Patient's question:
I have an itchy lower body, and my underwear is always yellow. What's going on? Is it possible that an itchy abdomen at 37 weeks of pregnancy could be due to?Doctor's answer:
There are many reasons for itchy belly during pregnancy, some of which can be quite serious. For example, if a pregnant woman experiences itchy belly along with jaundice, it is likely that she has developed Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP). This condition can affect the health of the fetus and even lead to stillbirth. Therefore, if you have these symptoms, it is important to visit the hospital as soon as possible for liver function tests and measurement of total bile acid.The most common cause of itchy belly in pregnant women is stretch marks. Stretch marks are caused by the expansion of the uterus, which in turn stretches the skin. They not only cause itching but also pain. However, this type of itching can be prevented. Using massage oil or olive oil to gently massage the pregnant woman's belly can help reduce or prevent this issue.
Additionally, conditions such as pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) and eczema are also common causes of itchy belly in pregnant women.