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Pregnancy hives are a kind of skin rashes that are characterized by itchy, raised and red welts that develop on the skin. They usually appear in clusters and groups, as they appear on the abdominal area and then slowly spread to the buttocks, neck, chest, back of the legs and arms. They are usually harmless, but severe itching with the rash is very discomforting. This is usually caused due to allergies.

Treating Hives during pregnancy
Pregnancy hives do not pose any danger to the mother or the baby, but if they occur on the genital area, then it is advised to consult a gynecologist. There are some ways to cure pregnancy hives and reduce the irritation caused by itching. The treatment include:

• Anti-histamine Medicines: Anti-histamines are of great help where histamine is the cause of rash. These medicines limits the histamine levels in the body and lessens the rash.
• Anti-itching Creams: A doctor may prescribe medicated ointments that soothes the hives rash. These ointments reduce the irritation and gives the skin a cool feeling.
• Moisturizing Creams or Calamine: Dry skin can lead to itching in many cases. Moisturizing creams or lotions hydrate the skin and prevents the dryness. Calamine lotion are known for their cooling qualities.
• Cold Compress: The best way to treat pregnancy hives is to apply cold compress as this procedure is considered to be the safest hives treatments. Take a bowl of water and one napkin, dip the napkin in the bowl of water and squeeze out the water and place the napkin over the affected area. This cools and soothes the rashes, reducing the itching sensation.

Home Remedies for Hives during Pregnancy
Some of the simple home remedies include:

• Aloe Vera can be applied over the affected area to cure the problem of hives.
• Consuming nettle tea is an efficient and an easy remedy for hives.
• Oatmeal paste made from 2 cups of oatmeal along with 3 teaspoons of cornstarch and little amount of water is taken. This paste is applied over the rashes and left for 1 to 1 ½ hour. This helps in curing the rash within 3 – 4 hours of application.
• Boil a few leaves of mint with brown sugar in a cup of water. Cool and drink this decoction as this relieves itching.
• Application of rose water over the affected area is another useful remedy.
• You can even take bath in cold water as this can provide relief from the hives rashes.
• Avoid scratching and rubbing the affected area as this can spread the rash.
• Follow a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruits.
• Regular exercise regimen as suggested by your doctor.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy hives are actually a kind of skin rash, which is characterized by itchy, raised and red welts which develop hives may change their placement and shape, and also appears like groups and clusters. Usually, hives initially appear on abdominal area and slowly spread to neck, chest, buttocks, back of arms and legs. Generally, gives during pregnancy are harmless, though severe itching is associated with rash is annoying as well as discomforting. During pregnancy, hives that occur over the face is a very rare condition.

Causes of Hive During Pregnancy:
Hives are also called as “urticaria”. These are usually caused due to allergies, but pregnancy hives are an exception. Causes of pregnancy hives include:

• Allergic foods: Sometimes, hives during pregnancy are caused by the allergic reaction to some kinds of foods like soybean, shellfish, tomatoes, eggs, etc. which are the cause for hives on the skin. Women with food allergies must avoid these foods during pregnancy.
• Stretching Skin: Hives are also due to stretched skin during pregnancy. Skin of stomach stretches for accommodating the baby inside the womb and thus, these changes cause rashes.
• Drugs and Medications: Reactions to several drugs and medications also trigger skin rashes during pregnancy. Hence, a pregnant woman must avoid using the over-counter medications without seeking the doctor’s advice. Pregnant woman are recommended to discuss the entire case with the physician, such that he can prescribe appropriate medications.
• Hormonal Changes: In some cases, hormonal changes in pregnant women induces hives and rashes. Fluctuations in hormonal changes such as estrogen and progesterone leads to skin hives and rashes. Additional hormones which are released during pregnancy results in the release of the histamines which cause skin rashes. Mostly, hives are accompanied by lesions and tiny blisters, which are harmless.
• Pruritic Urticarcial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP): Typically, this occurs during the last trimester of pregnancy. This is similar to hives and are harmless.
• Chemicals in Food Products: Sometimes, food products which contain several additives, such as preservatives and edible colors also causes hives. Hence, a pregnant woman must avoid consuming junk food.

Additionally, extreme temperature, emotional stress, physical strain, wearing tight clothes and excessive perspiration may also ignite pregnancy hives. There are possibilities of developing pregnancy hives if there are pet animals around the pregnant woman. Hence, it is must to take care of pets in house. They are advised to stay away from pets.

Pregnancy