Why does the body itch during pregnancy. What to do if the body itches during pregnancy? Is itching during pregnancy

This is a pathological condition that is a symptom of various diseases that have arisen or aggravated during gestation. It is manifested by a sensation of painful tickling irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, which causes a scratching reflex. There may be a rash, other skin symptoms, signs of damage to various organs and systems. It is diagnosed with the help of biochemical, immunological, hormonal, allergological, microbiological studies, PCR, RIF, ELISA, ultrasound. For pathogenetic and symptomatic treatment of itching, antihistamines, corticosteroids, emollients, and sedative herbal remedies are used.

ICD-10

L29.8 Another itch

General information

According to observations of obstetricians-gynecologists, temporary or permanent itching sensations of varying intensity occur in more than half of pregnant women. 45-50% of patients complain of genital (intimate), 18-22% - skin, 8-10% - anal itching. In some women during pregnancy, the simultaneous appearance of different types of itching is noted. Usually, the disorder develops as a result of an exacerbation of pre-existing diseases. In some cases, the cause of diseases, the symptom of which is itching, is the changes that occur during pregnancy. The relevance of timely diagnosis of the pathology that caused itching of the skin or mucous membranes is due to the risk of developing serious obstetric complications in some pathologies.

Causes

Specialists in the fields of obstetrics name many factors that can provoke the occurrence of itchy sensations in pregnant women. Itching can manifest diseases that have become aggravated or that have arisen in the gestational period, systemic responses of the body to the action of exogenous agents and endogenous metabolites. The most common causes of the disorder are:

Probable prerequisites for more frequent occurrence of itching in various diseases in pregnant women are an increase in dryness of the skin as a result of the influence of progesterone, a physiological decrease in immunity aimed at maintaining gestation, stretching and rupture of the connective tissue fibers of the skin with the formation of autoantigens, and a violation of the natural microflora of the vagina. Pregnancy also serves as a trigger for the development of a number of diseases accompanied by itching - gestational diabetes, postpartum autoimmune thyroiditis, etc. Additional risk factors are obesity, wearing synthetic clothing and underwear, the use of scented pads and irritating alkaline skin and genital products, non-compliance with the rules personal hygiene, the use of spicy food with seasonings, spices.

Pathogenesis

The mechanism of itching during pregnancy depends on the causes that caused it, however, the key link in the pathogenesis in all cases is the irritation of certain sections of the afferent pathways that transmit nerve impulses. Most often, itching occurs due to stimulation of peripheral nocireceptors. The receptor apparatus is usually affected by mediators formed during a local inflammatory, allergic, autoimmune reaction, microbial toxins, metabolites (bile acids, nitrogenous compounds, high concentrations of glucose), drugs.

Perhaps the development of itchy sensations due to damage, in which the inflammatory reaction is secondary, constant local effects (insect bites, movement of helminths, irritation with urine, leucorrhoea). Sometimes pathological afferentation, characteristic of itching, is noted against the background of microcirculatory disorders (for example, in diabetes mellitus), damage to sensory nerve fibers (with multiple sclerosis). With volume neoplasms of the brain, strokes, neurotic and mental disorders, the focus of pathological impulses, subjectively perceived as itching, is localized in the central parts of the nervous system.

Symptoms of itching during pregnancy

The main symptom of the disorder is local or generalized itching sensations of varying intensity, from slight tingling and burning to an unbearable desire to scratch or rub the skin, mucous membranes. Depending on the causes of itching, it can be constant or periodic, serve as the only sign of the disease or be accompanied by other skin manifestations - redness, scratching, macular, papular, vesicular, pustular rash, peeling. In general, the clinical picture is characterized by significant polymorphism, determined by the leading pathology, the symptom of which was skin or intimate itching.

Complications

Diseases with intense itching can be complicated by secondary infection of excoriated sites. The likelihood of developing obstetric complications depends on the influence of the underlying disease on pregnancy. Most skin diseases, transient allergic reactions, dermatosis of pregnant women cause discomfort and worsen the quality of life, but do not pose a serious threat to the woman and the fetus. In severe cholestasis of pregnant women, many systemic processes, the likelihood of gestosis, spontaneous miscarriage, premature birth, fetoplacental insufficiency, fetal growth retardation, anomalies in labor, coagulopathic bleeding, DIC increases. Possible complications of infectious diseases that occur with itching are chorioamnionitis, intrauterine infection of the fetus, postpartum endometritis, obstetric peritonitis.

