There are many problems faced by a woman during pregnancy, itchy feet is one such annoying problem which causes great deal of discomfort for a pregnant woman. Some women experience severe itching during pregnancy while in other’s the condition may not be so severe. The most common cause of itching during pregnancy is cholestasis, a liver disease that occurs when a woman is pregnant. The hormonal changes that occur in a pregnant woman are the reason for triggering cholestasis.
Cholestais of pregnancy is a condition of liver and gall bladder where the normal flow of bile in the gallbladder is affected due to high amount of female hormones circulating during first trimester of pregnancy till the time of delivery.
Itching in feet and hands and other parts of body is at its peak during the last part of pregnancy when the circulating female hormones are expected to be very high. The condition usually subsides within few days after parturition (after the delivery). The ratio of cholestasis is 1 out of 1000 pregnancies. The condition is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups of Sweden and Chile.
Now let us know How Itchy Feet During Pregnancy Occur:
The gall bladder is the storehouse for bile which is formed in the liver. It is necessary for the breakdown and digestion of fat which we consume.
During various stages of pregnancy the female hormones are its peak, particularly the estrogens and progesterone. Now these hormones act upon the gallbladder function and slow the flow of bile. As a result there is accumulation of bile acid in the liver, which it releases in the blood stream. It is this excess of bile salts that are responsible for itching in feet and hands and various other parts of the body. Often the only symptom noted of cholestasis during pregnancy is intense itchy feet. Jaundice, dark color urine, loss of appetite, clay colored stools is symptoms that may occur after few days. Women carrying twins, triplets are at a greater risk of suffering from cholestasis. Previous liver damage is also one cause for cholestasis in pregnancy.
Treatment for Itching in Feet and Hands During Pregnancy
Even though the symptom of itchy feet during pregnancy may not be of great concern, if it is associated with cholestasis than proper medical care has to be taken as chances of fetal distress, stillbirth, and preterm birth increases.
To relive itching in feet and hands;
- Avoid hot showers and baths, which can increase your itch.
- Use mild soaps and rinse it of properly.
- Warm oatmeal bath helps when there is intense itch.
- Avoid going out in sun and warm climate.
- Wear loose cotton clothes.
- Applying aloe vera gel is useful in relieving itchy feet.
