Pregnancy is a beautiful journey. Every pain you go through is worth it when you have your little baby in your arms.
Among other problems during pregnancy, you’re likely to see many changes in your skin. You may see a sudden glow on your face or pinkish, reddish streaks on your stomach.
You may start seeing excessive acne flare-up on your face. Every pregnant woman will experience different skin changes during their course, so do you! Also, read How To Avoid Skin Problems
Here is a list of common skin problems you must be prepared to deal with during pregnancy:
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are the most common skin problem that can occur during pregnancy. 9 out of 10 pregnant women will have to deal with stretch marks. They appear as pinkish or reddish lines running down your stomach and/or breasts.
Application of Vitamin E oil on the stretch marks every day is said to help in preventing stretch marks. Well, for some, it works, for many, it does not. If you find that nothing is working for you, consult your Dermatologist before or during your pregnancy.
They know the best when it comes to your skin. They’ll help you deal with your stretch marks to make it less permanent.
Pregnancy Mask
Dark spots tend to appear on your face during pregnancy. This is commonly termed as pregnancy mask or melasma. Dark spots usually appear on your forehead and cheeks due to increased pigmentation.
Your body produces more hormones during pregnancy, which causes an increase in skin pigmentation. Nearly 5 out of 10 pregnant women suffer from this “mask of pregnancy.”
To reduce the dark spots that may appear during pregnancy, you should wear a good sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 with PA+++ whenever you plan on being out in the sun.
Cover your exposed parts with clothing to prevent any sun tanning as your skin is extra sensitive, and exposure to the sun increases your chances of developing melasma.
Consult your Dermatologist for safe treatments for pigmentation during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Glow on Face
Your body produces 50% more blood during pregnancy, resulting in better blood circulation throughout your body, this, in turn, makes your face brighter. Your oil glands overwork, leaving your face shiny.
People look at it as “pregnancy glow”. Try using a good oil-free cleanser to get rid of extra oil from your face. Other than that, just stay happy.
Acne Problems
If you already have acne-prone skin, your skin may become more irritated during pregnancy days. Hormonal rush in your body causes your oil glands to secrete more sebum, which can cause acne breakouts.
Follow a proper daily skincare routine. Start with a gentle face cleanser followed by an oil-free moisturizer. Washing your face every night and every morning is enough. Over-doing this will dry your skin out. Stay away from any acne treatments that aren’t recommended for pregnant women. Consult with a Dermatologist on acne treatment during pregnancy.
Varicose Veins
Painful & uncomfortable bulky bluish veins may appear on your legs during pregnancy. Your body tries to compensate for the extra blood flow that is going to your baby.
Consult a doctor & follow measures to prevent or decrease the symptoms.
- Avoid long periods of standing and sitting.
- Go for a walk.
- Wear support leg stockings.
- Intake the right amount of vitamin C.
- Tilt your leg higher than your head for at least half an hour a day
- Maintain ideal weight.
Spider Veins
These are minute, reddish blood vessels that branch outward which are caused by the increase in blood circulation.
Increasing your vitamin C intake can help minimize this problem. Spider veins will most go away shortly after delivery.
Dry Itchy Skin
As your belly grows to make space for the baby, your skin stretches and tightens, causing dry itchy skin. If you begin to face severe itching in your pregnancy, you should contact your doctor immediately.
To help soothe your dry itchy skin abdomen, you should keep your abdomen skin moisturized with some anti-itch moisturizing cream.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are tiny, loose growths of skin that appear under your arms, neck or breasts. After pregnancy, your skin tags are likely to disappear. Consult a Dermatologist if they do not disappear, there are ways to remove them.
Darker Freckles, Moles and Other Spots on Your Skin
Increased hormonal discharge during pregnancy can increase your skin pigmentation. Your freckles, moles, nipples can become even darker. These darker areas can remain darkened after pregnancy. Talk to your Dermatologist to see how you can bring them back to the previous colour.
Welcome the new love in your life with a smile.
Happy Pregnancy!
