- PUPPP affects first pregnancies in the 3rd trimester, ~1% of women
- AEP affects women with a prior history of topical excema
- Starts out in the abdomen, i.e. close to where stretch marks would be
- Doesn't involve the belly button
- Spreads to thighs, butt, breasts, arms, necks, limb joints
- Harmless to mom and babe - just ridiculously annoying!
- Most severe itching lasts < 1 week (please....)
- Resolves 1 to 2 weeks after delivery (sob!)
- Cause unknown. Likely due to inflammation from damaged tissue from the expanding abdomen. One study suggests that male fetal DNA acts as a skin irritant (aiya, my baby boy!)
- Treat with steroids - creams/ointments/oral
- Antihistamines are not as effective but help with sleep
- Avoid things that normally make you itch (e.g. no seafood)
- Avoid hot showers and baths, rinse off well, towel off lightly
- Apply mild soap, unscented moisturiser - preferably oatmeal based
- Wear loose cotton clothing
- Avoid going out when it's hot (er, that's like everyday in Singapore)
Showing posts with label week 25. Show all posts
Showing posts with label week 25. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Week 25: Rash :(
Uck. So that itchy belly has transformed into a nasty body rash.... I seem to have an onset of PUPPP or AEP. May need stronger anti-itch lotions soon!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Week 25: Where's my belly button?
This week has been all about the belly :)
My belly button popped! I've been feeling like the last (wo)man standing in our prenatal pilates class, so I now wear my tight tops with pride. It's also kinda nice to be able to "thoroughly" clean my belly button now after all these years...
I can also start to tell when our little one is upright (aka in breech position). The skin's really taut above my belly button to make room for the head "lump" and that's when I have difficulty breathing and can't eat too much at one go - else, heartburn ensues. Learnt that lesson while having Thai for dinner!
Due to the heat and expanding abdomen, my belly has started to itch like mad. Seeking solace in oatmeal lotions (Aveeno), keeping cool with the fan or AC, and taking antihistamines (chlorpheniramine) so I can sleep easier through the night.
Last but not least, my belly appears to be public property. Everyone touches it! Which is OK so far for me unless they have really hot or clammy hands ;0
My belly button popped! I've been feeling like the last (wo)man standing in our prenatal pilates class, so I now wear my tight tops with pride. It's also kinda nice to be able to "thoroughly" clean my belly button now after all these years...
I can also start to tell when our little one is upright (aka in breech position). The skin's really taut above my belly button to make room for the head "lump" and that's when I have difficulty breathing and can't eat too much at one go - else, heartburn ensues. Learnt that lesson while having Thai for dinner!
Due to the heat and expanding abdomen, my belly has started to itch like mad. Seeking solace in oatmeal lotions (Aveeno), keeping cool with the fan or AC, and taking antihistamines (chlorpheniramine) so I can sleep easier through the night.
Last but not least, my belly appears to be public property. Everyone touches it! Which is OK so far for me unless they have really hot or clammy hands ;0
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