Skin Changes During Pregnancy

Now that you are pregnant your skin may begin to change right before your very eyes. Your skin can change from a sudden new glow on your face to pinkish, reddish streaks on your stomach. You may wake up to a few blemishes, darker patches on your skin or even a dark line down your tummy. Not every pregnant woman will experience all the same skin changes. This list shares some common changes during pregnancy.

Stretch Marks

What is this?
Stretch marks are one of the most famous and talked about skin changes that can occur during pregnancy. Almost 90% of pregnant woman will experience stretch marks. Stretch marks appear as pinkish or reddish streaks running down your abdomen and/or breasts.

What can I do?
Exercising and applying lotions that contain vitamin E and alpha hydroxy acids have been said to help in the prevention of stretch marks. These remedies have not been medically proven to have a direct effect on stretch marks but it never hurts to try. If you find that nothing is working for you, take comfort in knowing that these streaks will fade to silvery faint lines after delivery.

Mask of Pregnancy

What is this?
"Mask of pregnancy" is also referred to as melasma and chlosma. Melasma causes dark splotchy spots to appear on your face. These spots most commonly appear on your forehead and cheeks and are a result of increased pigmentation. When you become pregnant your body produces more hormones, which causes an increase in your pigmentation. Nearly 50% of pregnant women show some signs of the "mask of pregnancy."

What can I do?
To prevent "mask of pregnancy" from happening to you, you should wear a good sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 whenever you plan on being outside. You can also wear your favorite ball cap to protect you face from the sun. Your skin is extra sensitive, and the sun increases your chances of these dark spots showing up on your face.

Pregnancy Glow

What is this?
When you are pregnant your body produces 50% more blood resulting in more blood circulation through your body. This increase in blood circulation causes your face to be brighter. Your body is also producing a fair amount of hormones that cause your oil glands to work in over drive, leaving your face shiny. Both of these things can result in the "pregnancy glow" you have heard of.

What can I do?
If your skin becomes too oily you can use an oil free cleanser to clean your face. Other than that, do nothing but smile!

Pimple Breakouts and Acne

What is this?
If you have a problem with acne already, your acne may become more irritated during pregnancy or it may just clear up. The extra hormones in your body cause your oil glands to secrete more oil, which can cause breakouts.

What can I do?
You should keep a strict cleansing routine. You can start with a simple over the counter face soap. It is a good idea to use fragrance free soap to avoid nausea. Cleanse your face every night and every morning. Washing your face more than this can cause your skin to be dry. Next use an astringent to remove any remaining oil. Stay away from any acne medicated astringents; they may contain acne medicine that may not be recommended for pregnant women. Finally, follow this procedure with an oil free moisturizer. If you find that you are having problems with acne consult with your doctor on acne treatment during pregnancy.

Caution! Accutane is not safe to use during pregnancy!

Varicose Veins

What are these?
Varicose veins are bulky bluish veins that usually appear on the legs during pregnancy. This happens because your body is compensating for the extra blood flow that is going to your baby. Varicose veins can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Unfortunately if you have a family history of varicose veins, you may be prone to get them during your pregnancy. The good news is that you can take measures now to prevent or decrease the symptoms.

What can I do?
To prevent or decrease symptoms, you should: