Who ever invented the term ‘pregnancy glow’ has obviously never been pregnant. Unless by ‘glow’ they mean oily skin, acne and stretch marks. While pregnancy can be a wonderful and joyful experience, it does tend to reek havoc on your skin. Here are a list of the top annoying skin changes of pregnancy, and what you can safely do to treat them.
5. You Get Hairy
Most women will develop coarse hair on their abdomen and inner thighs that progressively worsens throughout pregnancy. For some, this is minor and a little extra shaving is all that’s necessary. For others it becomes a little more Chewbacca-esque. The extra hair usually decreases after pregnancy. It is OK to shave during pregnancy. Laser hair removal, chemical hair removal and waxing are not harmful to the baby, but they may cause increased irritation because your skin is much more sensitive during pregnancy.
4. Acne
Though you would never know it by looking at all the porcelain skinned models on the cover of those pregnancy magazines, acne is extremely common during pregnancy. The hormonal changes of gestating can really do a number on your face and back. Your skin usually goes back to normal shortly after delivery. Microdermabrasion and facials are safe, however your skin is more sensitive in pregnancy so notify your aesthetician as she may need to use milder settings.
Safe: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, resorcinol, adapalene, topical antibiotics (clindamycin and erythromycin), Vaniqa
Not recommended: RetinA, tazarotene, Avita, Oral antibiotics (especially tetracycline), Isotretinoin
3. Stretch Marks
The dreaded stretch marks. The amount of stretch marks you get are merely a function of your skin’s elasticity and how much weight you gain. Your elasticity is genetic, so that’s out of your control. All women are encouraged to stay active and maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. There is no ‘magic cream’ that prevents stretch marks, so don’t waste your money on expensive anti-stretch mark creams. Use a good lotion and stay hydrated, but in most women stretch marks are a fact of life.
2. Increased Pigment
What’s this weird line on my belly? I often get asked by women as they begin to notice a brown stripe running down the middle of their belly. In addition to the belly stripe, which is technically called the linea alba, women of darker skin tones may notice darkening of the skin of their nipples, arm pits, groin and neck. This darkening is thought to be estrogen related and begins to fade slowly postpartum.
Melasma {see image above}, some times called ‘the pregnancy mask’ refers to the darkening skin on the face. It can occur in up to 70% of pregnancies. Reduce sun exposure and wear sunscreen to reduce its effects. Up to 30% of women will experience persistent melasma after delivery. It can be treated by a dermatologist with lightening creams and laser therapy.
1. Veins
Both can make their appearance during pregnancy. The text book I consulted for writing this article recommended to “avoid prolonged standing” to relieve discomfort. For those of us with jobs and kids, that’s not very practical advice. Support stocking and lower salt intake can reduce swelling and symptoms of varicose veins, but only delivery will reduce their size.
Hemorrhoids are varicose veins of the rectum. Stool softeners, high fiber diet and adequate hydration can help relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids.
Varicose veins can also be present on the vulva during pregnancy. While they can cause significant pain and swelling, they does not interfere with delivery and resolve quickly postpartum. Support garments are available on for vulvar varicose veins (try saying that 5 times), but in general my patients have not found them helpful.
What skin issues are you struggling with during pregnancy?
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