Diagnostics

The main task of a diagnostic search for complaints of a patient about itching of the skin, genitals, and perianal area is to identify the cause that caused the disorder. To make a diagnosis, a wide range of laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods are used to determine the state of various organs and systems, to detect biochemical markers of the disease. In addition to a gynecological examination, general blood and urine tests during pregnancy, the following are recommended:

Blood chemistry. Indicative for some diseases are data on the level of glucose, bile acids, total bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, serum iron, urea, uric acid, creatinine, enzymes (AlT, AST, alkaline phosphatase), the composition of blood protein fractions.
Hormonal studies. To exclude endocrinopathies, manifested by itching of the skin, mucous membranes, an insulin resistance index, an assessment of the blood levels of insulin, TSH, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and thyroxin-binding globulin are used. In some cases, determine the level of sex hormones.
Study of immune and allergic status. Confirmation of the atopic nature of the disease is an increased concentration in the blood of IgE, histamine. In some disorders, specific markers of autoimmune processes (antibodies to collagen, AT-TPO, AT rTTG) are detected.
Diagnosis of infections. Highly sensitive methods for detecting infectious diseases are polymerase chain reaction, RIF, ELISA. With their help, you can detect signs of genital herpes, candidiasis, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, and other urogynecological diseases.
Culture of the discharged urogenital tract. Microbiological examination allows not only to determine the causative agent of an infectious disease, but also to assess its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. The method is especially indicated for patients with itching of the vulva, vagina, urethra.

In the presence of elements of the rash, a scraping or separated skin is analyzed. To assess the morphological state of various organs, ultrasound diagnostics that is safe for the fetus is used - ultrasound of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, and small pelvis. As additional methods, chemical and toxicological analyzes, histological examination of biopsy specimens, scraping for enterobiasis, and fecal analysis for helminth eggs can be recommended. Differential diagnosis is usually carried out between diseases in which itching occurs during pregnancy. In addition to an obstetrician-gynecologist and a dermatologist, according to indications, the patient is consulted by a venereologist, an infectious disease specialist, an endocrinologist, a gastroenterologist, a hepatologist and a urologist.

Treatment of itching during pregnancy

When developing tactics for managing a patient with complaints of itchy sensations, the influence of the underlying disease on gestation is taken into account. In most cases, it is possible to prolong pregnancy until the term of physiological birth. The treatment regimen is determined by the protocol for the relevant disorder, may include antibiotics, hormones, antifungal, hormonal, anticonvulsant drugs, drugs from other pharmacotherapeutic groups, taking into account their possible impact on fetal development. To reduce or eliminate itching, nonspecific pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy is effective:

Antihistamines. Due to the blockade of histamine receptors, the transmission of excitation along sensitive C-fibers decreases, the release of mediators by mast cells decreases. Suppression of an allergic reaction can significantly reduce the intensity of itching or completely stop it.
Glucocorticoids. Local application of corticosteroid ointments, creams, emulsions has a pronounced antipruritic effect. Local treatment is more effective with limited dermatitis and dermatosis. Given the possible effects on the fetus, systemic corticosteroids during gestation are used to a limited extent.
emollients. Since the skin becomes drier during pregnancy, which increases itching, its moisturizing and softening have a positive therapeutic effect. Means of this group also allow you to accelerate the restoration of damaged epidermis and lipid intercellular structures of the skin.
Sedative herbal remedies. Due to the mutual influence of itching and emotional disorders (bad mood, irritability), the appointment of sedative preparations makes it possible to reduce the intensity of perception of uncomfortable sensations at the level of the central nervous system. Sedative therapy also contributes to the normalization of disturbed sleep.

The patient is advised to exclude from the diet foods that increase irritation or can cause allergies, normalize the drinking regimen, get enough rest, and avoid stress. Usually, natural delivery is recommended for pregnant women with itching. Caesarean section is performed only if there are obstetric indications.

Forecast and prevention

In the absence of systemic disease, pregnancy outcomes in women with pruritus are usually favorable. The prognosis worsens when serious somatic diseases, endocrinopathies are detected. As a preventive measure, for patients suffering from skin and other pathologies, when planning pregnancy, it is necessary to take into account the recommendations of a dermatologist and specialized specialists. Pregnant women without concomitant pathology are advised to carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene, refuse synthetic underwear, moisturize the skin with natural means, avoid situations in which sweating increases sharply - staying in stuffy rooms, overheating in the sun. For washing linen and clothes, it is better to use phosphate-free neutral washing powders.

