It is normal to itch during pregnancy . You feel itchy especially around your belly and nipple as the skin stretches. Dry skin and hormonal changes can also be a contributing factor.

Some skin conditions such as eczema gets worse during pregnancy even though some women actually improve during pregnancy. Other conditions such as psoriases is the opposite. Most women report less severe symptoms during pregnancy while only a few gets worse.

If you have an itchy rash or severely itchy palms or soles of feet, you need to contact your health care provider. It could the symptoms of a very serious healthy condition.

How to relieve itching during pregnancy

It is important to try as much as possible not to scratch because it can irritate the skin further and increase the risk of skin  infection. If you are itching because of dry, stretched skin, you can do the following to relieve your symptoms.

• Apply ice pack or cool, wet compressions to itchy areas for 5 to 10 minutes until the itch fades.
• Moisturize the skin well after you take a shower or bath. Keep the  lotion in the fridge so that moisturizing the skin also feels cool
• Take occasional warm oatmeal bath. You can buy commercial prepared oatmeal baths in drugstores

How can i prevent itching during pregnancy ?

You may not be able to prevent itching all together but these tips may help minimize itching during pregnancy

• Take lukewarm shower and baths . Hot water can dry skin and make itching worse. Use mild fragrance free soap and wash it off well. Pat yourself dry gently.
• Stay cool.  Heat can make itching worse
• Wear loose comfy clothing to keep skin from irritation
• Apply medicine before moisturizing . If your doctor has prescribed any topical medications, apply it  as instructed before applying moisturizer to the whole body  or even areas of skin treated with medication
• Manage stress. Stress and anxiety  can make itching worse