It's itchy, that's perfectly normal.
While undeniably annoying, these itches shouldn't cause you any real concern. They result from hormonal changes that, from the very beginning of your pregnancy, lead to skin dehydration, causing tightness, roughness, and... itching. You may even experience them more intensely if your skin is naturally dry.
It's also normal for this discomfort to increase over the months: the slowing of your microcirculation makes your skin more irritable, while at the same time, the baby's development puts your skin's elasticity to the test! This is also why itching appears particularly on your stomach, where stretch marks are mainly located.
But the good news is, you'll easily be able to get rid of it! However, don't hesitate to tell your doctor if the itching spreads to other areas of your body and doesn't respond to a well-executed moisturizing treatment, as this could indicate a liver problem. But this is very rare.
4 key steps to soothe your skin
Of course, it's hard not to scratch when it itches... But be gentle with yourself. Remember to keep your nails short and only use your fingertips or the palms of your hands to avoid creating an environment conducive to the intrusion of bacteria and other allergens. And above all, give your skin a good, soothing daily skincare ritual. You can also maintain these good habits after giving birth, while your itching gradually disappears.
1. Opt for lukewarm showers
In the shower, be careful not to use too much hot water, as this could irritate your skin, which lacks a protective lipid film. This is especially true if your water is hard (high in calcium). Take the same precaution if you prefer baths; you can make them even more pleasant by adding a capful of nourishing oil.
2. Opt for a specific shower gel
Not all cleansing formulas are designed to care for your delicate skin as an expectant mother... and some even tend to be harsh. So always be sure to choose a specific, gentle, soap-free product and temporarily avoid exfoliating scrubs.
3. Dry yourself gently
Your skin is already ultra-sensitive, so it's best not to irritate it further. Instead of the classic terry towel you might have been using to vigorously scrub yourself, gently pat your skin with a microfiber towel, which will absorb both water and limescale effectively. Also, be sure to thoroughly dry any skin folds prone to maceration (armpits, groin, breast folds, etc.), which are even more susceptible to irritation.
4. Hydrate and nourish your skin thoroughly
After your shower or bath, take the time to thoroughly nourish and hydrate your skin. It will thank you immediately! Regenerated in this way, your skin barrier will be better able to withstand external aggressors, its reactivity will diminish, and you will rediscover wonderful comfort!
Always choose a moisturizing lotion or cream specifically designed for pregnancy: this will guarantee its effectiveness and safety. Take a few minutes to massage it in to ensure these nourishing ingredients are fully absorbed. You can also combine this moisturizing ritual with stretch mark treatments, which, while boosting collagen fibers, will soften your skin and soothe any itching.
To complete these treatments, avoid wearing synthetic fibers, which are particularly irritating to your skin... Opt instead for cotton or linen, two noble materials that will delicately enhance your pregnancy curves and soothe skin sensitivity.
