Morning nausea, the constant need to pee, sore boobs- There are some pregnancy symptoms that we're all well familiar with, Mama! However, there are also some symptoms that are a little less spoken about, an itchy pregnant belly being one of them. You may have been prepared for some changes in your skin as you make room for a growing little one. However, an itchy pregnant belly may be a change in your skin that you'll notice a lot more than expected (if you expected it at all)!
So, what does an itchy belly mean when you're pregnant, and how on earth do you get rid of it? Here's all you need to know.
What does itchy belly mean when pregnant?
Initially, you may have turned to Google to panic-search 'what does an itchy belly mean when you're pregnant?' To start, don't worry, Mama! An itchy pregnant belly is usually nothing to fret about and is actually quite commonly experienced by other Mamas-to-be. It's mainly caused by three different triggers.
- According to the NHS, it's firstly thought to be caused by raised levels of hormones in the blood.
- The second reason is simply down to the skin expanding. As your bump grows, so too does the skin on your tummy as it will st-re-tch to accommodate your baby.
- Stretching combined with dryness is a recipe for itchy skin! Skin that loses moisture and elasticity can naturally become more sensitive and irritated.
However, if your itchy pregnant belly starts to form a rash or raised lumps, it's best to contact your doctor or midwife to check up on it. There are some skin conditions that can occur during pregnancy that may need some extra help to get under control. That's not to say they will be deadly to you or your baby. For example, Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (or PUPPP) is a condition that can occur with intense, itchy bumps all over the belly, thighs and buttocks. It's benign, usually resolves soon after pregnancy, and your doctor might be able to suggest something to help you through it.
If it's nothing more than a mild urge to scratch, there are a few steps that you can take to calm that itchy pregnant belly.
Tips to calm an itching tummy during pregnancy
The first tip to calm an itching tummy during pregnancy is to resist the urge. Don't scratch. We repeat, don't scratch, Mama! As tempting as it may be, scratching at your skin will not, in fact, relieve it. Instead, it will cause more irritation. Try a few of our tips below:
- Wear loose, cotton clothing (Throw that scratchy woolen jumper to the back of the wardrobe for now!)
- Have a cool bath with a hydrating, non-irritating cleanser
- Use a moisturising lotion all over, and a stretch mark protection butter on your stomach
- Try to avoid spicy food or caffeine which can often trigger more itching
What to put on itchy skin when pregnant
Along with the itchy pregnancy belly, it's common to experience skin sensitivity during pregnancy. All in all, we completely understand if you're a little skeptical about what you put on your body. That is why we've created this pregnancy-safe range here at Mama Mio, specifically designed to help Mamas-to-be through the skin woes that can occur during this journey you're on! So, here's just a few of the solutions you can put on your itchy skin when pregnant to help calm, soothe, and nourish it.
Cleanse with the Mama Mio Megamama Shower Milk
This deeply nourishing shower milk is made with a feel good, natural fragrance to help prevent further irritation. What's more, let's take a look at some of its special ingredients that can help to soothe your skin.
- Omega Rich Skin Stretch Complex: A unique blend of oils rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 to help keep your skin elastic, supple and strong.
- Sweet Almond Oil: To soothe delicate, sensitive skin
- Vitamin E: An essential antioxidant to aid skins protection
Hydrate with the Mama Mio Megamama Body Lotion
Following your shower or bath, it's simply essential to lather your body in a light, creamy body lotion immediately.
So, what's in this body lotion that sets it aside from the rest?
- Omega Rich Skin Stretch Complex: The same blend of oils in your shower milk to help keep your skin elastic, supple and strong
- Aloe Vera: To soothe, cool and moisturise
- AHA Blend: To encourage surface cell renewal for brighter looking skin
- Coconut Oil: A natural aid to skin elasticity
- Hyaluronic Acid: To plump and hydrate the skin with moisture
- Vitamin C: An important nutrient in collagen production
Nourish the belly with Tummy Rub Butter
Finally, with everything hydrated and clean, target that itchy pregnant belly with our special Tummy Rub Butter. This award-winning, fan-favourite product of ours is clinically proven to increase skin elasticity and moisture, helping to protect against stretch marks. Along with the Omega Rich Skin Stretch Complex and Coconut Oil, this magic formula has:
- Sweet Almond Oil: To soothe delicate, sensitive skin
- Shea Butter: To lock in moisture and protect the skin
- Vitamin E: An essential antioxidant to aid skins protection
To conclude, nine times out of ten there's no need to fret over what an itchy belly means when you're pregnant. With all of the stretching and strain your skin is going through, sometimes it may just be crying out for an extra bit of TLC! Treat yourself, Mama. Give your skin the care it deserves today.
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