Itching- This is a painful sensation that is caused by constant irritation of the nerve endings and is manifested by a strong need to comb the skin and mucous membranes. Such sensations can be caused by a number of reasons and, accordingly, require different treatments.

Information Itching of the genital organs is quite common in pregnant women and is associated primarily with changes in hormonal levels. Significant fluctuations in hormones provoke a decrease in the body's defenses, cause changes in the vaginal microflora and contribute to the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.

Causes of itching during pregnancy

In most cases, itching is not an independent pathology, but a symptom of a disease. Everything reasons for the appearance itching can be divided into four groups:

The impact of the external environment on the genitals;
Pathology of the genital organs;
Pathology of other internal organs;
Mental factors.

To the first group environmental impact) are:

infections;
Violation of the rules of intimate hygiene, regular neglect of taking a shower, a rare replacement of daily pads;
Mechanical stimuli(wearing coarse synthetic underwear, frequent douching of the vagina, regular use of scented panty liners);
Temperature effect(strong prolonged hypothermia or overheating).

The reasons caused pathology of the internal genital organs:

Pathological discharge with inflammatory diseases of the uterus and its cervix;
Genital irritation constant excretion of urine with urogenital fistulas.

TO diseases of other internal organs that can cause itching include:

Diabetes;
Chronic diseases of the kidneys, ureters and bladder;
Anemia;
Chronic liver diseases;
Diseases of the thyroid gland.

TO mental factors include:

fear before the upcoming birth.

Diagnosis of itching

With the appearance of itching of the genitals you should immediately tell the obstetrician-gynecologist about this. Doctor will hold a number of diagnostic research to determine the cause of itching:

Inspection of the genitals and perineum. On examination, it is possible to reveal swelling, redness of the labia minora and labia majora, numerous scratching;
Blood chemistry;
Analysis of feces for helminth eggs;
Consultations of narrow specialists (therapist, urologist, endocrinologist, psychiatrist).

Symptoms of diseases that cause itching during pregnancy

The most common causes of itching are infectious diseases:

Candidiasis(thrush). Caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. Thrush is characterized by curdled discharge with an unpleasant odor, itching and burning of the genital organs, pain during urination and sexual intercourse;
(gardnerellosis). The development of vaginosis is associated with the replacement of the normal microflora of the vagina with opportunistic pathogens (gardnerella). The main symptoms include grayish discharge with a sharp unpleasant odor reminiscent of the smell of rotten fish, severe itching and burning;
Genital herpes. It appears initially with the appearance of itching and burning in localized areas, and then the appearance of blisters;
Trichomoniasis. This is a sexually transmitted disease. It is characterized by the appearance of redness of the genital organs, itching, yellowish discharge with an unpleasant odor, pain during urination;
. The disease can often be asymptomatic or present with mild itching.

Scabies. This is a disease caused by the scabies mite. It is accompanied by severe itching, worse at night;
Pubic pediculosis(pubic lice). Infection occurs sexually and household (more often when using one underwear and bed linen);
Worm infestations. In the presence of helminths, itching often occurs in the anus, perineum, and then goes to the genitals.

Itching is also characteristic of inflammatory diseases cervix, uterine body and its appendages(ovaries, fallopian tubes). These diseases are characterized by:

Purulent discharge;
Pain during vaginal examination;
Changes in blood tests (increase in white blood cells and ESR).

Often, itching of the genitals and perineum occurs when diabetes. This disease is characterized by a sharp increase in blood and urine sugar levels, increased thirst, and increased urination. The appearance of itching is associated with a high content of glucose in the urine; if intimate hygiene is violated, urine residues remain on the genitals, irritate the skin, causing a burning sensation.

Itching is also characteristic of diseases of the liver and biliary tract(mainly hepatitis). This pathology is manifested by the presence of pain in the right hypochondrium, fever, darkening of urine, lightening of feces, icteric coloration of the skin. The appearance of itching is associated with excessive production of bile enzymes: accumulating in the skin, they cause yellowing and severe itching.

Itching develops due to the production of urea in larger quantities, which has an irritating effect. This type of pathology is characterized by: pain during urination, heaviness in the lumbar region and lower abdomen, polyuria (increased amount of urine) or, conversely, a sharp urinary retention.

