If you are pregnant and your legs itch in your condition, then it is important that you learn all about itchy legs in pregnancy: why it happens and what you can do. It is a fairly common symptom, many women suffer from it in their pregnancy process. Therefore, we are going to explain why it happens and much more.
Do not be scared by the itching you may feel, with everything that we are going to explain you will know what to expect and above all, understand why it happens to you right now that you are pregnant. Read carefully and you will discover how to relieve yourself and feel more comfortable.
Why itchy legs appear in pregnancy
Itchy legs during pregnancy is more common than you might think, and it can be due to a number of reasons. So that you understand what are the most common reasons, We are going to explain them to you below, perhaps you can recognize why it is happening to you at this time.
Hormonal changes
During pregnancy, your body experiences a significant increase in the production of hormones such as estrogen. These hormonal changes can affect the skin and make it more sensitive, which in turn can cause itchiness.
increased blood flow
Blood flow is greatly increased during pregnancy to provide nutrients and oxygen to the growing fetus. This increase in blood flow can cause the blood vessels to expand, which can contribute to itchy legs.
skin tightening
As your belly grows, the skin on your abdomen, hips, and legs stretches to accommodate the growing baby. ANDThis stretching can cause dry skin and consequently itchiness.
Allergies and skin sensitivities
During pregnancy, you may become more sensitive to certain chemicals, soaps, or lotions that didn't cause you problems before. Contact with irritating substances can cause itchy skin.
cholestasis of pregnancy
This is a more serious condition that can cause severe itching during pregnancy. It is due to a liver problem that affects the removal of bile and may require immediate medical attention. If you experience severe itching all over your body, especially the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, you should contact your doctor immediately.
How to relieve itchy legs during pregnancy
Now that you understand why itchy legs occur during pregnancy, it's time to address the most important question: what can you do to alleviate it? The itching is very annoying, so It is normal that you want to relieve it as soon as possible. To achieve this, follow the tips that we will discuss below and you will notice an improvement sooner rather than later.
Keep skin hydrated
Dry skin can make itching worse, so make sure you keep your skin well hydrated. Use fragrance-free lotions and avoid products with irritating ingredients. Apply moisturizer after showering to seal moisture into your skin.
Avoid hot water
Hot baths or showers can dry out the skin and make itching worse. Opt for lukewarm water instead of hot, and avoid bathing for long periods of time.
Comfortable and breathable clothing
Wearing loose, breathable clothing, such as cotton, can help reduce skin irritation. Avoid synthetic fabrics that can trap moisture and heat. The important thing in any case is that you are comfortable.
cut your nails
It can be tempting to scratch when you feel itchy, but this can make things worse and cause skin lesions. Keep your nails short to reduce the risk of damaging the skin when you scratch.
If you scratch, be careful
If you feel the need to scratch your legs, do it with the palm of your hand. In this way you will feel relief and you will not "call the blood" making the area itch more. Therefore, always do it as a temporary relief but do not rub too much or it will itch more.
Oatmeal baths
Oatmeal baths can provide immediate relief from itching.. Fill a cloth bag with colloidal oatmeal. (available at most pharmacies) and place it in the bath water. Sink in and enjoy soothing relief.
Avoid irritating products
Check the skin care products and wash you use and make sure they are gentle and do not contain irritating ingredients or strong fragrances.
Consult your doctor
If the itching is intense or persistent, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. It may be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as cholestasis of pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention.
Avoid excessive scratching
Although it can be hard to resist the urge to scratch, excessive scratching can break the skin and make the itch worse. Try to distract yourself by doing something else, like reading a book or watching a movie, to keep your hands busy.
How to prevent itchy legs
It is known that prevention is better than cure. Therefore, prevention may be the best strategy when it comes to itchy legs during pregnancy. To prevent itching before it occurs, follow the tips below.
They look a bit like the ones you should follow to get relief, but in this case, they would be tips to apply before the itching starts, or in other words, to prevent it from happening if it hasn't happened to you yet.
Maintain good hydration
Drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.. Proper hydration can help prevent dry skin.
Use mild soaps
Opt for mild, fragrance-free soaps to avoid irritating your skin. Wash your skin gently and do not rub hard.
Avoid very hot baths
As mentioned earlier, hot water can dry out the feethe. Opt for lukewarm showers or baths.
Wear comfortable clothes
Wear clothing that is comfortable and breathable to avoid skin irritation. Avoid synthetic fabrics that can trap moisture.
Eat a balanced diet
A diet rich in nutrients It is essential for the health of your skin. Include foods rich in essential fatty acids, such as fish, walnuts, and flaxseed oil, which can help keep your skin healthy.
When to see your doctor
While most cases of itchy legs during pregnancy are harmless and can be managed with the strategies mentioned, there are times when you should seek medical attention.
If with the advice that we have explained to you it alleviates, then it is not something serious to seek medical help, but in the event that it happens to you what we will tell you in the following points, So it would be important that you consult your doctor as soon as possible. Take note:
- Intense and persistent itching: If the itching is unbearable and does not respond to home care, it is important to see a doctor. This could be a sign of a more serious condition like cholestasis of pregnancy.
- Skin rash: If you experience rashes along with itching, especially if they spread or worsen, it's important to seek medical attention.
- Abdominal pain or discomfort: if the itching is accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, it is crucial that you see a doctor immediately.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes): If you notice a yellowish tint to your skin or the whites of your eyes, this could indicate a liver problem and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
In the face of any of these symptoms, it would be necessary for you to see your doctor. Mostly because the itching could be a problem with an underlying symptom that may need to be treated differently. Besides, Being pregnant is essential to find the cause of this discomfort and treat it so that it is not a problem in your gestation period or for your baby.
It is true that itchy legs are very uncomfortable, but in most cases it is a temporary symptom that can be managed with tips like the ones we have explained above and with proper prevention. However, ifIt is always important to listen to your body and seek medical attention if something concerns you.
You must remember that your pregnancy is unique and has nothing to do with the pregnancy of other women. With this we want to tell you that what works for a pregnant woman does not mean that it should work for you, and vice versa the same. In this sense, whenever you have doubts or concerns about your state of health or your pregnancy, you should talk to your doctor.
Once you have explained what is happening to you, you should follow his recommendations because he is the best person to tell you what you should do to feel better. Once you have reached the end, we congratulate you on your pregnancy and we wish that if you have itchy legs, resolved as soon as possible so that you feel comfortable and balanced in this important stage of your life.