Dry Skin Early Pregnancy Symptom

What Are The Early Signs Of Pregnancy

The two-week wait. Yep, there really is a term for that time between when you conceive and when you can find out whether or not youre actually pregnant by taking a pregnancy test .

During those two weeks, youre often wondering if every twinge and sensation could possibly mean youre pregnant. And really, they could. Here are the most common first signs of pregnancy.

Moisturize At The Grocery Store

Some products you buy as recipe ingredients can double as moisturizers. Olive oil and coconut oil provide intense moisture to the skin and are full of antioxidants. You only need a couple of droplets to rub on your skin for the oils to work. Try applying to damp skin to avoid a greasy feeling.

Shea butter and [Affiliate Link: cocoa butter are also great natural alternatives to drugstore moisturizers. Though cocoa butter is edible, you should avoid eating any product designed for topical application.

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Icp

ICP is diagnosed by excluding other causes of the itch. Your doctor will probably talk to you about your medical and family history and order a variety of blood tests.

These will include tests to check your liver function and measure your bile acid levels .

Monitoring your condition

If you are diagnosed with ICP, you will have regular liver function tests so your doctor can monitor your condition.

There is no agreed guideline on how often these tests should happen, but the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists and the British Liver Trust advise weekly tests.

ICP Support, the UK’s largest research group investigating ICP, also recommends weekly bile acid measurements. These readings help doctors recommend when your baby should be born.

If your LFTs and bile acids are normal and you continue to have severe itching, the blood tests should be repeated every week or 2, to keep an eye on them.

Creams and medicines for ICP

Creams, such as aqueous cream with menthol, are safe to use in pregnancy and can provide some relief from itching.

There are some medicines, such as ursodeoxycholic acid , that help reduce bile acids and ease itching.

UDCA is considered safe to take in pregnancy, although it is prescribed on what is known as an “informed consent” basis as it has not been properly tested in pregnancy.

You may also be offered a vitamin K supplement. This is because ICP can affect your absorption of vitamin K, which is important for healthy blood clotting.

Read Also: Does Renal Cell Carcinoma Spread Fast

Dry Skin In A Nutshell

As you now know, dry skin is common in pregnancy. Youve learned all about skin science and the layers of your skin, and youre familiar with the causes of dry skin. The good news is that you can treat and prevent your dry skin at home! Just a few of our tips and tricks for at-home treatment include using lukewarm water, avoiding rough fabrics, and exfoliating and moisturizing your skin.Treating your stretch marks is another way to keep dry skin at bay. Remember hydrated skin starts from within, so eat well and drink water! Use a humidifier to add moisture to your home. And, finally, protect your skin daily with our SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion.

For more ways to keep your skin healthy, check out our full line of maternity products. At Mustela, were committed to helping you stay comfortable and happy during this memorable time in your life.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Your body requires more fluids during pregnancy, and the amount needed increases as your baby grows. If you don’t increase your fluid intake, you may experience symptoms of dehydration, such as dry lips and skin.

Increased vomiting and diarrhea, which often occur in pregnancy, can also lead to dehydration. Those with severe morning sickness may not absorb enough fluids and this may be the reason behind your dry lips and skin.

You May Like: What Is Stage 2 Skin Cancer

Needing The Loo More Often

If you’re pregnant, the loo may become your new best friend over the next few months. One Taiwanese study found that ‘urinary frequency’ aka needing to pee a lot affects 77% of pregnant women.

At the very beginning of pregnancy, it’s not the pressure of your growing baby on your bladder that’s causing you to wee a lot . Instead, it’s pregnancy increasing the blood flow to your kidneys by 35% to 60% and because it’s the kidneys job to produce urine, that means more urine collecting in your bladder.

As mum-to-be lunar eclipse says on our forum, it can get a bit much, especially at night. “I’m 5 weeks and peeing at least 3 to 4 times every night. Ive not got a decent sleep for about a week now. It surely can’t get worse I’ll be sleeping on the toilet!”

• Peed off with peeing? What’s normal in pregnancy and what you can do about it

Intrahepatic Cholestasis Of Pregnancy

Severe itching can be a sign of a liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy . Its also known as obstetric cholestasis of pregnancy.

Obstetric cholestasis is a liver condition causing too many bile acids in the bloodstream.

The buildup of bile salts from excess bile acids is what causes itchy skin .

One main symptom of obstetric cholestasis is itching on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Another sign is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

Are You Getting BellyBellys Pregnancy Week By Week Emails?the best

Be sure to readCholestasis of Pregnancy Important Facts About Cholestasisfor more information.

You May Like: What Does Skin Cancer On Forehead Look Like

High Blood Pressure And Dizziness During Early Pregnancy

In most cases, high or normal blood pressure will drop in the early stages of pregnancy. This may also cause feelings of dizziness since your blood vessels are dilated.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, as a result of pregnancy is more difficult to determine. Almost all cases of hypertension within the first 20 weeks indicate underlying problems. It may develop during early pregnancy, but it may also be present beforehand.

