Pregnancy Stretch Marks & Itch: Is It Normal Near Your Due Date?

Question
I am 18 days away from my due date. Have been in preterm labor 2 times and have been in labor 2 times as well. Here in the past few days the stretchmarks on my stomach have begun to raise.(They look more like scars then stretchmarks.) And the itch horribly. Is all this normal?

Answer
Dear Catie,

It's not uncommon to feel itchy, particularly around your growing belly and breasts as your skin stretches to accommodate them. Hormonal changes which occur during pregnancy may also contribute to this.

Avoid hot showers and/or baths which may dry out skin more than normal and use a non-comedogenic lotion, such as Keri or Lubriderm, frequently (even up to 3-4 times per day) to keep the skin moist. This might also help with those stretch marks if you continue use through the first few months after the pregnancy as well. The itchiness should lessen and should disappear shortly after delivery.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda

Brenda