Often pregnant women have itchy breasts, which is considered a cause for concern and discomfort. The reasons for this phenomenon may be different. The fact is that during pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes serious changes, ensuring the growth and development of the fetus, completely restructuring itself for the birth of a child. Preparation for subsequent feeding of offspring begins in the early stages of pregnancy. Itching in the chest is not a rare phenomenon and can occur at any time during pregnancy.
Basically, breast itching accompanies a normal pregnancy and is not a cause for alarm. But in some cases, only the intervention of a specialist will help answer the question of why the breasts itch during pregnancy. It is necessary to establish the causes of itching in the mammary gland.
They may be as follows:
Itchy skin is an unpleasant phenomenon, but at the same time removable if the root cause of its occurrence can be found out. Discomfortable sensations in most cases do not have a negative impact on the health and development of the child, but do affect the woman’s condition.
Itching in the chest does not always indicate the presence of any disease. Still, you should not neglect the consultation of specialists, since in some cases you cannot do without medications.
You should see a doctor immediately if itching is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as:
The presence of these symptoms requires the mandatory intervention of a specialist, since the mammary gland may itch due to disruption of the internal organs - liver, kidneys.
You can get rid of itchy chest by following simple recommendations. So, it is necessary to pay attention to such factors.
The bra, intended for use during pregnancy and lactation, has wide straps, a supportive corset, and wide cups. Often, underwear is made seamless, from natural and elastic materials, in order to reduce irritation to sensitive breasts.
Women neglect to purchase products in maternity stores due to their high cost and citing short-term use, but it is worth considering that maternity underwear tends to stretch by 1-2 sizes.
A couple of sets will be enough for use throughout pregnancy and lactation, while a regular bra will squeeze the growing breasts, injure, cause itching and other unpleasant sensations, requiring frequent changes in size.
You can get rid of itching caused by stretching of the breast skin with the help of moisturizing and nourishing products. This will prevent the appearance of stretch marks, which all pregnant women fear. Creams containing wheat germ, orange and almond oils are especially effective.
Pain caused by breast enlargement and the movement of colostrum through the ducts can be reduced by massaging the breasts. Massage movements should be light, careful and not cause pain.
Active rubbing and kneading of the nipple area should be completely avoided, since the process of exposure removes the natural protective layer of fatty lubricant, which will lead to dryness, cracking and worsening the problem of itching. To prevent stretch marks during massage, you can use oils with vitamins.
To keep your breasts clean, a daily warm shower is enough. You should not use soap or gel; such products dry out the skin and can lead to a feeling of tightness and flaking of the sensitive nipple area.
If colostrum is released or excessive sweating occurs in a pregnant woman, it is recommended to increase the number of water treatments to prevent the development of pathogens.
Additionally, you should use breast pads that absorb secretions, which will also prevent stains from appearing on clothes. Such products should be changed when they become dirty to prevent infection.
If an allergic reaction is identified as the cause of itching in the chest, you need to find out which product or remedy caused it. To do this, laboratory tests are carried out, after which a specialist prescribes treatment.
In case of allergies, you should not try to independently determine and eliminate the cause by taking medications without a doctor’s recommendation.
During the treatment process, you should absolutely not do this, even if it itches a lot. Often a woman feels that the itching intensifies at night and becomes unbearable. This is due to the fact that during the day you can successfully not notice unpleasant sensations, being distracted by various activities and entertainment.
At night, the brain concentrates on the only irritating factor, which is why it is no longer bearable. Decoctions of chamomile, sage and calendula, which have a bactericidal effect, will help relieve irritation and soothe the skin.
Preventive measures taken during pregnancy will help eliminate the causes of itching in the chest and prepare for subsequent lactation. Among them:
The difference in water temperature improves blood circulation and improves skin tone. Moderation is important; you should not use too hot or cold water. Afterwards, wipe your breasts dry with a soft towel. The procedure can be combined with a light massage and the use of anti-stretch marks.
If possible, it is recommended to expose the chest for 15-20 minutes in cool air, which is a lighter option for hardening it. The skin breathes, experiences a temperature change, and the chest muscles relax. During this procedure, you should avoid direct sunlight on the skin.
A woman should make adjustments to her diet from the very first days of pregnancy, giving up unhealthy foods, fatty, salty and sweet foods. Do not consume potential allergens - chocolate, strawberries, citrus fruits, seafood. Itching may be a reaction to some dairy product. Balancing your diet is also necessary to control weight gain during pregnancy.
The breasts increase not only due to preparation for lactation, but also due to the growth of adipose tissue, which further affects the stretching of the skin and the appearance of unpleasant itching and ruptures of connective tissues.
Occasionally, itching in the chest can be associated with mental and emotional stress. Nervous disorders can create the illusion of such sensations. Attending pre-birth preparation courses can help reduce anxiety, especially during your first pregnancy.
There is no need to panic or be lost in conjecture - any qualified specialist will be able to give a detailed answer to the question of why your breasts itch during pregnancy. The most common reason is associated with the metamorphoses of the body that occur during pregnancy and preparation for lactation.
