Pregnant & itching

Air_Cooled_75

I itched loads and got the worry it was something serious, it wasn't but do get it checked out if you're worried, that's what your midwife is for

Aless

I had terrible itching from the start on my back, shoulders and hips. I went to see a dermatologist who said it was all due to pregnancy. As mentioned above the blood flow is the main reason. I am now 18 weeks and it is abit better. The dermatologist said he would have given me some antibiotics for the main problem on my back but would not because I was pregnant. I also developed eczema for the ffirst time and that is still hanging around.

So it is very common but worth getting checked out even it is at least to be told that you basically have to just put up with it.

belfastgirl23

I have a few stretch marks from putting on and losing weight and I itched when I got them - so it could well be just this. Though well worth getting it checked just in case

madtrekker

Get it checked out. There are a few conditions that cause itching in pregnancy, some need closer monitoring than others. I had horrifically itchy stretch marks when I was last pregnant, it drove me bonkers. The GP prescribed a strong cream which took the edge off it.

dizziblonde

It CAN be a liver problem (obstetric choleastis - won't have spelt it right) - but on the other hand, my usually well-controlled eczema went BALLISTIC when I was pregnant!

Becles

Do get checked out just in case anything is underlying.

I tend to get dry skin anyway and always use a body lotion after a bath/shower. I found pregnancy made the dry skin worse and the drier my skin is, the itchier it gets! I found it was worth investing in a rich body butter and rubbing loads on after a bath/shower as my skin seemed to need the extra moisture.

CRANKY40

I had itching from the neck down when I was pregnant from about 14 weeks. I was allergic to the baby....I had to have a skin biopsy to check it was only a weird thing and not a major weird thing, and then I was put on steroids for the rest of my pregnancy. If your itching is worse at night, it might be worth seeing your doctor, because at 20 weeks, until they gave me steroids I just didn't want to be pregnant it was that bad.

eyelinerprincess

I hated the itching when I was pregnant, in fact just reading about it makes me itch now!

I'd go to your GP, if it's nothing they can give you something to ease it anyway.

lilymay1

dizziblonde wrote: »

It CAN be a liver problem (obstetric choleastis - won't have spelt it right) - but on the other hand, my usually well-controlled eczema went BALLISTIC when I was pregnant!

This wouldn't be prevalent at 17 weeks I don't think. I had terrible itching with my second pregnancy and my consultant didn't do any tests until I was in the 3rd tri.

eyelinerprincess

Says on NHS that OC usually doesn't appear til later on.

There's some info on NHS direct on the subject of itching and pregnancy.