An outbreak of hives is never welcome, but when it occurs during pregnancy, it's particularly troublesome. At a time when your body is already undergoing additional strain to accommodate new life, a series of itchy bumps can be stressful. Understanding what hives are and how to combat them in a manner that is safe for both you and your unborn child is a major step toward feeling better sooner.
Causes
When you have an allergic reaction to anything from food and medications, to physical and emotional stress or illness, your body releases histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream. Hives are a common reaction to this histamine. With pregnancy creating so many chemical changes and placing so much stress on the body, the occurrence of hives is not unusual.
Itch Relief
Pregnancy hives are raised and red areas of skin with a pale colored center that itch severely. For relief from the itching, try adding a cup of colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath; soak for at least 15 minutes. If you don’t have colloidal oatmeal handy, use baking soda instead. For a quick fix, place something cold, such as a cold compress or bag of frozen vegetables, over a particularly itchy area to numb it slightly and reduce the itching. Applying calamine lotion to your skin, especially right before bed can also provide some relief.
Things to Avoid
Hives are uncomfortable enough without irritating them further. Though it’s tempting to scratch them, this only makes the problem worse as scratching breaks the skin open, which can lead to infection. Avoid hot showers, as they can dry out the skin, making the itching worse. Wear loose fitting clothing to prevent uncomfortable chaffing.
When to See the Doctor
A mild case of hives isn't a cause for worry and usually clears in a matter of days without medical intervention; however, it’s still a good idea to consult with your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe you something to help with the itching and discomfort, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy and your own medical history. Do not take any over-the- counter medication for hives without consulting with your doctor first. For severe cases that lead to swelling in the throat, or hives in the genital area, seek medical attention immediately.
