Almost 5 Months Pregnant and Can't Quit Itching.....

Updated on September 22, 2010
S.J. asks from Farmington, NM
19 answers

I am almost 5 months pregnant, and I itch like crazy. This is my second child and I itched with the first one too, but not near as bad as this. I haven't been sleeping very good, because I'm up scratching all night!! LOL.... Does anyone know what this is caused by or how to help with the itching?

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T.W.

answers from Phoenix on

I had the same problem when I was pregnant. I bought the Palmer's Tummy Butter and I used it on my whole body. You might be greasy but it relives the itching like a miracle. But I think any of the Palmer's Cocoa Butter products would help with the itching I fell in love with the Tummy Butter.

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S.T.

answers from Phoenix on

When I was pregnant with my son I would itch when I slept with a certain blanket so I had to switch blankets.

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S.F.

answers from Tucson on

Hi, S., congratulations. You may be allergic to one or all of your soaps used for clothing or yourself. Try some of our safe and environmentally free products at discount. All products, except 2, are made in the U.S. Company has the BBB Torch Award so it is very reputable.

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J.A.

answers from Phoenix on

I am sooooo sorry! I had this with my first starting at about 6 months and it got worse closer to the end of my pregnancy. I was told it's hormonal (the word "pupps" was thrown out although it was never formally labeled with this diagnosis- might be worth mentioning to your OB though) and that it wouldn't go away until I gave birth. It actually was at it's absolute worst the day after I gave birth but within a day or two of that, it went away. I haven't had the problem since. I tried almost all of the suggestions you've been given so far and they did provide some relief but in my case, it didn't go away until after my baby was born. The sacrifices we make to bring these little miracles into the world! ;) good luck and hang in there! These little ones are worth it!

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M.B.

answers from Tucson on

My sister had this problem. Cholestasis is the name I believe. It has something to do with the liver and detox. She had this with both of her pregnancies and it was worse with the second. Please see if your OBGYN is aware of this. It needs treatment. Good Luck.

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C.M.

answers from Phoenix on

I had the same problem. The doctor had me buy a low dose of hydrocortisone cream, I believe .05%. It helped a little. I was told this can be a common problem with pregnancy and the only way to relieve it is to give birth.

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K.C.

answers from Phoenix on

I had this exact same thing when I was pregnant. I stopped using all lotions and only used ivory white soap in the shower and it helped A LOT. I also used Sarna lotion if the itching got bad (like on my stomach). Also make sure your laundry detergent is FREE of all scents.

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K.M.

answers from Phoenix on

I had a friend that was pregnant with twins that had extremely bad itching. She ended up going to a maternal specialist because it was a rarer condition. She was put on a medication and monitored the rest of the pregnancy (which was healthy). I would go to your OB and be persistent. Good luck.

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M.M.

answers from Phoenix on

this happened to a friend of mine and her ob told her to use both Zantac & Zyrtec and it really help her, give your doctor a call.

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C.L.

answers from Phoenix on

I'm sorry to hear about your itching. I had the same problem. I made sure to moisturize very well - especially considering how dry it is.

When I was pregnant, I had actual rashes - I'm not sure if you can visibly see them, or if you're just itchy. Anyways, I took some benadryl for a few days, and then the rashes went a way.

I hope you feel better soon.

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L.C.

answers from Phoenix on

I coincidentally just got this in a pregnancy e-newsletter today, hope it helps!

Why is my skin so itchy?
During pregnancy, your skin is stretching to accommodate your growing baby and any other weight gain, and your fluid needs are growing, so it's harder to stay adequately hydrated. That combination is a recipe for itch, says Margaret Pfeifer, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Many of her patients complain of itching on their abdomen during the second and third trimesters. If your belly is itchy and your skin is dry, use lots of unscented moisturizer, drink plenty of water, and avoid hot showers and baths. Call your caregiver if you have intense all-over itchiness because that can signal a serious condition called cholestasis of pregnancy. And let her know if you develop any kind of rash so she can evaluate it and recommend appropriate treatment or refer you to a dermatologist.

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J.M.

answers from Phoenix on

I'm currently pregnant and had the same problem. I talked to my Dr and he recommended switching my bath soap to Dove. Make sure it is not the kind with oils in it. Just the plain white dove body wash. Have you ever seen their commercials with one lady having build up all over her body and the one that uses Dove does not? I believe that now! He also suggested a better lotion. I now use Curiel? Its in a blue bottle. Dermatologist recommended. My itchness has significantly dropped. I used to get rashes as well and I also scratched myself until I bled. I'd leave scratch marks all over my body. I no longer have these issues, EXCEPT when I've switched soaps. I thought all Dove products were the same and bought some in bulk at Sam's Club, but it has oils in it and you could actually feel the build up on my skin. Try the plain white Dove, I couldn't stop rubbing my skin once I did, it felt so wonderful to feel CLEAN BUILD UP FREE skin....that didn't itch.

K.C.

answers from Albuquerque on

Please ask your OB to test you for liver issues during pregnancy. * I have a friend that has 6 kids and this condition has worsened with each pregnancy beginning with her 2nd.
google this one ok?

INTRAHEPATIC CHOLESTASIS OF PREGNANCY (ICP)

ICP is a pregnancy-related liver disorder in which there are abnormalities in the flow of bile (a substance produced by the liver that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats). These abnormalities lead to a build-up of bile acids (components of bile) in the mother's blood, resulting in symptoms such as severe skin itching.

For some reason you have to be induced early or this condition can cause problems after the 37th week? Check it out. Its more serious than it looks. My friend drank TONS of water to aid in the detox.
Let us know what happens.
K.

L.W.

answers from Phoenix on

http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/preg_itching.html

I found this page and it seemed quite informative.

I was also very itchy with my #2 and #3 pregnancies. It helped when I exfoliated. I would use Mary Kay Satin Hands (all 3 steps) and also an additional very thick moisturizer... like a body butter or even just using the step 1 of the Satin Hands again.

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S.L.

answers from Tucson on

Look carefully not only at your diet as some foods can cause this reaction, but also look at what products you are using on your skin. Most commercial topical products are really worse for your skin than not using them would be. Parabens, ureas, petroleum and mineral oils, propylene glycol, sodium laurel sulfate, stearalkonim chloride, synthetic colors and fragrances are just a few of the most commonly used chemicals - even in products labeled as "natural". If you would like details about what symptoms each of these cause feel free to contact me. I am a certified herbal consultant and would be happy to help guide you to better alternative choices.

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E.H.

answers from San Antonio on

Tell me about I went through the itching wit my 2 pregnancy also but now I'm with my third pregnancy and it's worst I can't stop itching.Someone told me to use calamine lotion but it doesn't help at all.I don't know what to do anymore I'm barley 34 weeks pregnant and i can't sleep.

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A.D.

answers from Phoenix on

I used Sarna lotion every night after a cool shower. Helped keep me from going mad with scratching, at least. Also, drink tons of water and avoid processed foods.

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A.H.

answers from Phoenix on

Those who treat conditions naturally generally treat this as a liver issue and take dandelion root, milk thistle, and nettles as a tea several times a day until resolved. It's something to research.

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B.H.

answers from Phoenix on

I'm due in 10 days and have the same problem. Lots of itching, but mine is in one specific area and my doctor told me it is the skin stretching. I would suggest you talk to you doctor because I read several times in books about itching and that it can be a concern - especially if it is a lot and it is all over. Call your doc and tell him the specifics and he/she will let you know if you should be concerned or not. Good luck and congratulations.

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