Have you ever had an itch that was so unbearable but you can’t do anything about it? For pregnant moms, this can feel like torture. It usually happens around the belly area. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of options for anti-itch cream for a pregnant belly!
What can you read in this article?
- Is it normal to feel itchy during pregnancy?
- What to do when you feel itchy
- What to look for in an anti-itch cream
- To the rescue: 7 anti-itch creams for pregnant belly
Of course, we try to control scratching it because we believe that doing so can cause stretch marks to appear. During these times, having an anti-itch cream for a pregnant belly can be a lifesaver.
But you may be asking, why are you itchy and is it normal? Let’s take a look into the whys of itchiness during pregnancy and the products you can use to help you alleviate that itch.
Is it normal to feel itchy during pregnancy?
Image from iStock
It’s perfectly normal to feel itchy around the belly area when you’re pregnant. This can be caused by your hormones and also the stretching of your skin as it makes room for your little one in the womb.
In addition, itchiness may be due to:
- Skin dryness – Since your skin is stretching to accommodate your growing baby, the oil glands cannot keep your skin sufficiently moisturized resulting in dry skin.
- Hormones – Changes in your hormones could also be one of the causes of dry and flaky skin. The effects of skin conditions such as eczema could also be affected by hormones.
- Clothing – The fabrics and perfumes you use could be one of the causes for the itchiness while pregnant.
While these are the usual reasons for most itchiness during pregnancy, there are some cases where the itchiness could be the sign of something more serious.
If the itching happens quite often, it can be caused by a condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), also known as obstetric cholestasis (OC).
This is a liver condition wherein the bile acids build up in the body. It is usually accompanied by other symptoms like dark urine, light poo, and yellowing of the skin.
Experts recommend that you see your doctor right away if you have concerns about the itchiness of your skin and you have the aforementioned symptoms.
What to do when you feel itchy?
The good news is that you can make small changes in your daily life and in your home to help ease the itch. Some of the things you can do are:
- Stay hydrated – The root cause of itchiness is dry and flaky skin. Give your skin a helping hand by increasing your water intake. Furthermore, consider adding in electrolyte rich drinks so that your skin can make the most of the hydration.
- Switch perfumes – Strong perfumes can be potentially irritating to the skin. Therefore, consider switching perfumes or opting to use fragrance-free products to help ease skin irritation.
- Switch on the humidifier – Keeping your environment moist and cool could be a big help in soothing dry skin.
- Wear loose clothes – Wearing clothes that are looser can minimize having fabrics rubbing on your skin. You can also opt to use clothes made with natural fibers such as cotton that can help air circulate on your skin better.
- Use skin-soothing products – Using a moisturizer, lotion, or creams after taking a cooling shower or bath can greatly help soothe your skin. Moreover, try anti-itch creams to relieve the itchiness.
What to look for in an anti-itch cream for pregnant belly
Image from iStock
There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing the best anti-itch cream for you. It’s important to carefully consider the products you’re using while you’re pregnant.
When in doubt, check the following before buying an anti-itch cream:
- Features – What ingredients does it contain? Equally important also is what it does not contain. Make sure it’s free from parabens, phthalates, SLS, and other harmful substances.
- Benefits – While its primary benefits will be relieving itchiness, anti-itch creams also have some added benefits such as moisturizing your skin or having soothing scents that can help you relax. Choose one that best fits your needs.
Lastly, as with all products you use during the months-long duration of your pregnancy, always keep in mind to consult with your doctor to get their go-ahead when using a new product.
Image from iStock
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7 best anti-itch cream for pregnant belly
Keeping these factors in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best anti-itch creams available in the Philippines!
Anti-itch Creams for Pregnant Belly
Not all the anti-itch creams included in this list are formulated for pregnant and nursing mothers. Please read the labels carefully and seek your doctor’s advice before using.
Best Overall Stretch Mark Cream for Pregnant Belly
Mama’s Choice Stretch Mark Cream was created specifically to prevent, soothe, and repair itchy skin.
This cream’s star ingredient is Lipobelle™ Soyaglycone, which enhances skin elasticity and supports the changes that your skin goes through during pregnancy and weight fluctuations. It is also enriched with Aloe Vera, which soothes itch and discomfort, and other naturally derived ingredients like olive oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil which moisturizes the skin.
It’s guaranteed hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested in Singapore laboratories. It’s paraben-free and safe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms.
Apply this stretch mark cream every morning and night to lighten stretch marks and keep your belly moisturized. It soothes itching, too!
What we love about it
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- Lipobelle™ Soyaglycone to promote promotes collagen production
- Formulated with all-natural ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and jojoba oil
- No parabens or alcohol
- Tested in Singapore laboratories
-
- Safe for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding moms
- Hydrates and moisturizes the belly, which helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks
- Relieves itching
- Fast-absorbing and cools the skin
Best Long-lasting Anti-itch Cream for Pregnant Belly
Cerave Itch Relief Moisturizing Lotion is a dermatologically and clinically tested lotion. It offers fast-acting, long-lasting, temporary itch relief for up to 8 hours. It has three essential ceramides to help restore the skin’s natural barrier and consequently improve your skin condition. It’s also fragrance-free so preggos who are sensitive to smell have no need to worry.
Furthermore, Cerave Itch Relief Moisturizing Lotion has been certified by the National Eczema Association – a plus for mommies that have eczema!
