Pregnancy Skin Concerns: They’re Not Forever.
01/10/2013 10:15
As your baby grows, so do your concerns about your changing skin. Pimples, rashes, splotches and lines begin to punctuate your body, and you worry if you’ll ever be the same.
Pimples and Oiliness.
The increase in hormones causes excess oil during pregnancy. Excess oiliness can cause pores to become clogged, and clogged pores cause pimples. Expectant mums must practice skin cleansing routines, gently washing problem areas of a morning and evening, and even during the day if required. Acne can affect the face, back, shoulders, chest and neck. A weekly mask can help with both excess oil or dryness, just make sure you don’t use it too often. Make certain any products used don’t contain steroids, and pick one that is gentle for pregnant skin. Avoid heavy makeup, try to get lots of rest, drink plenty of water and eat good foods.
Stretch Marks or Striae Gravidarum.
If you are doomed to get stretch marks, then there is really nothing you can do about it. You can help to minimise them, but don’t be upset if they occur anyway – there are forces beyond your control! They are seen on the lower tummy, arms, thighs, hips, breasts and buttocks. They occur in the dermis, which is the elastic middle layer of skin, and are caused by the collagen and skin separating. They do not go away, although they can fade with time, and the damage is usually done in the first trimester, although they are usually seen in the latter half of pregnancy, in 50-90% of expectant mums. They are usually not painful, but can be itchy or tingly. There are several treatment options, but it is important to remember that they are a normal part of pregnancy and cannot be prevented.
Eczema and Psoriasis may worsen in pregnancy, and it is important to be prepared for an outbreak.
Skin Tags are excess growths of skin, and the usually form where skin rubs together (under arms, breasts, between legs). They may or may not disappear after pregnancy, but a doctor can remove them easily and painlessly.
Hyper-Pigmentation.
Hyper-pigmentation is a common problem where melanin is deposited under the skin. As melanin is increased by sun exposure, limit your time outside and wear sun block when you are outside. They can be quite upsetting to expectant mums, but it must be remembered that they usually disappear after the baby is born. A familiar skin problem is the ‘age’ or ‘liver’ spot, also known medically as solar lentigines. These are dark patches of skin found on the hands and face, areas usually exposed to the sun. Other areas (such as nipples, labia, areolas, moles and freckles) can darken, and this is normal. However, if you are worried, then consult your doctor.
Linear Nigra occurs during the fourth or fifth month, and disappears after the baby is born. It is a dark line running from your belly button to your pelvis, and cannot be avoided.
Varicose Veins and Spider Veins.
The beautiful glow of expectant mums is caused by the 50% increase in blood circulating around your body. With extra blood flow in pregnancy sometimes comes varicose veins and spider veins. These can be painful, and uncomfortable at best. They can be hereditary, but they can also be minimised: avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time (but take regular walks and rest with your legs up), avoid excess weight gain, wear support stockings and don’t cross your legs.
Cholestasis is a condition of the liver characterised by severe itching, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and maybe jaundice. It occurs in one in 50 pregnancies and usually disappears after pregnancy. If the itching spreads to your arms and legs it could be Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plagues (PUPP).This occurs in one in 150 pregnancies and results in itchy, raised red lumps that usually go away after the baby is born.
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