Are you pregnant and feeling extremely itchy? Do you have a rash spreading everywhere on your abdomen except your umbilicus (a fancy word for belly button)? You may want to ask your provider to examine you for PUPPP.

PUPPP stands for Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy. Try saying that 5 times fast (I can barely say it 1 time)! It's also known as PEP, or Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy, which is slightly easier to say. It's the most common skin condition to occur during pregnancy and effects about 1 in every 150 birthing parents. It usually only shows up in first time parents and parents of multiples, making it's unwelcome appearance during the third trimester. This extremely uncomfortable rash develops in stretch marks in the abdomen and is most comparable to hives or eczema.

There are no known causes. Of course it's recommended to avoid scratching the rash whenever possible (which is torturous, we know!).

Since it occurs in the third trimester, it can further increase anxiety and exasperate sleep deprivation in the birthing parent. In fact, it's usually itchier at night. Taking an oatmeal or baking soda bath can help minimize the itching. Cold compresses or a cold shower may help as well. Try to wear comfortable cotton clothing whenever possible. Your provider may recommend topical moisturizing creams or ointments. A topical steroid may be prescribed in severe cases. Always check with your doctor before using a topical steroid during pregnancy.

So, Is There Any Good News?

1. It usually does not recur in subsequent pregnancies.

2. Though it can spread to other parts of the body such as the thighs, buttocks, chest, and underarms, it shouldn't spread to your beautiful glowing face!

3. It disappears about a week after you birth your baby. 

4. It is not harmful to the fetus or the parent. 

Have you dealt with a pregnancy rash? What would you share with parents who are experiencing it for the first time? Leave a comment below!