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Expert Q&A

	By iParenting Staff iParenting Staff Experts

I have constant itching all over my body. I am at nine months and it is not getting any better. It causes sleepless nights and extremely uncomfortable days. I have tried Benadryl, Sarna lotion, Euricrin lotion, Aveeno Baths?you name it. I also have had a liver test and nothing was found. Is there anything else that could possibly help? I am at my wits end!"

My heart goes out to you -- it must be awful! Your healthcare provider should evaluate your condition and rule out any problems like interhepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Otherwise, itchy skin is a common complaint of pregnancy, due in part to hormone influences and stretched skin. Take heart from the fact that it will almost certainly end when you give birth. Until then, some of these suggestions might help:

• use a mild, fragrance-free laundry detergent and rinse clothes twice drink at least half a gallon of water every day (and avoid drinks with sugar or caffeine)
• don't use soap on dry, irritated skin; and avoid skin-care products containing mineral oil or other petroleum products. Use all-natural lotion, or pure cocoa butter or castor oil (externally only!)
• take up to 400 IU natural vitamin E daily, at a different time of day than your prenatal vitamins (they will not have enough vitamin E)
• reduce or eliminate "partially hydrogenated" fats and oils from your diet (the most common and dangerous fat in American diets -- all fried foods and most baked goods contain these fats. For the most part, they are artificially derived and can inhibit the absorption of the essential fatty acids necessary to skin health and developing brains).
• increase your intake of unrefined olive oil. Make your own baked goods and salad dressings using olive oil in place of other oils

Sometimes, even if liver function tests are normal, the liver may still be having difficulty due to the higher levels of estrogen and progesterone. This usually begins in the third trimester, and can result in intense itching all over the body, as you describe. Reduce the load on your liver by eliminating alcohol and artificial colors and flavors from your diet. Herbs such as dandilion, parsley, or yellow dock can be taken to support healthy liver function. Capsules and tea versions of these herbs are both effective.

Above all, hang in there! The end is in sight.

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