(decrease or increase in its functions) lead to significant hormonal disorders. Fluctuations in hormone levels negatively affect the secretion of the mucous membranes of the genital organs and cause burning and itching.

Treatment of itching during pregnancy

Treatment, first of all, should be aimed at eliminating the underlying pathology that causes itching. It should be remembered that most medications are prohibited during pregnancy. In no case should you self-medicate, this can cause irreparable harm to the health of the mother and child. Reception of any drugs should begin only after consulting a doctor and according to his recommendations.

For temporary relief of itching you can use the following methods:

Careful compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene. You should take a shower and wash the genitals at least 2-3 times a day. You can use a decoction of chamomile, St. John's wort, oak bark, mint. Do not use toilet soap;
Temporarily avoiding sexual intercourse(causes even more irritation of the genitals);
Dieting. Spicy dishes, all spices and seasonings, smoked meats, canned food should be excluded from the daily diet;
Do sitz baths 1-2 times a day (in a decoction of chamomile or sage).

Important All of these methods have only a temporary effect; if the underlying disease is not treated, itching will occur again.

Prevention of the appearance

To prevent itching genital organs during pregnancy should:

Pass the examination by an obstetrician-gynecologist, pass analyzes together with her husband hidden infections when planning a pregnancy;
Pass the complete medical examination by narrow specialists to identify chronic diseases and their treatment before conception;
Compliance regular intimate hygiene;
Wear underwear only from natural fabrics;
Avoid hypothermia in cold weather;
Reception multivitamin complexes for pregnant.

Many pregnant women report that their skin makes them want to itch a lot more than usual, especially around their breasts and belly. This is a common consequence of pregnancy, which is most often disturbing in the second and third trimesters.

Mild itching is common due to hormonal changes and increased blood supply to the skin. As the pregnancy progresses and your baby grows, the skin of the abdomen stretches, which can also be the cause. A slight urge to scratch should not be a cause for concern, but if the itching becomes severe, it may be a sign of a liver disease called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). It occurs in less than 1 in 100 pregnancies but requires medical attention.

There are many treatment options for itchy skin during this period, but they will depend on the underlying cause. In most cases, itching disappears immediately after the baby is born.

Itching during pregnancy - is it normal or not?

This is a common occurrence and should not be cause for concern in most cases. Elevated estrogen levels can cause the skin to become red and itchy, particularly on the palms and soles of the feet. As the skin on your abdomen stretches to accommodate your growing baby, this often causes it to become dry and itchy. Also, those who have been prone to dry skin, psoriasis, or other dermatological problems before may notice that their symptoms worsen during pregnancy. All these "side effects" should subside as soon as you give birth. Conditions that are accompanied by a rash during pregnancy should be evaluated by a doctor.

Statistics

A Polish study from 2017 found that the overall prevalence of pruritus among pregnant women was almost 40% during certain periods of pregnancy. It is also interesting that during the course of this study, most of the 292 women recruited were not able to determine the cause. In slightly older studies and sources, a frequency of around 20% is more common.

Causes

There are several factors that can affect the skin during pregnancy and lead to itching or sensitivity until your baby is born.

Cause	Description
Dermatosis	Often, itching is a sign of some kind of dermatosis (skin disease) that coincidentally coincided with the period of gestation or previously existed and could flare up during pregnancy. In some cases, this is associated with a group of pregnancy-specific dermatoses. Various factors can cause redness or breakouts on the skin during pregnancy. Women often experience prickly heat because the increase in hormones during pregnancy affects the sweat glands. In addition, hives can develop due to increased sensitivity to insect bites, certain foods, etc. Most rashes are harmless, but if they are accompanied by breathing problems, you should see a doctor to make sure you are not having an allergic reaction.
High estrogen levels	Pregnancy increases the levels of estrogen in the body, which can cause temporary itching on the hands and feet. This may be accompanied by redness. Prevalence: up to 2/3 of pregnancies (not a very reliable source)
Dry skin	In order for your baby to fit in the stomach, this part of the body needs to stretch. This means that it becomes harder for the glands under the skin to keep it hydrated. When your body experiences these changes, you may experience dryness that is accompanied by itching or discomfort.
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP)	Urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy are a rash that affects about 0.5% of women with singleton pregnancies, 2.9% of pregnant women and 14% of triplets. This rash appears as itchy redness on the abdomen. There may be several small or large patches that extend to the buttocks, thighs, and arms. Most often this occurs in the third trimester. The rash is not dangerous and should disappear within a few days after delivery, but if it causes severe discomfort during pregnancy, it can be treated with topical steroids (after a doctor's prescription!). Prevalence: 1 in 160 pregnant women (average frequency, which depends on the number of fetuses)
Cholestasis of pregnancy (CP)	If severe itching appears in the third trimester, then this may be a sign of a liver disease known as cholestasis of pregnancy. It causes blockage of the bile ducts, which prevents it from flowing from the liver to the intestines and leads to the accumulation of bile salts in the blood. One of the symptoms of such a serious pathology is redness and severe itching of the skin, especially the palms and soles of the feet, but can occur throughout the body. Prevalence: 1 out of 140 pregnant women (0.7%), women from India and Pakistan are higher - 1-2%.
Other reasons	Those who suffered from allergies or poor skin conditions before pregnancy may notice a worsening of their problems during the course of the pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before using your usual treatments as some medicines are not safe during pregnancy.

