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Abdominal itching during pregnancy
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Abdominal itching during pregnancy should not go unnoticed, and if this symptom occurs, a woman should be informed about it by her gynecologist.
Itching during pregnancy is often localized on the abdomen due to its increase and stretch marks. Doctors often considered the question of why the pregnant woman's stomach itches, and came to a common opinion that most often this symptom occurs against the background of physiological changes in the body of a woman. The skin is stretched, because of the increased level of estrogen, it loses its elasticity, becomes excessively dry, and this provokes the cardiac reflex. Most often, the itching of the abdomen, caused by hormonal changes in the body, passes after childbirth and does not require special medical intervention.
Causes of stomach itching during pregnancy
Large-scale studies of medicine have proved another cause of the pruritus in pregnant women. If the stomach is constantly scratched, this may indicate a malfunction in the functioning of the liver. Itching, thus, becomes a concomitant symptom of hepatitis, cholecystitis, cholestasis and other "hepatic" diseases. In this case itches not only the entire abdomen, but also the chest, back, legs and hands of the pregnant woman. Itching, caused by malfunctioning of the liver, usually intensifies by night and can be accompanied by burning. This condition is very dangerous and in rare cases can lead to complicated childbirth and fetal death. Only timely diagnostics will help save the situation.
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Diagnosis of abdominal itching during pregnancy
After the examination, the doctor may prescribe an additional examination in the form of blood tests (general and biochemical), liver tests, and if necessary, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. The results of the tests will show whether the allergy or disturbances in the liver work is the main cause of the itching. Often, the allergic reaction of the pregnant woman's body can be caused by a change in the hormonal background. In this case, the allergy is of an acquired nature and can arise from almost any stimulus: close or synthetic clothing, food, cosmetics, etc.
Naturally, liver problems, in the first place, will be indicated by tests (liver tests, bilirubin, AST, ALT, etc.). It is important for a pregnant woman not to neglect planned visits to her gynecologist and tell him about any changes that occur in her body, including the appearance of even a slight itching in the abdomen. Usually, if itching is associated with skin strains due to a growing abdomen, it is localized in small skin areas.
How to prevent itching of the abdomen during pregnancy?
To avoid itching during pregnancy, a future mother is recommended to revise the diet and exclude from it products that are "heavy" for the liver (salty, hot, fried), exotic fruits and seafood. To improve the work of the intestine, you must enter in the menu dried apricots and prunes, which establish peristalsis.
To prevent stretch marks on the abdomen, pregnant women are advised to use special moisturizers, as well as take a shower with hypoallergenic drugs. For taking baths, you can use decoctions of herbs (alternatives, celandine, chamomile). Cream for moisturizing the skin should be neutral, without chemical additives and sharp odors. In pharmacies, you can purchase special products designed by dermatologists for pregnant women.
Abdominal itching during pregnancy in medicine is called "polymorphic dermatosis of pregnant women" and is most often manifested in the second half of the child's bearing, when the fetus increases in size and begins to actively move in the abdomen of the mother. It is important that the pregnant woman in time paid attention to the itching in the abdomen and took care of eliminating the factors that provoke stretch marks, which leave an unaesthetic trace after childbirth. To prevent stretch marks (stretch marks), it is necessary to immediately apply active moisturizing of the abdominal skin with natural remedies. Moreover, this applies not only to the areas of skin on the abdomen, but also to the chest, thighs, - the word of those zones where stretch marks appear most often.