Itching and swelling !!!!!

deedeecmc79

Constant itching during the night is driving me crazy. It is all over and everywhere and even keeps me up at night. As for the swelling I drink tons of lemon water and stay away from as much salt as I can. any suggestions out there that have worked?

Emott13

The itching? All I can say is load up on lotion. Look for ones with ingredients like aloe and lidocaine, as those are natural anti inflammatories and that will help the itch. Also, as much as you can, avoid scratching itchy places. It just breaks the skin, dries it out more, and makes it even itchier. I know it's easier said than done, but trust me it's worth it.
As for the swelling, it's important to find out if it's water retention or actual swelling. There's a difference. Lots of swelling is just a joy of pregnancy- you've got lots more blood in your body than usual. Water retention can be a sign of problems like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, so mention it to your doc next time you see him and he can make sure it's nothing serious. I know many women who couldn't wear their wedding rings starting around month 5 until baby came- isn't pregnancy fun? :P

rah938

The itching is something to mention to OB if it's bad enough to keep you up at night. There is "normal" pregnancy itching and then itching from cholestasis of pregnancy. I had that with last and was using a credit card to scratch my skin constantly so I didn't use my nails and break the skin. It's a liver disorder that causes bile acids to build up. They cause itching in skin. It's not common, but something to rule out if the itching is bad enough to affect sleep or daily functioning.

deedeecmc79

Thanks for the feed back
Hopefully it's the fun of pregnancy and I only have 19 more weeks to go

ChaneyB24

Get yourself some Aveeno intensive healing lotion, I got mine at CVS. It's a little pricey, $13 and it has helped me tremendously because I was having the same problem. Now every morning after I shower, I just lather up my chest and stomach and back and I have had no more problems. Don't waste your money on stretch mark creams because those only irritated my skin even more.

kiam032

Also try Cetaphil. I love it! It's the only lotion I can use. I have extreme sensitive skin. Also use Dove sensitive soap. Soon as you dry off from the shower use the lotion. If you don't already..try taking a shower and Lotion yourself before you go to bed. Wear loose clothes ( if any). Good Luck.

deedeecmc79

Thank you I will give that a shot
between this insomnia and a 20 month old I just may go crazy