A medical professional will take your blood pressure during your first doctors visit to help establish a baseline for a normal blood pressure reading.

/16 Left Breast Bigger Than The Right

And, of course, according to the old wives tale, as your breasts change shape due to the natural injection of additional hormones to your body, they say that if one breast grows larger than the other then you are having a girl. But of course, only if it’s the left breast, according to TODAY. If the right breast is bigger than the left than it’s a boy.

It’s unknown where this pregnancy prediction method came from, but I think it’s safe to say that we can all be a little dubious about this one. Besides that, it’s often quite common for women to have one breast larger than the other. As your breasts prepare themselves for lactation and go up a cup size or two then it’s only natural for them to change based on the size and shape of your breasts before pregnancy.

You May Like: What Is Good For Skin Cancer

What Are The Complications Of Skin Dryness During Pregnancy

Excessive dryness of skin during pregnancy, combined with some pre-existing skin conditions, can lead to a few skin problems such as .

• Eczema: In this chronic condition, the skin turns dry and flaky. The commonly affected areas include the legs, abdomen, neck, and arms. If not treated, it could lead to red rashes and other skin problems. It could be treated in time with medications.

• Prurigo: This condition is not so common during pregnancy, with the chances of 1 in around 300 pregnant women being affected. It usually occurs after the first trimester, when there are chances of the skin turning too dry .

• Other skin problems: Excessive dryness could be responsible for polymorphic eruptions in pregnancy or pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy . These conditions would need a doctorâs consultation, followed by treatment.

The above conditions could make your skin itchy but try not to scratch as it could lead to scars and infections. Dry skin during pregnancy might not harm your baby. Also, it does not predict your babyâs gender. It is just a temporary discomfort and could be treated.

Read on to know when you must see a doctor about dry skin during pregnancy.

Skin Conditions During Pregnancy Home Remedies

There are a few natural ways to relieve itchy skin when youâre pregnant:

• Apply a scent-free lotion or moisturizer.
• Wear loose clothing thatâs less likely to irritate your skin.
• Wear clothes made of natural fibers like cotton.
• Take a cool bath.
• Put ice on your skin.
• Take an oatmeal bath once or twice a week.
• Avoid hot baths or showers, which can dry your skin out.
• Try not to go out in the heat of the day.

Show Sources

Don’t Miss: Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Spread

Is It Normal To Have Dry Skin In Pregnancy

The fluctuating pregnancy hormones can bring about a lot of bodily changes during pregnancy and one such change may be the manifestation of dry flaky skin. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your skin lose its elasticity and moisture as it stretches and expands to accommodate the growing baby. This may lead to dry, flaky, red, and itchy skin. In some cases, the skin also starts peeling and appears scaly. It is quite normal and can be treated easily.

Having dry skin is more than common during pregnancy but there is no need to panic if you have it too. And if the condition gets severe, it is suggested that you seek immediate medical attention.

How To Relieve Dry Skin And Lips During Pregnancy

Ultimately, treating and preventing dry skin comes down to keeping moisture in your skin. To do this, you want to take steps to help retain your skin’s moisture while also avoiding doing anything that will dry your skin out.

Start by making sure you’re washing with lukewarm water instead of hot or cold water. Extreme water temperatures can steal the moisture from your skin, so make sure you temper your baths and showers to accommodate your sensitive skin.

Afterward, be sure to pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Rubbing too hard can cause your skin to become irritated or aggravate dry skin.

You also can use moisturizers to treat your skin topically. Try to moisturize at least twice a dayonce in the morning and once at night. Remember, you’re suffering from dry skin because moisture is evaporating too quickly.

Moisturizers not only help your skin retain moisture but also create a barrier from drying elements like the air. These skin creams and oils also have the added benefit of helping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Don’t Miss: Body Serum For Dry Skin

Am I Pregnant Figuring Out What It All Means

Even if the first test you do says that you are not pregnant, its a good idea to test again in a few days to see if it is positive.The HCG hormone builds up in your body as you get further along in your pregnancy, so if there wasnt enough of the pregnancy hormone for the test to detect it the first time, a few extra days may show the truth.Its best to know about your pregnancy as soon as possible so that you can start taking care of your body in the early stages of pregnancy. If youre pregnant, youll want to pick up a copy of the#1 bestselling pregnancy book .Even if youre not a first time mom, there are still lots of good reminders and tips that will get you back in the swing of pregnancy!Here are some more pregnancy books you might want to check out as you start your 9 month pregnancy journey:

When To See A Doctor

When you are unable to treat your dry skin with home remedies, and the condition is becoming worse, consult a doctor. A visit to the doctor becomes necessary in the case of:

• Red rashes on your skin, with too much itching or swelling of the follicles.

• Bleeding or bacterial infection at the cracked skin.

• In the case of complications such as eczema, PUPPP, and prurigo, get the medications and treatment as soon as possible.

