During pregnancy, your body will experience numerous changes, including changes to your skin. You might notice a sudden glow on your face or pinkish, reddish streaks on your stomach. However, not all pregnant women will experience the same skin changes.
Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Stretch Marks: Causes and Prevention
Your skin will expand to accommodate your growing baby. This expansion, combined with genetic factors, can lead to stretch marks. Nearly 90% of pregnant women develop these pinkish or reddish streaks on their abdomen and/or breasts.
Hydration, exercise, and lotions containing vitamin E and alpha-hydroxy acids might help prevent stretch marks. Though not medically proven, these remedies are worth trying. If nothing works, rest assured that these streaks will fade to silvery lines after delivery.
Linea Nigra
This dark vertical line appears in the middle of the pregnant belly and is a natural part of pregnancy. There is no way to prevent it, but it usually fades shortly after delivery.
Mask of Pregnancy (Melasma/Chloasma)
Melasma causes dark, splotchy spots on the face, typically on the forehead and cheeks, due to increased pigmentation. Nearly 50% of pregnant women exhibit signs of this condition. These spots usually fade post-delivery and are not cancerous. However, if you have concerns, consult a dermatologist.
To prevent melasma, wear a good sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a hat when outside. Your skin is extra sensitive during pregnancy, and sun exposure can worsen dark spots.
Pregnancy Glow
During pregnancy, increased blood circulation makes your face appear brighter, while hormones cause your oil glands to produce more oil, resulting in the “pregnancy glow.” If your skin becomes too oily, use an oil-free cleanser.
Pimple Breakouts and Acne
Pregnancy hormones can exacerbate acne. Maintain a strict cleansing routine with a simple, fragrance-free over-the-counter soap. Cleanse your face morning and night, use a non-medicated astringent, and follow up with an oil-free moisturizer. Consult your healthcare provider for safe acne treatments during pregnancy.
Varicose Veins
These bulky bluish veins often appear on the legs due to increased blood flow. They can be uncomfortable and painful, especially if you have a family history of varicose veins. To prevent or alleviate symptoms, avoid standing for long periods, walk frequently, prop your feet up when sitting, avoid sitting for extended periods, wear support stockings, get enough vitamin C, and maintain a healthy weight.
Spider Veins
Spider veins, caused by increased blood circulation, are small, reddish blood vessels that branch outward. They often appear on the face, neck, upper chest, and arms. Although harmless, they can be minimized by increasing vitamin C intake and avoiding leg crossing. They usually fade after delivery, but laser treatment is available if needed.
Dry, Itchy Skin
As your belly grows, skin stretching can cause dryness and itching. Severe itching late in pregnancy, especially with other symptoms, could indicate cholestasis, a liver-related condition. Consult your doctor if you experience this. For less severe itching, moisturize your abdomen and use anti-itch creams like calamine lotion. For pruritic urticarial papules and plaques (PUPP), which are itchy, raised patches, your healthcare provider can prescribe medication.
Skin Tags
These small, loose skin growths often appear under the arms or breasts. They may disappear after pregnancy, but if not, removal options are available.
Darkening of Freckles, Moles, and Other Areas
Increased hormones can darken freckles, moles, nipples, areolas, and labia. This change is unavoidable and may persist after pregnancy. If a mole or freckle changes significantly, consult your healthcare provider.
These changes can be noticeable but are generally not drastic.