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10 Skin Changes To Expect During Pregnancy

Pregnant Woman's Skin Changes

Pregnancy is a memorable phase in a woman’s life. Pregnancy being an emotionally charged phase, brings with it a lot of skin changes in women along with the tell tale signs of waistline and other body changes. This significant period in a woman’s life needs to be monitored with a lot of care, for which being aware of the changes to expect, is very crucial. There might be adverse skin eruptions, or smooth glowing skin, both of which should be in the knowledge of the pregnant woman so that no sudden shocks are encountered. Whatever changes the body takes on during pregnancy, the brighter side is that most of the changes are temporary and subside after the birth of the baby. The various physiological, hormonal and emotional changes within the body can trigger these top 10 skin changes during pregnancy:

  1. Glowing Radiance

    The “glow” during pregnancy, is one of the most visible skin changes that takes place and is by far the most common and famous one too. This glowing or luminous skin change occurs due to the weight gain which tends to stretch out the skin and gives it a smooth appearance. Also, the increased blood volume attributes to higher levels of oxygen supplied to all the organs of the body, including the skin, giving it a rejuvenated, fresh, glowing look.

  2. Patchy Mask

    This phase of developing brownish or yellowish patches known as Chloasma, is encountered during the second trimester. These patches are most commonly observed on the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. As the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone initiate the formation of more amounts of melanin in the skin, these patches may appear, causing the face to acquire a tanned look or mask.

  3. Return of the Pimple

    Studies reveal that the increased progesterone levels lead to excessive sebum production in the body, that is the reason for breakout of pimples and other raised, red patchy skin eruptions. The teenage problems of acne may also surface during this phase due to hormonal fluctuations.

  4. Skin Tags

    As the movement of pregnant women gradually becomes frisky and slower due to the bulging weight, the areas – where the skin rubs together or the clothing rubs against the skin – develop small polyps or skin outgrowths that are harmless in nature. These skin tags usually appear on under arms, neck fold, skin under bra lining, etc. The good news, however, is that they disappear around the delivery!

  5. Hairy Affair

    Pregnancy is a boon time for those who like their manes to be long, thick and strong. The increased blood volume provides more nutrients to the hair follicles and stronger, thicker hair grows which stays on for a longer time too. But the downfall of this boon is that hair grows not only on the head but everywhere in the body such as armpits, bikini lines, legs, in equally thick volumes.

  6. Red Patches

    Due to hormonal imbalance and continual fluctuations, the common areas of palms and feet soles tend to develop reddish itchy patches that are pressure sensitive. This means that when excess pressure is put on these areas, red patches develop with an irresistible itchy sensation, which might be attributed to excess blood volumes.

  7. Delicate Skin

    As it is with other skin changes, delicate and sensitive skin is a major characteristic during pregnancy which might inhibit the use of jewelry, fragrances etc to a limited few. Attributed solely to hormonal fluctuations, the skin is sensitive not only to clothing and accessories but also to touch.

  8. Mole Connection

    Moles may break out near hands and mouth and other parts of the body for which melanin and sensitive skin alone cannot be attributed. Pregnancy can also involve the uninvited guest skin cancer for which even if the mole is painless, it should be checked by a dermatologist. These moles can be safely treated surgically after the baby’s delivery.

  9. Web of Veins

    Bundled and inflamed blood vessels tend to break out in the facial region and in parts of the leg and torso as the pregnancy progresses toward the second and third trimester. This occurs due to increased blood volume which causes the veins to double up under the pressure of the growing fetus. Commonly known as Varicose Veins, these vein webs can be treated with proper medical guidance.

  10. “Hot bod” Rash

    As the pregnant woman faces a lot of physiological changes, the body temperature is generally raised throughout the phase. This raised body heat attributes for heat rashes which might commonly occur in some pregnant women and the normal way out is to keep your body cool by eating cool food to using talc for bringing down the body heat.

These changes can be expected to come in clusters or individually, depending upon the hormonal action of the pregnant woman. A few women find it difficult to cope with the stress of so many changes all at once, for which discussions with the care giver or gynecologist can be very beneficial.

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