Itchy belly during pregnancy

Many women experience itchy belly after the second trimester of pregnancy. This is a very common phenomenon. Most people want to scratch their belly when they find it itchy, but they dare not do so because they are afraid of affecting the baby. However, they feel uncomfortable if they do not scratch it. Itchy belly of pregnant women is very troublesome. Generally speaking, there are many reasons for itchy belly in the second trimester of pregnancy. So what is the reason for itchy belly in the second trimester of pregnancy?

What causes itchy belly during pregnancy?

1. The skin is stretched and pulled

After pregnancy, as the fetus grows, the expectant mother's belly gradually bulges, the skin of the abdomen is stretched by the enlarged uterus, and the elastic fibers of the skin are stretched, forming stretch marks. The stretch marks will feel itchy. Pregnant mothers must not scratch them hard, as the more they scratch, the more itchy they will feel.

Pregnant mothers can increase skin elasticity and prevent skin itching caused by stretch marks through diet. They can eat more foods containing collagen fibers, such as pig's trotters and nuts, and eat more vegetables and fruits. They need to abstain from sweets and fried foods.

2. Pregnancy skin disease

This disease may cause itching all over the body. It usually occurs during the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. Apart from the itchy feeling, there are no other changes on the skin, and no rashes or blisters will appear.

At this time, pregnant mothers should reduce food stimulation, such as eating less irritating foods such as chili peppers, ginger, raw garlic, etc., and the intake of seafood should be moderate, because seafood will aggravate skin itching.

3. Itch or eczema during pregnancy

It usually occurs between the 4th and 9th months of pregnancy. It causes a small red rash on the skin, most often on the limbs, which looks like an insect bite. In addition to itchy belly, rashes and itching may occur on the thighs and even upper limbs, and some may also have pigmentation.

Pregnant mothers with itchy skin can apply lotion to moisturize the skin, but they must choose lotion, olive oil, massage cream, etc. that is suitable for their body type. They must choose mild and hypoallergenic moisturizing products to ensure that there is no irritation to themselves or the baby.

4. Herpes during pregnancy

Herpes during pregnancy usually occurs during the 3rd to 6th month of pregnancy, and begins with symptoms such as general discomfort, fever, and itchy skin. A few days later, erythema, papules, blisters, etc. will appear, often gathering in groups and arranged in a ring shape.

Pregnant mothers can apply topical medications for local skin lesions. At this time, they must keep their skin and hands clean and trim their nails every week to avoid long nails scratching the skin and causing infection.