Examples of an itchy rash during pregnancy

Urticaria is an allergic reaction to food, insect bites, drugs, chemicals, etc. With the increase in hormones and the changes that occur in your body, it is possible that you become more susceptible to pathogens and experience hives during pregnancy

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy occur in some women. Although they are very irritating (due to itching), they do not pose a long-term risk to the mother or fetus. Papules and plaques usually start on the abdomen (although not on the navel) and often spread to the legs, chest, armpits, etc. The face is usually not affected either.

How to soothe itchy skin during pregnancy?

1. Use gentle bath products

If you're itchy, try to avoid things that might make your problem worse. Use only mild soaps and products that do not contain irritants such as Ph regulators and fragrances.

2. Avoid overheating

Too hot weather can make your itching worse, so try to wear breathable clothing and avoid going out on hot days to prevent over-irritating your skin. Also avoid hot baths or showers. Overheating can be dangerous for your baby too.

3. Apply a mild moisturizer

If your skin is dry, try using mild moisturizers for relief. Adding oatmeal, or better yet, flour (colloidal oatmeal), to the bath or applying Calamine baby lotion are known ways to relieve itchy skin that are safe for pregnant women. You can also ask your doctor to recommend a moisturizer or ointment to use during this period.

4. Use a humidifier

Sometimes itching is associated with dry skin. You can try to use a humidifier to solve this problem, especially in winter. But you have to be careful as the device can spread allergens and germs if used incorrectly. Read all manufacturer's instructions before use and make sure the humidifier is as clean as possible before turning it on. Also avoid constant exposure to a moisturizer, as this can cause irritation.

Among all the conditions and uncomfortable situations that often accompany the period of pregnancy, or occur at one time or another, sometimes itching occurs in different parts of a woman's body. This does not mean that the pregnant woman has some kind of disease. But, the discomfort that this condition delivers is so high that sometimes it seems to drive you crazy. Of course, not every woman, having become pregnant, is faced with the problem of itching. But, it can arise for everyone, no one is immune from this problem.

Itching can be intermittent or constant. It can be an independent sign or accompany other symptoms, change its character, intensify in the evening, and go to a minimum in the morning.

To find out the real cause of the skin, it is worth consulting with several specialists at once: a gynecologist, a dermatologist and an infectious disease specialist.

Why does the skin itch during pregnancy

There are a number of theories regarding the occurrence of pruritus in women during the period of bearing a child. These include:

