As your pregnant body grows and your hormone levels fluctuate, any number of unpleasant changes can occur. While rashes and allergies are fairly common issues for pregnant women, the good news is that most of the symptoms will disappear after you give birth. In the meantime, treating and preventing allergies and rashes helps you and your baby stay happy and healthy.
Rashes
As you get larger, you'll likely be sweating more and parts of your body, such as your inner thighs or underarms, may begin rubbing together. When this moisture gets trapped, it can cause a red, itchy heat rash. Your changing hormones may also cause you skin to be more sensitive, meaning that elements such as chlorine, fabric softener or sunlight can trigger a rash. Another type of rash, called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, commonly abbreviated PUPPP, is a common occurrence among pregnant women. The exact cause of PUPPP is unknown, the BabyCenter website reports, but it results in an itchy, bumpy rash that covers your stomach and sometimes spreads to the rest of the body.
Treating Rashes
Rashes caused by heat or sensitive skin are generally easy to treat. Apply cool washcloths to the affected area and dab on calamine lotion to reduce the itching. Wearing loose-fitting cotton clothes can keep you from developing more rashes in the future. Adding oatmeal to a warm bath can also help calm the itching and discomfort caused by any type of rash. If you suspect your rash is caused by PUPPP, your doctor may prescribe an anti-itching medication that's safe for pregnant women. Don't take any over-the-counter medications without your doctor's approval.
Allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies as it is, pregnancy can make your symptoms worse. You might also suddenly become irritated by allergens like pollen or have adverse reactions to certain foods with which you've never had a problem before. It's also possible that you're experiencing allergy symptoms like nasal congestion that aren't caused by allergies at all. This congestion is called rhinitis; it's caused by rising estrogen levels that cause your mucus membranes to swell.
Treating Allergies
Many allergy medications include loratadine. According to Mayo Clinic obstetrician Dr. Roger W. Harms, this medication hasn't been proven to be safe for pregnant women, so it's best to treat your seasonal allergies naturally. Stay inside during pollen season and clear up your congestion by using nasal spray, sitting near a humidifier and wearing nasal strips at night to keep your nose clear. If your allergies are severe, your doctor may recommend medication. If you notice allergy symptoms or rashes after mealtime, start a food log so you can narrow down the foods that are causing your symptoms.
