Many of us believed that pregnant women only experienced vomiting, nausea, pure exhaustion accompanied by insomnia, and the unusual cravings. However, there’s more. The itchy boobs can be one of the health conditions that we must consider too. There are many causes why women nipples and breasts may itch during pregnancy. Most are associated to circulating hormones or skin irritation.
Let us try to know these:
- Hormonal changes- Your hormones may overdrive during pregnancy, and they may rise as you approach your due date including itchy skin. In fact, it can make you uneasy and uncomfortable.
- Stretching skin- As you and your baby grow, your skin stretches to accommodate your new size and weight gain. You may even notice slight stretch marks on your breasts, stomach, hips, and bottom. As they appear, you may feel burning or itching.
- Eczema/Pregnancy-induced eczema- skin condition you can acquire during 9 months of pregnancy. You can develop spots on your boobs and on other parts of your body.
- Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP)- It is a common cause for itching throughout pregnancy. With the itch, you may also feel some bumps or small hives on the skin. They can appear separately or in patches and usually spread from the boobs, stomach, thighs, and buttocks.
- Prurigo of pregnancy- Another condition specific to pregnancy. It is the body’s immune system reaction to all the changes related to pregnancy. You may get little bumps on your chest or other parts of your body. They may itch and appears like bug bites.
- Intertrigo- is just a fancy term for rash under the breast. It’s not a pregnancy-specific state, either. You can develop intertrigo any time when there’s heat, moisture and friction beneath the girls.
You may not be able to prevent itchy breasts if they arise from certain health conditions, like PUPPP or prurigo of pregnancy. There are plenty of things you can do to keep you calm, cool, and comfortable.
Here are some good tips:
- Stay hydrated- Drink water. Pregnant women require at least 10 glassesof water daily to prevent dry itchy skin.
- Eat a balanced diet- Itchy skin due to stretch marks can be prevented through the nutrients from the food you eat.
- Wear natural fibers- Cotton and other soft fabric clothes are advisable to wear among pregnant women to avoid trapping of moisture and sweat.
- Loosen up- Wearing a well-fitting pregnancy brassiere to distribute your weight properly.
- Cool down- Take a cool shower or apply a cool washcloth to calm itching condition. Lukewarm baths may help especially with conditions like eczema.
- Slather it on- Try applying a soothing moisturizer directly to your nipples and breasts. Ointment creams are better for irritated skin. Ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil and olive oil are good options.
- Switch detergents- Use detergents and avoid soaps with artificial fragrances as they may cause itchy skin.
There are many causes of itchy breasts that can’t be solved through home remedies. So, it is better to consult your doctor when symptoms persist. Itchiness will stop few days after giving birth. Stay safe!
PNFP- Karla P. Calapardo, RND
References:
- Why Pregnancy Can Cause Itchy Boobs
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/itchy-breast-pregnancy#see-a-doctor