What we love about it
- Features
- Fast-acting, long-lasting anti-itch lotion
- Developed with dermatologists
- Pramoxine hydrochloride to give immediate relief to itchiness from minor skin conditions, bug bites and sunburns
- Fragrance and steroid free
- Benefits
- Provides relief for up to 8 hours
- Helps maintain moisture to improve skin’s overall comfort
Best Anti-itch Cream for Pregnant Belly with Hydration
The Dove Cream Oil Intensive Lotion directly addresses dry skin problems. This is one of the common causes of itchy skin. This lotion promises to deeply nourish skin while also locking in some much-needed moisture.
Additionally, it can keep your skin feeling soft and supple to the touch for up to 24 hours!
What we love about it
-
-
- Features
- NutriDUO deep care technology to lock in moisture into skin layer
- Creamy lotion with a calming shea butter scent
- Suitable for daily use
- Benefits
- Nourishes and hydrates dry skin to calm the itchiness
- Improve your skin’s overall tone and texture
Best Anti-Itch Oil for Restoring Skin Elasticity
For moms that are looking for a 2-in-1 product that could address both stretch marks and itchiness, the Mustela Stretch Mark Oil is a fantastic option. Especially since the thinning skin on stretch marks is also prone to itchiness due to the lack of moisture on the stretched skin.
This product can be used mid-pregnancy and postpartum. It has a dermatologist-tested blend of natural oils such as avocado oil and maracuja oil to keep the skin supple and hydrated.
Moreover, it does not leave a greasy feeling when applied. Just take note to not spread the product on the breasts while nursing and on recent scars if you had a cesarean delivery.
What we love about it
- Features
- 100% ingredients of natural origin
- Dermatologist-tested
- Formulated to be safe to use by pregnant and nursing moms
- Avocado oil, maracuja oil and sunflower oil all keep the skin supple and nourished
- Vitamin E that gives an antioxidant boost
- Benefits
- Improves skin elasticity, which may also relieve itching
- Limits the appearance of stretch marks
Best for Stretch Mark Reduction
The Weleda Mother Stretch Mark Massage Oil product aims to reduce the appearance of stretch marks during and after pregnancy. This oil uses a blend of natural ingredients to moisturize the skin and prevent the appearance of stretch marks.
Regularly using this oil two to three times a day can greatly help reduce and prevent the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy. Further, its easily spreadable formulation does not stick to clothes. Finally, the oil also comes in an easy to dispense pump bottle.
What we love about it
- Features
- Free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colorants, and mineral oil
- Certified to be compliant with NaTRUE standards for natural and organic cosmetics
- Blend of jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil and arnica extract all work together to moisturize the skin and keep it supple
- Benefits
- Moisturizes the skin to minimize itching at the same time
- Prevents stretch marks
Best Time-tested Anti-itch Cream for Pregnant Belly
If you’re looking for an anti-itch solution that has been tested by time, there’s no need to look further than Caladryl Lotion. Our moms used it before to treat pesky insect bites.
If you are not allergic to it and your doctor gives you the go-ahead, you can also use this to find relief from your itchy skin. This lotion should also not be used on blistered, raw or oozing patches of the skin.
What we love about it
- Features
- Benefits
- Soothes itching and alleviates pain
- Relieves symptoms of allergies
Best Anti-itch Cream for Pregnant Belly and Sensitive Skin
The Zenutrients Aloe and Calendula Skin Saver Cream uses aloe vera’s cooling characteristic as well as its other benefits to provide you relief from itchy skin, together with skin hydrating and rejuvenating effects of calendula.
Moreover, you can use this product from head to toe. Apply this cream to dry skin on your face, hands, belly, legs and feet and enjoy the soothing and hydrating effects.
What we love about it
- Features
- Organic
- Aloe and calendula-enriched formula
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Can be used as a day and night cream
- Benefits
- Relieves mild cases of skin asthma
- Lessens itchiness
Best Natural Anti-itch Cream for Pregnant Belly
If you’re on the lookout for an all-natural remedy for itchy skin, then Prosource Virgin Coconut Oil could be the product for you.
Virgin coconut oil is a long-time favorite among health enthusiasts for its various health boosting effects. Coconut oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This can help soothe the effects of eczema. Additionally, it also quickly penetrates the skin. Furthermore, it gives the skin a moisture boost and reduces itching with regular use.
Tip: You may want to continue using it after pregnancy because it’s also good as a nipple salve when you’re breastfeeding.
What we love about it
- Features
- FDA-approved
- Cold-pressed – has undergone minimal to no processing and has retained its nutrients
- Anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial
- Benefits
- Moisturizes the skin to soothe itchiness
- Boosts immunity
Price Comparison Chart
Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the best anti-itch creams available in the market, here’s a look into their prices to help you make a decision:
| Brand |
Price
(Php) |
Volume
(ml) |
Price / Volume |
| Dove Cream Oil Intensive Lotion |
620 |
400 |
1.55 |
| Mustela Stretch Mark Oil |
595 |
105 |
5.10 |
| Weleda Mother Stretch Mark Massage Oil |
1,686.51 |
100 |
16.87 |
| Caladryl Lotion |
185 |
30 |
6.17 |
| Zenutrients Aloe and Calendula Skin Saver Cream |
280 |
100 |
2.8 |
| Cerave Itch Relief Moisturizing Lotion |
1,100 |
237 |
4.64 |
| Prosource Virgin Coconut Oil |
195.02 |
250 |
0.78 |
