How to Deal with an Itchy Pregnancy Stomach

Increased blood supply and a growing belly contribute to pregnancy itch. Take these steps to reduce the itch and gain some calm.

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Find out what you can do to have a healthy pregnancy -- and a healthy baby -- with the advice in this Howcast video series.

You Will Need

  • Moisturizer
  • Calamine lotion
  • Loose-fitting clothes

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Avoid drying skin

    Avoid drying the skin with hot baths or showers. Take warm baths with oatmeal and mild soap.

  2. Step 2

    Moisturize

    Moisturize your skin after bathing with a liberally applied moisturizer.

  3. A heavy moisturizer such as cocoa butter can help reduce stretch marks.

  4. Step 3

    Use calamine lotion

    Use calamine lotion on particularly itchy spots. Store it in the fridge for a gentle cooling sensation.

  5. Step 4

    Wear loose clothes

    Wear loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibers to avoid aggravation.

  6. Step 5

    Don’t scratch

    Don’t scratch your itch. Pregnancy hormones may make skin thinner and susceptible to tearing.

  7. Cocoa butter was first extracted as massage butter in 1828 when Conrad Von Houten invented the cocoa press.

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