Many pregnant women complain of itchy and dry skin. Skin rashes are common during pregnancy. A majority of women experience dry skin in several parts of their body, especially the abdominal and breast region. This symptom is considered perfectly normal.

Why you encounter itchy skin?

Around 20% of all pregnant women experience generalized itching, which could be attributed to several factors. As the pregnancy progresses and the uterus grows, the skin on abdomen also continues to stretch, giving an itchy feeling. Another major contributor is the effect of pregnancy hormones, which makes the skin dry.

Due to the hormonal level, sweat amount is increased which makes the skin dry and itchy. Many women get itchy and have red palms, which is due to increase in estrogen. You may also suffer from rashes and dry/itchy skin if you are allergic to something, like a food or a cosmetic item. One can have a bacterial or yeast infection known as intertrigo, which causes itchy skin in loose skin areas, such as under the breasts. Most of these conditions automatically vanish a few days after the baby is born and the body starts returning to normal.

How to get relief from Itching?

• Using calamine lotion is the most effective means to soothe dry skin. It has zinc oxide which protects the skin.

• Moisturizers help retain the natural oils of the skin to keep it supple. There are ample choices available in the market for extremely dry skin, which are enriched with Shea, cocoa butter and vitamin E, all of which are great for skin.

• An oatmeal bath can do wonders to your dry abdomen. The oatmeal bath packets are readily available in cosmetic and departmental stores, so the oatmeal bath is not a fussy process at all.

• The clothes should be loose and comfortable. Tight clothing and synthetic fabric could make the itching problem even worse. Try wearing airy and soft clothes, made from fabrics such as cotton.

• Too much heat dries out the skin. Hence, it is important that you keep yourself protected from the harsh rays of sun. Also, it is advised to reduce the thermostat temperature as the warmth can make itching really uncomfortable.

• Do not irritate the affected area. Avoid scratching with your nails or any harsh material as it could draw blood. Use a soft cloth to itch if you really want to.

• Use your soap carefully. Harsh soaps dry out the skin. Go for mild, pH balanced to help you out.

• Get yourself massaged with olive or coconut oil before taking a bath. It will maintain the moisture and reduce the itching.

• Drink adequate amount of water and eat a diet with zinc and vitamin C and E. This will aid in keeping your skin hydrated and soft.

Signs that indicate a complication

If the itching is severe and accompanied by nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite or jaundice, it could indicate cholestasis. It is an illness related to improper functioning of the liver. You must contact your doctor right away.

Another problem related to severe itching is PUPPP, which stands for pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy. It is a condition developed during the third trimester in only about 1% of all the pregnant women. You may have a hive like rash which is very itchy. The itching spreads to arms and legs too. It does not pose any harm to the baby and disappears after pregnancy although; an ointment will be prescribed by your doctor to relieve you of this condition.