Pregnancy and childbirth is accompanied not only positive but also negative moments in a woman's life. One of these troubles is itching that occurs during pregnancy. Itching in pregnancy may be a sign of any disease or symptom independent. Itching during pregnancy can not be attributed to complications often arise, but it can not be called rare. As a rule, the itch has no negative effects on the fetus and the self disappears within a week or two after birth. But before we begin to deal with this unpleasant sensation should consult a doctor and undergo the necessary examination.

The mechanism of pruritus

Human skin contains a huge number of sensitive nerve endings that are sensitive to the slightest stimulus (touch, vibration, chemicals). Sometimes mechanical irritation or chemical substances cause itching, which is accompanied by a burning desire to comb the site of stimulation. If itching associated with allergic and inflammatory reactions in the skin begins to form histamine - a biologically active substance which irritates nerve endings. Furthermore, histamine enhances blood flow to the affected area, causes swelling Prevention and treatment of edema - it is important to understand the root cause   tissue that appears redness and swelling. In the pathology of the liver and biliary tract are deposited in the skin bilirubin and bile acids, which also leads to itching.

Causes

The main causes of pruritus during pregnancy can be divided into three groups:

• skin disorders (atopic, contact or allergic dermatitis, fungal infections, and others);
• pregnancy stretch marks;
• cholestasis of pregnancy.

Stretching pregnant

Stretch marks, or striae pregnancy arise as a result of tissue distension due to the rapid increase in abdominal circumference. But stretch marks appear not only on the abdomen, often they are localized in the breast that is associated with the preparation of (increase) in the breast for feeding. Contributing factors of stretch marks is a great weight of the fetus, multiple pregnancy, obesity, and polyhydramnios. In recent years, there is evidence that stretching due to a change in hormonal status during pregnancy. Elevated levels of estrogen Estrogen - the key to bone health   It helps to reduce the amino acids in the dermis, resulting in reduced production of elastin and collagen. As a result, the skin loses its elasticity and atrophied in small areas to form "scars" or stretch marks.

The formation of stretch marks is accompanied by severe itching, but other symptoms (redness, swelling) are not available. Help relieve itching light massage (stroking, tingling), moderate exercise, special preparations against stretch marks.

Cholestasis of pregnancy

The appearance of cholestasis of pregnancy is also associated with increased levels of estrogen. Estrogens lead to stagnation of bile in the liver, increasing the allocation of bile acids, which are hitting the skin, causing itching. Itching appearing in cholestasis, it is so pronounced that leads to disruption of the emotional state. As a rule, itching in cholestasis pregnancy intensifies at night that disturb sleep Dreams: how to understand our dreams . The disease usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy. Contributing factors of cholestasis are diseases of the liver and gall bladder (cholelithiasis, jaundice). Often the appearance of the itch is accompanied by jaundice and pain in the right upper quadrant. In the biochemical analysis of blood increased bilirubin and liver function tests (ALT and AST).

For relief of itching, you should regularly take a warm shower or sponge oneself down with a damp towel (to remove irritating the skin of bile acids). After hygiene procedures should be lubricated irritated place neutral milk or body oil. Of the drugs it has a positive effect cholestyramine, activated charcoal Activated carbon - old but indispensable Homeopathic drugs. To improve liver functions are assigned hepatoprotectors (Essentiale, CARS).

Skin diseases

The differential diagnosis of itching during pregnancy is carried out with numerous skin diseases. According to the testimony of a pregnant appointed consulting dermatologist and infectious diseases, which determine further management of patients.

Anna Sozinova

True pinched nerve Pinched nerve - what to do when severe pain?   during pregnancy it does not happen too often. More often, women are taking over the pinching pain arising from the increased load on the spine. These pains are fast enough, and back again at elevated physical activity.

The load on the spine

During pregnancy, under the influence of hormones gradually relaxing the joints and ligaments by which the pelvic bones are attached to the spine. This is to ensure that during childbirth bone joints have acquired greater mobility, which allows to increase the birth canal. At the same time gradually increasing stomach and this creates a growing strain on the spine. In the second half of pregnancy, all capable of causing recurrent aching back Back pain: Do not start the process Which are a consequence of the pressure on the nerve. Such a pain in the second half of pregnancy are almost all women.

