Pregnancy

Skin Changes during Pregnancy

The same as every pregnancy is unique and every woman experiences it differently from each other, every woman has different skin changes during pregnancy, caused by changes in hormone levels. There is a wide range of skin changes that usually disappear shortly after delivery.

Stretch marks are the most common skin change in pregnant women occurrence in up to 90% of all pregnant women. Stretch marks appear as reddish or pinkish streaks that run down your abdomen, breasts, arms, buttocks and legs. Stretch marks cannot be prevented but they will usually fade after delivery.

Pregnancy mask is more commonly seen during the second trimester of pregnancy. It is also know as melasma and chlosma, causing dark splotchy spots to appear on the face. Pregnancy mask commonly appear on the cheeks and forehead as a result of increased pigmentation due to the body producing more hormones during pregnancy. It is estimated that 50% of pregnant women show signs of pregnancy mask.

Pregnancy glow is a facial shine resulting from the increased volume of blood causing blushing in the cheeks. During pregnancy, the body produces 50% more blood than usual and because of this the many blood vessels just below the skin's surface, this skin change occurs.

Acne in pregnancy is rarely as severe as that of adolescence. Pimples and bumps cause skin changes that diminish shortly after delivery. Those women, who previously used abrasive scrubs or exfoliants, should avoid them during pregnancy because of sensitive skin.

Dark areas that become even darker during pregnancy include moles and freckles that already existed prior to pregnancy, but that may become bigger brown spots, including birthmarks that become browner, as well as the areola and nipples of your breasts that will probably remain darker forever.

Linea Nigra is a faint white linea running from the women's navel to the center of their pubic bone, being almost barely visible before pregnancy. This linea Alba becomes a linea Nigra, a darker line more noticeable after the second trimester of pregnancy, and disappearing several months after delivery.

Spider veins are also known as spider nevi, which are tiny reddish blood vessels, that branch outward, caused by pregnancy or by the increase in blood circulation. These veins do not hurt and usually appear on the face, neck, upper chest and arms disappearing shortly after delivery, and sometimes confused with varicose veins that may also appear during pregnancy.

There are several other skin changes occurring during pregnancy and most often disappearing after delivery, such as red palms and soles, skin tags, heat rash, itching, and pimply eruptions.