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Itching During Pregnancy in 10 Items

  • Cholestasis causes itching during pregnancy

Under normal health conditions, bile produced by the liver is stored in the gallbladder. However, due to the effects of hormones secreted during pregnancy , the functions of the gallbladder slow down and bile accumulates in the body as the flow of bile becomes irregular. This causes itching, especially in the hands and feet. Pregnancy cholestasis, which does not cause a rash on the skin, passes with birth. However, jaundice and vitamin K deficiency may also occur in the mother-to-be in the future. When vitamin K is deficient, blood clotting problems occur and bleeding may not be stopped after birth.


  • Cholestasis of pregnancy can also affect the baby

Pregnancy cholestasis, which occurs due to irregularity and slowing of bile flow in the liver, can negatively affect not only the mother but also the baby. The health of the baby of the expectant mother experiencing cholestasis deteriorates, the baby's heartbeat becomes irregular, the baby may defecate in the womb, premature birth and even infant death may occur. In addition, since pregnancy cholestasis can lead to vitamin K deficiency, the baby may even suffer from a brain hemorrhage. Considering all these, a doctor should be consulted and the necessary tests should be performed.


  • Cholestasis of pregnancy can be treated

The drug called uredeoxycholic acid ursofalk is frequently used in the treatment of expectant mothers who have cholestasis of pregnancy. It is known that this drug reduces the acid in the gallbladder and reduces cholestasis of pregnancy. If successful results are not obtained when used alone, there are other auxiliary drugs.


  • Pregnancy cholestasis medications do not harm the baby or the mother

Pregnant women are reluctant to use medication during this period because they think that it may negatively affect the baby. However, it has been scientifically proven that the medications used in the treatment of obstetric cholestasis do not have any side effects on the baby or the mother.


  • Itching ends with birth

After the treatment of cholestasis of pregnancy, everything goes well during pregnancy and a healthy birth occurs. After birth, the mother-to-be does not experience any itching. After birth , the woman's bile flow largely returns to normal. There is no problem with the baby anyway. However, it will be beneficial to have the liver checked regularly in the following period.


  • Liver function disorders do not completely disappear with birth.

After birth, the complaints of itching and irregularity in bile flow end, but liver dysfunction continues, although not as severe. However, with regular treatment and doctor's control, all functions can return to normal in a short time.


  • Hormonal imbalance makes skin sensitive

Due to increased pregnancy hormone secretion, the expectant mother's skin is much more sensitive than usual. In case of itching, which significantly affects the expectant mother's quality of life and daily activities, a doctor should be consulted and treatment should be applied in order not to damage the skin by scratching.


  • Rapid weight gain causes itching on the skin

The expectant mother's body has difficulty adapting to the rapid weight gain in a much shorter time than it is used to. If the skin that is stretched with the weight gain is not moisturized enough, this itching may also cause skin cracks that will not heal. Itching is more common in the abdomen, hips and chest areas that gain the most weight during pregnancy, and in the hands and feet that swell due to edema. In cases of itching that is not too severe, moisturizing with natural oils or moisturizing creams may be sufficient.


  • Allergic reactions can also cause itching during pregnancy.

Allergic reactions that were present in the mother-to-be in previous periods are increasing even more under the influence of hormonal changes. However, new allergies can also occur due to the skin becoming very sensitive during pregnancy. Especially during pregnancy, the skin reacts to dust, flowers, pollen, plants and many other environmental factors, and itching may occur.


  • It may be possible to prevent itching during pregnancy

The simplest ways to prevent itching during pregnancy are to take a shower with warm water almost every day and to pay extra attention to body cleansing. Of course, during this period, odorless, colorless, quality shampoos and soaps with moisturizing content should be preferred. Since the clothes chosen during pregnancy are also important for the health of the skin, if comfortable, loose, cotton underwear and clothes are preferred, itching complaints will be experienced less. Perfumes, deodorants, creams and other cosmetic products that cause the skin to dry and irritate should be avoided.

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