Dry skin during pregnancy usually results from inadequate hydration and certain nutritional deficiencies. Stretching of the abdominal skin with the growing baby bump can also make it dry and itchy. Avoid using excess soap for cleaning, skin products containing chemicals, hot or cold water for washing your skin, and protect it from harsh weather and sunlight. Include frequent moisturizing in your skin-care schedule and consume healthy fats in the form of nuts and natural oils. Consult a doctor if the problem seems to aggravate and you experience excessive itching, rashes, swelling, or bleeding from the skin.

Also Check: J Plasma Skin Tightening Before And After

Dry Itchy Skin During Pregnancy

As your belly grows, your skin stretches and tightens. This causes very uncomfortable dryness and itching. If you begin to experience severe itching late in your pregnancy, possibly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue and/or jaundice, you should contact your doctor.

This could be a sign of cholestasis, which is related to the function of the liver. Your doctor may take blood tests to verify if you are experiencing cholestasis. Cholestasis occurs in about one in every 50 pregnancies and is not a problem after pregnancy.If the itching is intense and spreads to your arms and legs, it could be pruritic urticarial papules and plagues . PUPP occurs in about one in every 150 pregnancies. PUPP is itchy, reddish, raised patches on the skin that will go away after delivery.

To help alleviate your dry itchy abdomen, you should keep your abdomen moisturized. You can also use an anti-itch cream such as calamine lotion to help provide more relief.

Cholestasis can be treated with medications. To help alleviate PUPP your health care provider can prescribe oral medicine and anti-itch creams. Try taking a nice oatmeal bath to help relieve some of the discomforts.

Change In Cervical Mucus

Some of our forum mums find their cervical mucus changes and they seem to have more mucus than usual.

In very early pregnancy, your mucus may seem to be thinnish and slippery for longer than usual and it will then thicken due to the increase in progesterone.

For forum mum Blue_Gecko, this thickened mucus was one of the clearest early signs she was pregnant. “The cervical mucus was creamy and quite heavy,” she recalls. “It felt quite moist down there.”

Cervical mucus is usually a pale white/yellow colour but dont worry if you see a brownish discharge: this is also common. Its usually harmless, but if youre worried, have a chat with your GP.

Recommended Reading: What Is The Bad Skin Cancer Called

Early Changes To Breasts: Tingling Aching Growing

Breast changes can occur between weeks 4 and 6. Youre likely to develop tender and swollen breasts due to hormone changes. This will likely go away after a few weeks when your body has adjusted to the hormones.

Nipple and breast changes can also occur around week 11. Hormones continue to cause your breasts to grow. The areola the area around the nipple may change to a darker color and grow larger.

If youve had bouts with acne before your pregnancy, you may experience breakouts again.

Breast Itching And Early Pregnancy

Your breasts expand early in pregnancy due to a rise in estrogen, in preparation for milk production .

An increase in blood flow to the breasts also causes your breasts to expand. This is another amazing way your body prepares your breasts to feed your baby.

As the skin stretches you might notice itchiness and more marks causing even more itching.

Also Check: How Successful Is Immunotherapy For Melanoma

Weird Early Pregnancy Symptoms

We polled moms, and here are their weirdest first signs of pregnancy. All of these early pregnancy symptoms started before they even took a pregnancy test.

As we mentioned, though, everybody is different, and its important to not weigh your pregnancy against someone elses. Dont compare yourself to other people, says Dr. Yamaguchi, for some people easy and for some people its hard. Cut yourself a break sometimes. Youre doing your best.

These are just some of the early pregnancy symptoms women experiencebut remember, each pregnancy is unique, and you may not experience any first signs of pregnancyor you may end up with all of them!

Treating Skin Problems During Pregnancy

Pregnant women should not use some skin medications. They can cause birth defects in babies.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive, avoid using the following:

• retinol or retinoids – these are tablets or creams made from vitamin A
• antibiotics like lymecycline and minocycline

If you want to try for a baby, wait a month after stopping these medications. Always talk to your GP before trying for a baby if you have been taking medication.

Treatments for skin problems that are safe to take during pregnancy include:

• glycolic acid – you can buy products containing glycolic acid at a pharmacy
• azelaic acid creams – your GP can prescribe these
• antibiotics like erythromycin

Tell your GP or pharmacist you are pregnant before asking about skin medication

Also Check: What Is The Meaning Of Skin Cancer

First Signs Of Pregnancy

Did you miss your period, and are starting to ask yourself âAm I pregnantâ? Or, maybe there’s a gut feeling that you canât shake. It’s normal and understandable to wonder what are the early signs of pregnancy as you mentally cross off the different feelings youâve been experiencing in the past few days.You may start experiencing specific signs and symptoms of pregnancy early on even before you know for sure that youâre pregnant. Of course, either a home pregnancy test or a test through your healthcare provider will be the best way to determine if youâre pregnant.In the meantime, take this âAm I Pregnant?â quiz and read up on some of the early pregnancy signs and symptoms you may start feeling about one to two weeks after a missed period and within the first month of being pregnant: