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Hives during pregnancy are rare but can be caused by hormones, PUPPs, or dry skin. Antibiotics can treat hives caused by antibodies, while PUPPs can be treated with oral steroids. Moisturizing can prevent hives caused by dry skin.
The fact that some women face hives during pregnancy along with the various other symptoms that they experience is unfortunate, but the good news is that this condition is considered to be quite rare. One of the main causes is the release of various hormones, which can cause the body to release histamines that dry out the skin. Another cause is itchy urticaria papules and plaques of pregnancy, or PUPPs, which can cause hives throughout the body. Finally, the fact that pregnancy tends to stretch the skin, depleting the moisture it contains, means that some women may experience hives on their stomach.
During pregnancy, there is a sudden imbalance of progesterone and estrogen in the body, which can cause certain antibodies to be released. This is more common in first-time mothers as the body assumes the embryo is a foreign object it has never seen before, prompting it to release antibodies to fight off what it assumes is an infection. Once these antibodies bind to the skin, the body increases the production of histamines, causing hives throughout the body. Fortunately, these hives can usually be treated with antihistamines that have been confirmed as safe for pregnant women to take.
One cause of hives during pregnancy is the aforementioned itchy urticarial papules and plaques, often referred to as PUPPs. It tends to occur more often in the third trimester, causing itchy hives all over the body. While this condition is generally considered harmless to both mother and unborn child, it is typically quite uncomfortable and often unresponsive to antihistamines alone. Therefore, many women are prescribed oral steroids when needed to control itching, although this is usually a last resort as such medications are generally not ideal during pregnancy. If the body still does not respond to this treatment, the woman can be induced a few weeks early, especially if there is fear of infection due to any bleeding hives.
In some cases, the cause of hives during pregnancy is just dry skin, as it typically loses moisture when stretched. This is often the cause when the hives only appear on the stomach, especially if they have grown particularly quickly. Stretch marks may also be present in these cases as they tend to occur when the skin stretches quickly and is unable to repair itself due to lack of moisture. Women may be able to prevent hives during pregnancy due to dry skin by keeping the area moisturized with lotion. Pregnant women are also often advised to avoid using harsh soaps that tend to dry out the skin, as a mild soap followed by chapstick or similar lotions can lock in moisture.
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