Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Op. Dr. Meral Sönmezer gave important information about the subject. With the changes that occur during pregnancy, expectant mothers need to pay much more attention to their body care. Itching, which develops due to changes in the body, is also a common problem during this period. In this period of intense physical differences, itching is generally thought to be caused by high levels of certain chemicals in the blood, such as hormones. However, itching that does not go away can sometimes be a sign of serious diseases.
What causes itching during pregnancy?
Itching, which is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, can be seen due to dryness and shedding on the skin, especially from the first months. This situation, which develops due to the increased progesterone hormone in the first 3 months, decreases gradually in some women, but in others it can continue until the end of pregnancy. In addition, the main cause of itching, especially in the abdomen, is the tension that develops in direct proportion with the growth of the baby. In addition to the abdominal area, itching is frequently encountered in the chest area during this period.
It is important to treat itching that continues throughout the pregnancy period when the skin moisture decreases, if it does not go away. Although relief is provided with some creams and gels recommended by the physician, learning what causes long-term uncontrollable itching makes early diagnosis and treatment of some diseases possible. It can also be a symptom of a liver disease called
What is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?
This liver disorder, which usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy, is a serious disease characterized by widespread itching and increased serum bile acids. In this situation, which can be life-threatening for the baby, acid accumulation occurs in the liver as a result of the bile flow not forming properly or completely stopping. However, bile acids mix with the blood over time and adversely affect the circulation. Other symptoms of cholestasis, which cause itching in the navel, vagina, scalp, chest circumference and breech area, especially in the palms and soles, are as follows:
• Decreased appetite,
• Loss of motivation and depression,
• Feeling of tiredness and reluctance,
• Darkening of urine color,
• Faecal discoloration,
• Rarely, yellowing of the skin and eyes,
• Nausea and vomiting,
• Pain concentrated in the upper right part of the abdomen.
Diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy cholestasis
Before cholestasis can be diagnosed, the expectant mother should be examined and other possible possibilities that may cause itching should be eliminated. Afterwards, the diagnosis can be confirmed by performing various blood tests, liver function tests, gallbladder ultrasound and hepatitis tests.
Immediately after the diagnosis is made, the amount of acid in the bile is controlled by the use of appropriate drugs. In addition, various supplements are prescribed to the expectant mother for foods and vitamins whose absorption is reduced due to the disorder in the biliary tract. For the treatment of itching, suitable creams or some drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid that help reduce bile acids and relieve itching can be used.
Other causes of pregnancy itching;
Of course, it is not possible to say that every itching that occurs during pregnancy is caused by intrahepatic pregnancy cholestasis. At this point, the effect of pregnancy on skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis should not be ignored. However, as a result of rapid weight gain, some women may develop cracks in their skin, which can cause itching due to skin deformation. Urticarial rash, which is seen more intensely during pregnancy and especially after the 35th week, is another cause of itching.
Kiss. Dr. Meral Sönmezer said, “It is very beneficial to take short and warm showers every other day during pregnancy and to use appropriate moisturizers recommended by the doctor, especially after the shower, in order to protect the health and moisture of the skin. In addition, making an appropriate treatment plan for diseases such as urticaria, eczema and psoriasis, which are more common in atopic or allergic skin, will relieve itching in this process.
Itching may increase even more at night when the blood circulation is regulated. In this case, some lifestyle changes will also help to control itching. According to this:
– The use of wet wipes or antibacterial soaps should be reduced,
– Care should be taken to ensure that the products that come into contact with the skin are of natural origin,
– Cotton and loose clothing should be preferred,
- Care should be taken to clean the body and products that can irritate the skin should be avoided,
– Drink enough water during the day and pay attention to the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits.
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