Most women experience skin changes during pregnancy. All these are normal and go away after pregnancy.

Common skin changes during pregnancy

Stretch marks

What is it : About 90% of pregnant women will experience stretch marks. Some women get these marks on their belly while others get it on their breast, hips and buttocks. Stretch marks are the most common skin change during pregnancy. These lines may appear as red, brown or even purple.

What you can do : It has been said that applying lotion containing vitamin E and alpha hydroxy acids  and exercising  prevent these marks even though it has not been medically proven. However, you should note that these marks fade away after delivery.

Varicose veins

What is it :  They are bulky bluish veins that usually appear on the legs during pregnancy. These veins occur because the body is  trying to compensate for the extra flow of blood going to the baby.If you have a family history of varicose veins, you are likely to   get them during pregnancy. Varicose veins can be uncomfortable and painful

What you can do : You can take these steps to reduce your risk or prevent varicose veins.

• avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time
• wear support stockings
• walking as often as possible to allow blood to return to your heart
• always elevate your legs on a stool when sitting
• consume enough vitamin C because they keep  your veins healthy and elastic
• avoid excess weight

Mask of pregnancy

 
What is it : This is referred to as melasma and chlosma.  These are  brownish or yellowish patches  that appear around the eyes and over the cheeks and nose. Increase in production of hormones during pregnancy can cause increase in pigmentation. About 50% of pregnant women experience mask of pregnancy.

What you can do : You should wear a good sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 whenever you go out. This may prevent mask of pregnancy from appearing. You can also protect your face from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or ball cap.

Pimples or acne

What is it : The extra hormones in your body during pregnancy causes your oil glands to secrete more oil which causes pimples and acne.

What you can do : Clean your face every morning and evening with ordinary over the counter soap. Then use astringent to remove the remaining oil. Don’t use medicated astringents. They contain acne medication that are not recommended for pregnant  women. After that, use an oil free moisturizer. If you are having problems with acne, contact your healthcare provider.

Spider veins

 
What is it : These are minute reddish tiny blood vessels that branch outward. Spider veins may appear on the face, neck, upper chest and arms and are caused by increased circulation. They are more common in Caucasian women .

What you can do : Spider veins can be minimized by increasing your vitamin C consumption . You can also help by not crossing your legs. If spider veins are inherited, there is nothing you can do to prevent them. Spider veins disappear shortly after delivery. In cases where these veins persist, laser treatment can be done to remove them.

Pregnancy glow

 
What is it : Increased circulation during pregnancy causes your face to be brighter. Increase in hormonal production also causes your oil glands to over work causing your face to be shiny. Both of these things are what we call pregnancy glow.

What you can do : There is really nothing you can do about pregnancy glow. If your face is too oily, you can use an oil free cleanser.

Dry itchy abdomen

 
What is it : As your baby gets bigger, the skin on your belly stretches and tightens causing  dryness and itching. Note that if this itchiness occurs late in pregnancy and is accompanied by  jaundice, nausea , vomiting, loss of appetite and fatigue, it could be a sign of cholestasis. Contact your healthcare provider right away.

Severe itching that spreads to your arms and legs could be a sign of pruritic urticarial papules and plagues (PUPP). It usually goes away after delivery of the baby.

What you can do : Keep your abdomen well moisturized to reduce itching. If cholestasis is the cause of your itching, your doctor may prescribe a medication. Your doctor will prescribe anti itch creams and oral  medications in case of PUPP.

Linea nigra

What is it : This is a dark line that runs vertically from the umbilicus to the pubic bone. Linea nigra  has always been there, however during pregnancy it darkens due to hormonal imbalance.

What you can do : There is nothing you can do about this. It usually fades after delivery.
 
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