{"id":1010,"date":"2022-01-27T01:33:02","date_gmt":"2022-01-27T07:33:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/?p=1010"},"modified":"2022-01-31T14:38:56","modified_gmt":"2022-01-31T20:38:56","slug":"skin-changes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/healthy-pregnancy\/pregnancy-health-wellness\/skin-changes\/","title":{"rendered":"Skin Changes During Pregnancy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Now that you are pregnant, you’re body will go through a number of changes, including your skin. You may see changes such as a sudden glow<\/a> on your face or pinkish, reddish streaks on your stomach. Not every pregnant woman will experience all the same skin changes.<\/p>\n

Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Stretch Marks Causes and Prevention<\/h3>\n

Your skin is a living organ that will expand around your growing and developing baby. As this happens and depending on your genetics you may experience:<\/p>\n

Stretch marks.\u00a0<\/a> The average woman gains about 30 lbs over the nine months of pregnancy. That means your belly skin will stretch to accommodate your baby bump and that can lead to stretch marks. Almost 90% of pregnant women will experience stretch marks which appear as pinkish or reddish streaks running down your abdomen and\/or breasts.<\/p>\n

Exercising<\/a> hydration and 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.<\/p>\n

Line Nigra<\/a> is a darkened vertical line in the middle of a pregnant belly. It’s a natural part of pregnancy so there is nothing you can do to prevent this pregnancy line. The good news is it usually fades shortly after delivery.<\/p>\n

Mask of Pregnancy<\/h3>\n

“Mask of pregnancy” is also referred\u00a0to as melasma<\/em> and chloasma<\/em>. Melasma<\/em> causes dark splotchy spots on your face. These spots most commonly appear on your forehead and cheeks and are a result of increased pigmentation.<\/p>\n

When you become pregnant your body produces more hormones, which causes an increase in pigmentation. Nearly 50% of pregnant women show some signs of the “mask of pregnancy.” These skin changes should fade after your baby is born. The good news is skin condition doesn’t cause cancer or turn into cancer. But, there are skin cancers that look similar to melasma, so if you suspect is something more than melasma, see your dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis.<\/p>\n

To prevent “mask of pregnancy” from happening to you, you should wear a good sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 whenever you plan on being outside. You can also wear your favorite ball cap to protect your face from the sun. Your skin is extra sensitive, and exposure to the sun increases your chances of these dark spots showing up on your face. T<\/p>\n

Pregnancy Glow<\/h3>\n

When you are pregnant your body produces\u00a050% more blood, resulting in more blood circulation through your body. \u00a0This increase in blood circulation causes your face to be brighter.<\/p>\n

Your body is also producing a fair amount of hormones that cause your oil glands to work in overdrive, leaving your face shiny. Both of these things can result in the “pregnancy glow<\/a>” you have heard of.\u00a0\u00a0If your skin becomes too oily you can use an oil-free cleanser to clean your face. Other than that, do nothing but smile!<\/p>\n

Pimple Breakouts and Acne<\/h3>\n

If you have a problem with acne<\/a> already,\u00a0your acne may become more irritated during pregnancy<\/a>. The extra hormones in your body cause your oil glands to secrete more oil, which can cause breakouts.\u00a0\u00a0You 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Cleanse your face every night and every morning. Washing your face more than this can cause your skin to become dry.
\nNext use an astringent to remove\u00a0any remaining oil. Stay away from any acne medicated astringents;\u00a0they may contain acne medicine that is not recommended for pregnant\u00a0women.<\/p>\n

Finally, follow this procedure with an oil-free moisturizer. \u00a0If you find that you are having problems with acne, consult with your health care provider on acne treatment during pregnancy.<\/p>\n

Varicose Veins:<\/h3>\n

Varicose veins are bulky bluish\u00a0veins that usually appear on the legs during pregnancy. This happens\u00a0because your body is compensating for the extra blood flow that is\u00a0going to your baby.<\/p>\n

Varicose veins can be uncomfortable and sometimes\u00a0painful. Unfortunately, if you have a family history of varicose veins,\u00a0you may be prone to get them during your pregnancy. The good news\u00a0is that you can take measures now to prevent or decrease the symptoms.<\/p>\n

What can I do?<\/h3>\n

To prevent or decrease symptoms,<\/strong>\u00a0you should:<\/strong><\/p>\n