Medically Reviewed by Dr. Lee Hwee Chyen
MBBS MRCP (UK) FAMS (Dermatology)
Postpartum hives, also known as urticaria, are a common condition that can affect women following pregnancy. These hives are typically itchy, red welts that can appear suddenly and spread quickly on the skin. They primarily result from allergic reactions that release histamine and other chemicals, leading to inflammation. Postpartum hives are not harmful when managed properly.
Postpartum hives happen due to various factors linked to the body’s healing after pregnancy:
Pregnancy involves significant hormonal fluctuations to support fetal development. After childbirth, as the body seeks to return to its pre-pregnancy hormonal state, these rapid shifts can impact the immune system’s function and skin sensitivity, triggering hives.
The postpartum period can be stressful as new mothers adjust to the demands of caring for a newborn. This stress can suppress the immune system, making the body more susceptible to allergic reactions like hives.
During and after pregnancy, women might come across new things that can cause allergies, like different foods, environmental factors, or medicines taken during or after giving birth. These exposures can lead to hives in women likely to have allergies.
Unique postpartum conditions, including increased sweating, sleep deprivation, and the physical act of breastfeeding, can all contribute to the onset of hives during this period.
Postpartum hives manifest in a few different ways, which demonstrate how sensitive the body is as it goes through the changes from pregnancy to the postpartum period:
New mothers should seek advice from a dermatologist if postpartum hives persist and continue to have a significant impact on one’s quality of life. If the hives are accompanied by breathing difficulties or systemic symptoms like fever or joint pain, new mothers should seek medical attention as these could suggest other systemic conditions.