occurrence: since the chest and abdomen during this period begin to increase, grow, the skin in these areas is stretched, micro-ruptures of the fibers occur.
The appearance of stretch marks, as a rule, is preceded by skin itching, which is localized in the places of their formation. These places include the abdomen, thighs.
Buttocks, chest, and sometimes the upper arms. This kind of skin itching occurs, as a rule, at the end of the second - the beginning of the third trimester, in women who are genetically predisposed to weight gain;
cholestasis: caused during pregnancy by liver dysfunction, which occurs due to natural changes with the onset of pregnancy.
Usually itching occurs in the area of the palms and feet, with reddening of these places. After a while, itching can spread to the whole body, intensifying in the evening and subsiding in the morning. Cholestasis usually manifests itself in this way by the beginning of the third trimester.
At the same time, the urine of a woman visually noticeably darkens, and the feces, on the contrary, become light. The risk level of cholestasis is increased in those women who have high blood cholesterol levels or chronic diseases of the biliary tract;
a common cause of itching during pregnancy is the restructuring of the hormonal system. Itching that occurs for this reason is localized on the feet and palms, and disappears only after delivery;
sometimes the cause of itching, of course, are skin diseases. These include: dermatitis, dermatosis, eczema, skin fungus, and other diseases. In addition to itching, skin peeling, rashes and swelling usually appear;
Another cause of itching during pregnancy can be an allergy. Such itching will be accompanied by redness, and other associated symptoms inherent in allergies.
In this case, laundry detergents, shampoos, exotic fruits, seafood, plant pollen, and more can serve as provocateurs.
During pregnancy, it is not recommended to change the washing powder, shampoo, hand and face cream, diet. And in cases of an allergic reaction, it is necessary to eliminate and exclude the interaction of the allergen with the skin of a pregnant woman;
itching can occur due to excessive sweating in a pregnant woman. To avoid itching, it is tedious to take a shower more often, change into clean linen and clothes, and linen and preferably all clothes should be made from natural fabrics that “breathe”. You can visit a doctor and listen to his recommendations on this issue;
itching in the genital area is usually caused by thrush. It just needs a doctor's consultation, diagnosis and treatment.

Causing a skin child includes both hepatitis and hepatitis. To find the cause, it is important to consult a doctor in time and undergo a thorough examination of your body. After establishing the cause, the doctor will prescribe an adequate treatment that will help relieve itching and get rid of the problem and discomfort.

Does itching affect the baby?

Skin itching on the body of a pregnant woman in no way affects the development of the fetus. But, severe itching that appears in the third trimester may be a sign of cholestasis, as described above, a serious liver disease.

Its symptoms will be: onset of itching on the palms and feet, worse at night, pale stools, no rash of any kind. To soothe itching, the doctor may prescribe a special drug in the form of a cream or ointment.

But expert advice is needed. Cholestasis during pregnancy can cause. Therefore, the doctor must constantly monitor such a future mother with a child in order to avoid adverse consequences and complications.

In late pregnancy, many women go to the doctor with complaints of itchy skin. Significant discomfort causes itching of the abdomen and chest, but other parts of the body can also itch - legs, neck, skin under the hair on the head, perineum. This condition can be caused by various reasons, and to determine them and prescribe treatment, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination.

The factors causing the appearance of such discomfort in the later stages of the childbearing period can be very different. It can be a hormonal imbalance, and allergic reactions, and nervous strain, and a consequence of various diseases of the internal organs.

Therefore, in order to find out the causes of itching on different parts of the body, a woman must undergo a comprehensive examination and pass certain tests, on the basis of which the doctor will be able to prescribe adequate therapy.

Skin

Every fifth woman complains about itching during pregnancy. In fact, it is a mild manifestation of pain, but since the receptors responsible for the occurrence of pain are irritated very slightly, the nervous system does not perceive them properly. Unpleasant sensations can spread throughout the body or be localized in one area: on the legs, genitals, vulva and elsewhere.

Usually, itching during pregnancy is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms:

strong stretch marks on the skin in the area of the growing abdomen and mammary glands;
excessive dryness of the skin on the face and body;
the appearance of a rash on the face, arms and legs, abdomen and chest;
yellowness of the sclera and skin;
change in urine color to darker.

The main causes of itchy skin during pregnancy are as follows:

- Nervous strain, stress, emotional instability. Such itching is called psychogenic, and a woman often complains that her whole body itches, even with minimal irritating factors. Particularly strong discomfort disturbs at night, when the brain is resting. Such itching is localized most often in the genital area, armpits, and also on the inside of the thighs.
- The habit of wearing synthetic clothes and underwear, using aggressive alkaline detergents for washing.
- Too rapid weight gain, twin pregnancy, which leads to damage to the connective tissue and fluid retention in it. A rapidly growing belly provokes the appearance of stretch marks on the skin. The consequence of this is itching in the area of stretched tissues, which can also be in the lumbar region.
- Accumulation of sweat in the skin folds, as well as insufficient personal hygiene.
- Problems from the endocrine system, in particular, diabetes mellitus that developed during pregnancy, chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, bile stasis.

