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Check out our latest blog "Does being pregnant affect your skin?"! 

Finding out you are pregnant can be an exciting time in one’s life. Due to hormones, many women find that their hair becomes thicker and longer, their nails are stronger and their skin is glowing. But not every woman is so lucky.

Pregnancy is a time for many physiological & hormonal changes taking place throughout your body. Pregnancy isn’t always easy for many women. Increased blood flow can contribute to many changes including varicose veins and red palms. Hormonal changes can include acne, melasma (darkening of skin), rashes, itching and stretch marks. 

According to the Skin Care Bible, Written by Dr. Anjali Mahto, a woman goes through many changes in their body while she are pregnant and there is no way to tell how a woman's body will change if she is pregnant. It varies for each and every woman. While many women enjoy their beautiful pregnant bodies, many do not for a variety of reasons which will usually disappear once their baby has been delivered

ACNE

Ance while pregnant is extremely common and affects half of all pregnant women. Increased hormone levels such as progesterone in their first trimester can lead to increased acne all over the body. Women who have suffered from acne before they are pregnant are subject to acne while they are pregnant. 

Many women will find that as their pregnancy progresses their acne begins to disappear. Doctors will also recommend that standard acne treatments be avoided during pregnancy; however over the counter recommendations include using glycolic acid and some forms of oral medication can be safe for babies. It’s best to speak with your dermatologists before you decide on the best course of action for you.

STRETCH MARKS

We’ve all heard of the dreaded stretch marks. While many women embrace them as their Tiger Stripes, a badge of honor, many women still find them embarrassing.

Stretch Marks affect nearly 80 percent of pregnant women along their abdomen, thighs and breasts. These marks will usually start to develop after 6 months into your pregnancy. These develop not just because of the stretching of the skin or increased weight during pregnancy but also because of your hormones. These hormones will cause a softening of the pelvic ligaments to help deliver the baby. While this is happening, the softened skin fibers make them more susceptible to tearing and stretching of the skin.

Many women find their stretch marks change color over time from a light ink to a bright red. Once the baby has arrived these can fade to a white color and become wrinkly.

Retailers will tell you that their products will help to eliminate stretch marks but there is not enough data to be able to support their claims and many women will try almost everything to avoid getting these marks on their bodies. The best advice is try to eat a healthy diet, avoid processed foods and keep yourself moisturized.

 Melasma

Some women can develop this condition which is known as pregnancy mask for hyperpigmentation. It affects the forehead, cheeks and upper lip. For some women this is alarming because it can give the appearance of having a mustache (as if we don’t have enough to worry about while being pregnant.

Many women find this disappears once the pregnancy is over but can return for each subsequent pregnancy.

Most doctors recommend wearing sunscreen as sunlight can drive the melasma process. If you find you are outside often, wear a large hat with sunglasses to help you stay away from the sunlight.

 Pigmentation

Pregnancy hormones are interesting because they also play a role in darkening parts of the skin including the areolae and nipples of a woman. It is also responsible for Linea nigra, a dark vertical line in the center of the abdomen. This line runs from the umbilicus to the public bone and becomes visible mid way through your pregnancy. Many women find that it usually fades a few months after giving birth but can return throughout each pregnancy.

Itchy Skin

Many women find that their skin is extremely itching during pregnancy because of the stretching of the skin. For this, you will want to take cool baths or showers, avoid harsh soaps or products and keep yourself well moisturized.

If you find that the itching is uncontrollable,  is associated with raised bumps on your skin, and stops you from sleeping, you may want to connect with your doctor about some options to relieve the itching.

Many of these symptoms disappear a few weeks or months after the baby has been delivered but can recur in other pregnancies. Know that these symptoms don’t last forever and the prize on the other end, your beautiful baby is worth the changes that our bodies are going through.

To learn more about Skin Changes during pregnancy, we recommend The Skin Care Bible by Dr. Anjali Mahto.

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-skincare-bible-your-no/9780241309100-item.html

https://www.amazon.com/Skincare-Bible-No-Nonsense-Guide-Great/dp/0241309107