Treatment For Itchy Nipples During Pregnancy!

Pregnancy brings a lot of changes in the personal life, social life, physical appearance, and most importantly internal changes in the body of the mother-to-be. From quitting smoking, cutting on alcohol and moving towards a healthy lifestyle are some of the many changes in the life of the expecting mother that are needed to give birth to a healthy baby.

Every woman undergoes some or the other changes during this journey of becoming a mother, including sore and bigger breasts, itchy nipples, nausea, vomiting, constipation, mood-swings, endocrine system changes, change in physical structure, shift in the centre of gravity of the body, heartburn, skin changes, abnormal food cravings, Linea Nigra, sleep disorders, swollen feet, increased respiratory rate and so on.

As the pregnancy progresses, the breasts begin to become more tender, larger, and fuller, caused by the increased level of estrogen and progesterone and increased blood flow. Women often experience itchy nipples in the early pregnancy, as the breasts grow larger and become heavy, they become dry and start getting cracks, resulting into itchy nipples.

How to Treat Itchy Nipples:

1. Maternity/Nursing Bra: Investing in a good nursing bra can work wonders to the itchiness that the women experience during pregnancy since it provides relief, comfort, reduces sweating, and reduces the stress of itchy nipples.
2. Lotions and Moisturizers: The usage of lotions containing a good amount of moisturizer, such as Aloe Vera, vitamin E and cocoa butter. Application of moisturizer regularly after bath keeps the skin nourished and reduces the chances of developing itchiness in the nipples. Regular usage of the lotion can reduce the itchiness in the nipples and help to provide comfort to the expecting mother. The lotions should be used at least twice a day to provide the moisture required.
3. Avoid harsh chemicals: Less exposure to the harsh chemicals leads to a better skin, similarly avoiding harsh chemicals around the nipple benefits the breasts and nipples, making the nipples less prone to the itchiness, hence harsh soaps, fragrances, perfumes etc. should be avoided.
4. Usage of natural oils: Application of a mixture of natural oils, such as almond oil, lavender oil, and olive oil on the affected area helps in reducing the itchiness caused.
5. Petroleum jelly: Petroleum Jelly application regularly several times in a day, helps in locking the moisture in the breasts making the nipples not itchy and maintaining smooth skin.
6. Hydration: Drinking a lot of fluids helps in reducing the dry skin, which is also one of the reasons causing itchiness in the nipples.
7. Personal hygiene: Maintaining a good personal hygiene is one of the most basic requirements to keep any body part itch-free. Discussing such things with the doctor not only helps one to be away from itchy nipples but also helps to understand the various reasons why the current regime being followed is not working.

Having itchy nipples is not related to having a bad health and can be reduced easily so that the pregnancy can be enjoyed without much worry.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!