tips!

Mild itching is common in pregnancy because of the increased blood supply to the skin. This increased activity can cause other discomforts such as sweat rashes.

If you have gout during your pregnancy, you may also experience intense itching along with your pain symptoms. Speak to your health care provider and find out about ways you can get gout relief.

Stop the Itch
There are many measures you can take to make yourself more comfortable.

• Keep some calamine lotion in the fridge and daub it on itchy skin
• Since scratching can irritate your skin, gain psychological itch-relief by scratching a stuffed animal in all the places you ache instead of your own skin!
• Never wear tight clothing; loose cotton clothes will keep you itch-free

Stomach Rash
Many women get a pregnancy rash that occurs on their stomach nearer the end of pregnancy. If you do get a pregnancy rash on your stomach:

• Don't scratch at it too much as this can tear the skin
• Ask your doctor or midwife if there is anything you can take to ease the itching
• If itching becomes severe, or you develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), see your doctor as soon as possible, as you could be developing a rare pregnancy complication known as Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP).

Visit the form to learn how other women dealt with their itchy bellies during pregnancy