Health Sabz

05 Common Skin Problems During Pregnancy

The body goes through many changes during pregnancy. Skin is prone to common allergies and effects due to pregnancy hormones.

Here you will get to know some common skin problems during pregnancy that most of the women face.

Mostly, every woman experiences some changes in skin appearance at this phase of life. The common ones are:

  • Dark and uneven skin at breasts, inner thighs and belly
  • Linea Nigra
  • Melasma
  • Skin Acne
  • Varicose veins, and
  • Spider veins

No need to worry if you are experiencing any of these because it is due to hormonal changes. Skin only reacts to body changes due to baby growth.

Common Skin Problems During Pregnancy

Stretch Marks

One of the most common skin problems during pregnancy is stretch marks. They mostly appear across belly, buttocks, and thighs.

Stretch marks are of many forms, white, silver or reddish purple that may change their shape over time. They never resolve completely but fade over time.

In some instances, women undergo laser treatments, but postpartum therapy for stretch marks is less effective.

No other method is successful in preventing the stretch marks but keeping the skin hydrated.  Moisturizing skin is the controllable measure for stretch marks. Genetics also play a crucial role in the appearance of these marks.

Herbal treatment for stretch marks is a coconut oil massage that may fade the signs over time.

Skin Acne and Itching

Acne scars are unpleasant. Moms to be face acne problem throughout their pregnancy. It’s not teenagers who face the issue; even pregnant women can experience acne, they have never had it earlier.

Conventional acne treatments are non-prescription and prescription medications. Better to consult a healthcare provider before using them.

General hygiene is essential to treat acne, such as,

  • Use mild cleanser
  • Washing face regularly
  • Avoid touching pimples
  • Use oil-less products for skin

The use of Over the Counter products, during pregnancy is every day, like benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and azelaic acid. 

It is not safe to use all medications during pregnancy and women should avoid:

  • Hormonal therapy, as it can increase congenital anomalies
  • Topical retinoid, a product of vitamin A, common in Over the Counter drugs
  • Oral tetracycline, an antibiotic that can discolour tooth in infants and has a negative impact over bone growth of the fetus
  • Isotretinoin, retinol that can lead to cognitive difficulties, threatening brain and heart conditions

Itching skin of belly is common; an urge to scratch is due to skin growing elements.

In some cases, women experience pruritic urticarial, a condition that causes itchy rashes, in the form of small or large patches, red hives or itches like insect bites.

The standard solution of skin acne is possible due to herbal ingredients, read more about solution for acne scars.  

Changes in Veins

Red veins are spider veins that are smaller and affect face, arms and neck skin.

The skin problems during pregnancy are due to the changed volume of blood circulation. These symptoms go away after the baby is born.

The varicose veins appear on rectum, legs, vulva and vagina. They disappear after delivery and in case of persistence, consult your doctor during checkups.

The relieve symptoms may count a minimal appearance of varicose veins, under the following,

  • Do not sit for a more extended period
  • Use support hose
  • Limit sitting and standing
  • Do exercise
  • Do not cross legs during sitting for long
  • Stay hydrated to avoid constipation

Linea Nigra

An appearance of a dark line under breasts to lower abdomen is Linea Nigra. Skin problems during pregnancy affect appearing body, but they are not long lasting.

The dark line on the belly of pregnant women is due to hormonal changes and fades away after delivery. It is linear pigmentation or melasma due to melanocyte stimulating hormone.

Due to this dark line, nipples’ color becomes dark. It is normal during pregnancy and the only hormone induced darkening. Do not worry; nothing can prevent it.

Hyperpigmentation

Some very usual skin problems during pregnancy are melasma, hyperpigmentation, skin tags, and darkening of moles and freckles.

The skin tags are lost growth of skin segments that appear under breasts or arms. They disappear after pregnancy, and in case of stubborn skin tags, many ways help remove them.

Hyperpigmentation is again due to increased hormonal growth. They alter the skin pigmentation level. Skin discoloration is also due to hormones.

The dark pigmentation results in darkening of moles, labia and freckles. Nothing can resolve this condition, but it goes on its own after delivery.

These common skin problems during pregnancy can only go away, if proper diet, healthy living, physical activity and adequate sleep cycle is maintained.

Most of the women, living healthier and consuming vitamin C in adequate amount do not experience harsh conditions.

The dark spots and patches are not to worry about, but it is normal indicating that your body is being prepared for baby growth.

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