To reduce the load on the spine in this case it is recommended to wear a bandage and prenatal periodically to kneel, leaning his elbows and forearms on the floor. This Bozeman's position perfectly offloads the spine and the pain passes. If pain is often disturbed, it is advisable to carry out a total of two hours per day in jackknife position - 15-20 minutes once a day.

Whether there is a pinched nerve during pregnancy?

Sometimes. Entrapment (correct pinching) nerve during pregnancy occurs in the case where the spinal cord extending from the spinal nerve is compressed at the exit point of the spine. Most often such a situation arises during pregnancy in women who have had similar problems before pregnancy. There may be a pinched nerve as when a large weight (obesity, hidden edema, polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancy).

There is in this case, infringement of the fact that under the influence of excess cargo deteriorate and lose elasticity of the intervertebral discs - connective rings having in the center elastic core. Worn drive may break and go beyond the spine, nerve prejudice - this is the true nerve entrapment. Pinched nerve during pregnancy most often occurs in the lumbar and sacral.

Lumbodynia

Infringement of nerve roots extending from the lumbar spine, called lumbodynia or lumbago. Lumbago is called infringement because sharp penetrating pain, comparable in intensity with a gunshot wound. Aching with the generally lower back, sometimes gives pain in the back or legs, but the most intense pain persists at waist level.

Pain begins episodic, often after exercise or hypothermia (they are not the cause but the starting point) and can be broken, stabbing or throbbing. This causes protective muscle tension of the back and makes a woman to freeze in an unnatural posture, which may be harmful during pregnancy. All attempts to change the situation thwarts the new cross - pain.

Such an attack can stay from several minutes to several days. Most women report that the pain appeared as suddenly as it had begun, "as if something clicked and fell into place." There are only minor pain. Enhances pain back muscle strain. And if the voltage is removed, the pain is significantly reduced.

Ishialalgiya

The sciatic nerve is formed from the nerves of the lumbosacral plexus and goes along the buttocks on the back of the thigh, then down a smaller nerves to the foot. If the infringement of the nerve there is a strong pain in his turn. Usually pinching the sciatic nerve Infringement of the sciatic nerve: why it happens   It is a sign of a herniated disc.

If the infringement of the sciatic nerve is the main sign of the strong attacks of unilateral pain. Generally, these pains are totally after the attack. In typical cases, the pain begins in the lumbar region, and then spread to the buttocks, the back of the thigh, leg and foot outer surface. In the long nerve entrapment may cause muscle weakness. It is not very useful during pregnancy because it can complicate delivery. Pinched nerve can cause a violation of urination and constipation Constipation - Watch out for food   in pregnant women.

How to help a pregnant woman with a pinched nerve

Severe pain in the lower back and sciatic nerve require their withdrawal. However, pregnant women do not fit all the ways to relieve pain. Painkillers prescribed to them in an extreme case, weighing the pros and cons.

Patients with lumbar nerve recommended infringement still lying on his back on a hard, flat surface. In pregnancy, this advice is unlikely to fit - a pregnant woman lying on the back is not so easy. Therefore it is better to take advantage of the unloading in the knee-elbow position - it contributes to a rapid decrease and even relieve pain. And, of course, you need to wear a bandage. No less important is this advice and infringement of the sciatic nerve.

Sleeping woman is better at his side, laying a cushion between the legs, which will support the abdomen. From horizontal to vertical position must proceed cautiously, first rolling onto his side and leaning on hand. While walking and sitting back to keep straight - this will reduce the load on the spine. If the work is sedentary, then periodically (preferably every half hour) to get up and look a bit like. Footwear is also important: it must be sustainable on a small heel (heel can not be entirely without - it will contribute to the development of flat feet).

With regard to medical treatment, it may appoint a doctor.

Galina Romanenko