Proper care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and timely contact with a specialist will certainly eliminate the difficulties and discomfort arising in connection with this.
You will learn how to prepare your breasts for breastfeeding in our video.
The mammary gland begins to enlarge from the first days after fertilization of the egg. When the breasts itch during pregnancy, this indicates active growth and filling of the milk ducts with colostrum. An allergic reaction can also cause itching, so if the situation causes discomfort, it is better to consult a doctor.
The causes of itching of the skin can be different:
Thrush, which occurs during pregnancy, is not uncommon. In this case, the mammary gland not only itches very much, but the nipples, areolas and the entire surface also peel off. This pathology requires special treatment, which can only be prescribed by a doctor.
For flaky breast skin, homemade ointment will help. You need to take 1 tbsp. vegetable oil, add chopped onion and heat. After the mixture has cooled, strain and mix with natural wax. The product is stored in the refrigerator and used after a shower, thus reducing the discomfort from constant itching.
As for medications, you can use moisturizers (eucerin, Setaphil, Vaseline). If stretch marks appear, the areolas crack and itch, use Panthenol or baby cream. Allergic reactions are relieved, first of all, by eliminating the allergen, and special antihistamines are also prescribed. Vitamin complexes for pregnant women will help improve the properties of the skin and metabolism.
Under the influence of pregnancy hormones (progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin), significant metamorphoses occur with the female breast and the body as a whole. The glands increase in size, the lobes and milk ducts develop, and the production of colostrum and then breast milk begins. Due to the rapid stretching of the skin, women often experience itchy breasts during pregnancy. Heaviness, mild pain, and tingling are also possible. However, the reasons may lie in other processes. It is important not to confuse natural changes with pathological ones.
In this article:
The main and most common cause of itching during pregnancy is the formation of stretch marks. A hormonal surge provokes an increase in glandular tissue and accumulation of water in the intercellular space. At the same time, the breasts increase significantly. The dermis (inner layer of skin) contains many collagen and elastin fibers, due to this it quickly stretches. The epidermis and stratum corneum are less elastic, and therefore crack as the breasts grow, causing itching. Pink streaks appear on the skin, which then turn into whitish or (with significant injuries) bluish stretch marks.
Itchy sensations can be a sign of simple things - a discrepancy between the underwear worn by the expectant mother and the new bust size. The glands develop very quickly, it makes sense to buy a bra one size larger so as not to compress the ducts and nerve endings. If the reason is underwear, the itching bothers you a few hours after putting it on, and goes away at night.
Irritation such as tickling followed by itching can provoke movement of breast secretions. In later stages, colostrum comes out of the nipples. Moist, delicate skin is more sensitive, so any secretions can be clearly felt by a woman.
The areolas have special glands (Montgomery tubercles). They produce a moisturizing secretion with bactericidal properties. During pregnancy, the glands work more actively, so the amount of discharge increases.
Many women during gestation experience excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Wearing synthetic fabrics aggravates the problem, and the skin often reacts to constant humidity with itching.
Pregnant women have an increased risk of allergic reactions. They can appear brightly (hives, rashes) or blurred (just itching). The following can cause a negative skin reaction:
Due to moisture, pathogenic microorganisms can multiply on the skin of the nipples. With a physiological decrease in immunity, a pregnant woman may encounter nipple candidiasis for the first time. Its manifestations:
Complaints of extensive itching of the skin of the chest and abdomen are common. Unpleasant sensations occur simultaneously, often from the second trimester of pregnancy. In most cases, this is caused by excessive stretching of the integument. The skin of the bust and abdomen is very thin, constantly hidden under clothing and subject to friction, and if there is a lack of nutrients, it quickly dries out. Intensive weight gain and increased volume stimulate changes in the dermis. Stretch marks form more often on the sides of the chest and growing abdomen. This is where the itching is usually concentrated.
Discomfort caused by changes in the blood is considered problematic. The pressure of the fetus on the internal organs causes stagnant changes in them. Pregnant women are prone to cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. The risk of exacerbation of these pathologies increases if a woman had health problems before conception. In addition, due to hormonal swings, the detoxification function of the liver decreases. Among pregnant women, the problem of obstructive jaundice and increased levels of bilirubin in the blood is common.
This is a bile pigment that is formed when red blood cells break down. It accumulates in the body when liver cells are damaged and bile flow is impaired. Collecting in the skin, the pigment irritates the nerve endings and provokes itching. This is usually accompanied by yellowing of the integument (but not always). At the same time, the skin itches all over the body (especially on the chest, thighs, abdomen, and ankles).
Bilirubin may increase in diseases of the hepatobiliary tract or be a harbinger of eclampsia (severe complication). This requires the mandatory intervention of specialists. If the itching is severe and occurs around the clock, you should urgently report this to the doctor who is caring for the pregnancy.
You can get rid of the unpleasant feeling on your own. The first thing you should pay attention to is the underwear. Already from an early date you should replace it with a bra:
The second measure will be proper skin care. It is necessary to ensure timely removal of dead cells using a gentle washcloth or soft scrubs. You can improve blood circulation with a massage or a contrast shower. The skin of a pregnant woman especially needs high-quality nutrition and hydration. It is better to purchase a hypoallergenic cream for stretch marks. In the absence of one, a rich baby cream will do. Natural oils (almond, peach, olive, grape seed) are also an alternative.
Pregnancy is the most mysterious period in a woman’s life. During it, the body undergoes significant changes in hormonal levels, as a result of which the woman experiences different, previously unusual sensations. The breasts are considered especially sensitive; this part of the body prepares for future feeding of the baby and begins to change, bringing different, sometimes uncomfortable manifestations.
Starting literally from the first weeks of pregnancy, the mammary gland grows; it increases in size due to the accumulation of colostrum in it, which will turn into milk with the birth of the child. As a result of active growth and filling with colostrum, the breasts often itch; this symptom should not frighten the expectant mother. During pregnancy, this fact is considered quite normal and understandable.
The reasons why itching occurs may be as follows:
Why the breasts itch has become clear, and in general, there is nothing dangerous for the development of the fetus or the health of the woman herself, but the itching brings a certain discomfort and I would like to get rid of it, but how? During pregnancy, the main credo for a woman is “do no harm,” so you should not use various untested means. It is best if itching has already occurred, consult a doctor and, together with him, identify the true cause of the discomfort and take action.
They may be the following:
To better prepare the breasts for future feeding during pregnancy, as well as to minimize discomfort, it is recommended to adhere to certain rules:
Breasts play an important role for a woman, not only aesthetically, but also for their intended purpose, so they should be treated with care, especially in such a crucial period of life. Why pain, itching and other sensations occur, leave the opportunity to get the answer to this question from your doctor whom you trust. It is in his competence to make sure that you have only the best memories from your pregnancy, and that breastfeeding your baby brings pleasure.
During pregnancy, itching in the breast area is normal. The mammary gland itches due to the fact that colostrum accumulates in it, which after the birth of the child will turn out to be milk. This component actively acts on the breast, which enlarges, becomes denser and, as a result of the changes presented, itches. The presented physiological process during pregnancy is completely normal and understandable.
The mammary gland begins to itch because colostrum begins to move in it, causing such specific sensations during pregnancy. In addition, this may occur due to factors such as:
Allergic processes during pregnancy increase significantly, and the most common allergy to any aggressive irritant can be a factor in the development.
The mammary gland, peritoneum and other parts of the body itch in women when there are disturbances in the functioning of the bile ducts and liver. Pressure on them provokes an aggravation of the outflow of bile and in this situation fatty acids penetrate into the blood in larger quantities than necessary. Due to this, the nerve endings of the skin are irritated, and itching occurs during pregnancy.
Considering the need for a delicate and most careful approach to this problem during pregnancy, the use of the vast majority of medications and some techniques is simply unacceptable. In order to combat the fact that your right breast itches during pregnancy, you need to massage it a little without using intense movements. This will prevent injury to the receptive nipple and will not negatively affect the circulation of colostrum.
If itching develops due to allergies during pregnancy, it is necessary to identify and exclude the irritating factor.
It could be anything: various foods, medicines, the influence of dust or wool. Special provocative tests will help determine them.
If your breasts begin to itch because there is active secretion from the nipples, in such a situation, it is permissible to lubricate them with alcohol tinctures of sage, calendula or chamomile. The presented components will reduce irritation.
When itching develops due to an increase in the volume of the gland during pregnancy, a woman can:
Many people are interested in why it is unacceptable to scratch the skin. This is explained by the fact that the presented impact will provoke the development of even more stretch marks.
In the event that the cause of the development of itching turns out to be a problem with the activity of the liver and biliary tract (for example, when high cholesterol or bilirubin is detected), it is unacceptable to self-medicate. After consulting a doctor, it is recommended to do everything exactly as he said. Traditionally, in this situation, you will need a special diet that allows you to stabilize your blood counts. Therapy using medicinal components is carried out exclusively as prescribed by the treating specialist.
In order to prevent the development of itching during pregnancy, you must follow some rules. For example, after taking a shower, you need to rub your nipples with a soft terry towel. This cannot be done intensively; in particular, feelings of discomfort or pain should not form.
You should take air baths and give the mammary glands a chance to rest from any linen.
The presented procedure must be carried out after a shower, preferably in the morning and evening, for at least 5-10 minutes.
Mammologists recommend that expectant mothers avoid drafts. This is explained by the fact that the breasts during pregnancy are much more susceptible to inflammatory algorithms, as a result of which not only itching, but also other, much more unpleasant processes can occur.
To completely eliminate itching and improve the condition of the epidermis, it is necessary to moisturize the halo skin. To do this, use special creams recommended by specialists, which help prevent subsequent cracking. It is equally important to remember that you should not take a hot shower, because the water should remain extremely warm - this way it will be much more beneficial for the skin, which is very delicate in the chest area.
When your chest itches, especially during pregnancy, it is unpleasant and causes concern. However, the problem presented is quite easily solved if you consult a specialist in time and remember that there is nothing more important than health. Only in this case will a healthy baby be born, and his mother will be able to maintain 100% activity.
