You might have heard about “pregnancy glow” but no one really talks about the skin changes during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a phase that brings a lot of changes in a woman’s body similarly there can be a lot of skin changes during pregnancy. Although this can differ from woman to woman. 

These pregnancy skin issues are majorly due to hormonal changes and sometimes there might not be a specific reason. These changes are generally harmless, and tend to fade away after delivery. 

When do the skin changes during pregnancy occur?

It varies from woman to woman. Many women begin to notice changes in their skin during the first trimester, while others don’t start to notice them until the second or third trimester. These changes include rashes, redness, acne, discolorations, and other breakouts.

What are the possible causes of skin changes during pregnancy?

It’s mostly the pregnancy hormones that are to blame for skin changes during pregnancy, causing your pore to secrete more oil, exposing your skin to various skin problems, including production of skin discoloration.

Few other skin changes during pregnancy include:

Dry skin

Pregnancy acne

Oily skin

Skin tags

Spider veins

PUPP

Skin discoloration

How pregnancy affects the skin?

When you’re pregnant for the first time, your skin may appear different. This is due to increased blood flow and hormonal imbalances in the body. 

Some women notice their skin appears to be healthy. Other women notice that their skin becomes blotchy or dry, or that they begin to develop acne or other various skin disorders. Also possible is an increase in skin sensitivity.

What are the top 6 different skin problems caused by pregnancy?

There are different skin conditions that may occur during pregnancy. Few common skin disorders include:

• Acne:

The widespread skin disorder known as acne typically first appears around adolescence. If you have acne, the first trimester of the pregnancy is probably when it will get worse. Fortunately, throughout the final trimester, pregnant acne typically becomes substantially better or even goes away completely. Breastfeeding after giving birth can help you avoid developing acne. Acne is also one of the common skin changes during pregnancy. 

• Stretch marks:

This is likely the most frequent (and much discussed) change in a pregnant woman’s skin.  In fact, up to 90% of pregnant women encounter them. You might start to see pinkish streaks on your tummy, breasts, or even hips as your body develops and changes.

Do not worry if you get stretch marks, following birth, they will disappear and resemble thin silver lines. Consult a gynecologist specialist in Coimbatore if you are experiencing stretch marks and to overcome them. 

• Melasma: 

Melasma, also referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”, causes dark, blotchy areas to emerge on your face especially between the cheeks and forehead.   The reason? Your body’s pregnant hormones all cause high pigmentation and UV sensitivity. Melasma affects almost half of all expectant mothers in some way.

There is some good news though! If melasma skin changes during pregnancy you notice the scars fading away after delivery. 

• Itchiness and dry skin:

The tightening and stretching of the skin can result in some dryness and itching as your pregnancy progresses and your belly really starts to grow. The solution to relief? Moisturizing. Try to maintain moisture in your belly all day long.

• PUPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plagues):

Another disorder that can cause intense itching during pregnancy is PUPP . If you have PUPP, you may have itchy, reddish raised areas that expand to the legs and arms. While PUPP will disappear after delivery, your doctor may be able to prescribe an anti-itch lotion.

• Varicose veins:

Varicose veins are blood vessels that have accumulated an excessive amount of blood. They mostly appear in your legs. They can appear blue and swollen, and they can cause leg aches and pains. Varicose veins are quite prevalent during pregnancy, affecting up to 4 in 10 women. They usually emerge in the first trimester, and your risk increases as you become older, have more full-term pregnancies, or if they run in your family.

As mentioned hormonal imbalance is one of the major causes of skin allergy during pregnancy these skin changes during pregnancy can become severe or even reduce depending on the hormone levels.  And if you are pregnant with PCOS you may experience a few extreme skin changes that may also calm down after delivery.

What are the best pregnancy skin care tips to follow during pregnancy?

There are things you can do about any skin changes during pregnancy, despite the fact that your suddenly newborn or teen flashback skin may leave you feeling helpless against those pregnancy hormones once more:

Eat a completely healthy diet:

A well-balanced and healthy nutrient-filled plate will have all the needed nutrients to help cope the body with skin changes during pregnancy. AThis also makes your skin appear glowing. 

Follow a safe skin regime:

Following a safe skin regime can help to avoid skin changes during pregnancy. The regime can include non-chemical products that can help avoid various skin changes during pregnancy. And also following a healthy routine can avoid acne during pregnancy. 

Drink water:

Dry and flaky skin can result from a dehydrated body. Hence it is important to drink adequate water to keep your skin hydrated and avoid any major skin changes during pregnancy. 

Avoid long hours under the sun:

Spending long hours in the sun can lead to severe skin changes during pregnancy. And also even if not pregnant it is important to avoid spending too much time in the sun. As the ultraviolet rays can severely damage your skin. 

When do the skin changes during pregnancy go away?

Many of the skin changes you experience during or immediately after birth will go away. Skin tags are one type that could be persistent. If you are very bothered by these, consult a dermatologist.

Are skin changes during pregnancy normal?

Every woman undergoes a lot of skin changes during pregnancy and every pregnancy is different. Few people may experience extreme changes and a few may experience minimal skin changes during pregnancy. 

Important Takeaway:

Skin changes during pregnancy are quite common and usually they are not concerning. As with proper care and guidance these skin changes during pregnancy can be managed to great extent and also they can fade away after delivery. Reach out for the best pregnancy care hospital in Coimbatore to get the best care during your pregnancy.