Patient's question:
First child. At 24 weeks, the ultrasound showed everything normal except for slightly low placenta. Onset time and cause: Recently, I suddenly felt an intense itch on my abdomen, accompanied by some small red spots. Scratching made it even itchier. Treatment history: Previously, I heard from some sisters that they had to go to the hospital for some kind of bile duct test, and some friends said that using Artemisia could stop the itching. But can pregnant women use Artemisia? Help needed: Could you please advise what I should do now? Thank you!Doctor's answer:
Hello, based on your current pregnancy duration, it is more likely to be abdominal stretch marks or related. You can consider applying olive oil locally, reducing the intake of spicy and irritating foods, eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and supplementing with calcium. This is due to the significant increase in endogenous estrogen and progesterone produced by the placenta during pregnancy, which leads to disordered excretion of bilirubin. For severe cases of skin itching, antihistamines can be tried, which are relatively safe. If ineffective, ion exchange resin cholestyramine can be used. As the baby grows, the skin tissue of the abdomen stretches and tears, resulting in itching, mild pain, and a sensation of tearing, which is normal. After the tearing heals, stretch marks appear. It is important to keep the skin moisturized and apply vitamin E and skin creams.