Another common cause of itching in the legs is swelling, which often occurs in women in late pregnancy. Edema appears due to the increased load on the kidneys, as a result of which the body does not have time to remove excess fluid.

Severe edema requires mandatory therapeutic measures, since they are fraught with serious complications during childbirth and can lead to the development of pathologies in the unborn child.

Discomfort in the intimate area

Unpleasant sensations in the genital area often accompany late pregnancy, women may complain of vaginal itching and swelling and irritation of the labia. This discomfort may be accompanied by flushing of the vulva, problems with urination, burning and pain.

In some cases, cracks and scratches appear at the site of irritation, which aggravates the situation, since the infection easily penetrates through the injured mucosa.

Itching in the genital area in pregnant women can be caused by insufficient skin care, since a large belly makes it difficult to carry out normal hygiene measures, and sweat accumulates in the formed folds.

In addition, discomfort in the intimate area can be the result of various inflammatory diseases, while itching can be localized both in the vulva and in the vagina. The cause of inflammation can be an imbalance in the microflora of the vagina, due to changes in hormonal levels.

Itching in the genital area is one of the symptoms of various infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases, as well as fungal infections of the vagina, in particular, with thrush.

Among other pathologies, one can single out bacterial vaginosis, nonspecific colpitis, the causes of which are most often staphylococci, streptococci and E. coli, herpes infection and other diseases.

Itching in the anus can be caused by helminths (worms).

How to get rid of itching during pregnancy

If discomfort is not associated with chronic diseases or inflammatory processes, a woman should follow the following recommendations to eliminate discomfort during pregnancy:

you should not comb itchy places, you should try to distract yourself from unpleasant sensations;
learn simple techniques of light massage, with bouts of itching, you should lightly stroke and rub the foci of irritation clockwise, such a massage will help not only relieve itching, but also improve blood circulation;
regularly do gymnastics after consulting a doctor, physical activity helps to increase skin elasticity;
monitor the dynamics of weight gain and adhere to a rational nutrition system, drink as much plain water as possible and do not eat salty, spicy and pickled foods;
control the temperature in the room, avoid overheating, which causes increased sweating and accumulation of sweat in the folds of the body; the air in the room where a pregnant woman lives should not warm up above 18 degrees, and the humidity should be maintained within 30 - 45%;
do not wear overly tight clothes, especially from synthetic fabrics, giving preference to linen and cotton items;
special attention should be paid to personal hygiene - take a cool shower every day, and in the heat this procedure should be carried out several times a day, make sure that sweat does not accumulate in the folds of the body, use wet wipes without fragrances on the street;
especially itchy places should be regularly washed with a weak solution of baking soda, such a tool is also suitable for wiping foci of irritation;
for washing, you can also use decoctions of medicinal herbs, for example, chamomile, string, calamus, elecampane and others, but before using them, you should make sure that there is no allergic reaction;
to relieve itching, you can wipe the places of particular discomfort with a 2% solution of salicylic alcohol, which is sold in ready-made pharmacy forms, this remedy is a good antiseptic and relieves inflammation;
with an allergic nature of itching, antihistamines should be taken, their choice must be agreed with the doctor, while increased attention should be paid to wet cleaning of the apartment, washing things more often, making sure that dust does not accumulate on surfaces;
if an allergy to pets is detected, they should be relocated to relatives during pregnancy.

All these recommendations apply to cases where itching in late pregnancy is due to physiological causes. If such discomfort is a symptom of a disease, therapeutic measures depend on its nature:

if you have a history of diabetes mellitus or if it appears during pregnancy, you should consult with an endocrinologist about the need to take insulin, and you need to carefully monitor the diet;

Expert opinion

Daria Shirochina (obstetrician-gynecologist)

Of particular danger to women during the period of bearing a child is the itching caused by hepatitis, since in this case we can even talk about abortion.

If a woman's complaints about severe itching are associated with the presence of an inflammatory process of infectious etiology, then the doctor may prescribe a course of drug treatment, depending on the nature of the pathogen. It can be both tablet forms, and means for external and topical use.

Itching in late pregnancy is a reason to consult a doctor. Despite the fact that most often this condition is due to physiological causes, itching can also be a symptom of a serious pathology, for the treatment of which urgent measures should be taken. The course of therapy should be determined by the doctor, depending on the causes of discomfort and the general condition of the woman's body.

Useful video

Watch this video about the symptoms and treatment of allergies during pregnancy: