ITCHING DURING PREGNANCY

Itching is a skin problem. According to medical statistics, 14% of pregnant women experience itchy skin, usually upon entering the second trimester of pregnancy. 

 

There are many factors that cause itch during pregnancy such as physical change, increase in estrogen or stretched skin as the fetus gets bigger. The itch will often dissolve on its own after delivery.

Below are some common symptoms:

 

- Rash and redness, usually at your abdominal and breast areas due to hyperplasia. 

 

- If you have a history of dry skin, eczema or food allergy, the situation can be more severe. 

 

- Folliculitis during pregnancy: The disease starts at the third trimester of pregnancy. Its symptom is white-headed pimples around hair follicles that cause you to itch. 

 

Other factors include: you have hyperhidrosis disorder, you have hemorrhoids which make your anus itchy, your skin gets too stretched (usually during your final months), itchy patches show up on your abdomen, breasts, butts, thighs…

 

 

•Don’t scratch. Use either a cool/warm towel or pack to soothe the skin. 

 

•Pay attention to your personal hygiene. Limit your time of hot shower. Bathe with warm water and use soft cloths to massage your body. 
 

•Use shower gels with average pH and free from chemicals that can irritate the skin (these are also suitable for sensitive skin). Or bathe with warm water without shower gel. 
 

•Moisturize and prevent your skin from stretching by gels or essential oils made from natural substances such as coconut, almond, sunflower seed… For the abdominal area, apply cream and massage gently to avoid uterus contradictions. 
 

•Avoid soda-rich soaps or skincare products which can cause skin irritation and make your itch worse.  
 

•Keep your vaginal area clean. If you want to use feminine hygiene products, pick the ones that are suitable for pregnant women. Don’t overuse them as they can change the pH in the vaginal region. 
 

•Keep up your daily physical activity for blood circulation but don’t overdo it. 
 

•Wear clothes that are loose, light-coloured and made from natural materials such as cotton. 
 

•Avoid going out on sunny days or stay in hot places. Remember to apply sunscreen to prevent dark spots. 
 

•Soaking your feet before sleeping at night in salt water, tea, betel leaf water… is also helpful. Avoid exposure to old stuff as dust mites cause itching. 

 

•Drink plenty of water (1.5 - 2 litres/day). Increase foods that are rich in vitamin A (fish, liver, egg, vegetables…), vitamin D (sea fish, fish liver oil, dairy products…), olive oil. Avoid spicy foods and hot spices that often cause allergy such as chilly, garlic, chive…

If the situation becomes serious and irritating, you should see your doctor for advice and treatment. 
 

At American International Hospital (AIH), our team of obstetricians and nutritionists work closely together to help you develop the most suitable pregnancy care plan based on your specific conditions.
 

As the first of its kind in Vietnam, the American standard room with “4 in 1” facilities (LDRP) is offered by AIH. Once placed in these rooms, expecting mothers can feel like home during the whole birthing process: Labor - Delivery (vaginal delivery)- Recovery - Postpartum. 

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For checkup and consultation at AIH:

☎️ Hotline: (028) 3910 9999 

🌏 Website: www.aih.com.vn 

📍 Address: 199 Nguyen Hoang street, An Phu Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh city