Your growing bump is not the only change that happens during pregnancy. Like the uterus, your skin will also have to undergo changes to accommodate the baby. The influx of hormones and change in blood circulation will have an effect on your skin during pregnancy. Most of the changes disappear after your baby is born. But, you will feel good during those nine months if you take care of these skin issues. Here are a few ways to address common skin problems.
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1.Stretch Marks
Now that you are pregnant, stretch marks are bound to happen. Most expectant moms experience stretch marks. Pregnancy causes your skin to stretch more, leaving pinkish or reddish streaks on it. It appears around your breast, belly, or hips. Apply lotions that contain vitamin E and alpha hydroxy acids to minimize stretch marks.1 Also, avoid excessive weight gain to reduce the risk of getting these marks. Do not be disheartened if it does not work for you. Remember, these streaks will gradually fade after delivery.
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2.Pregnancy Glow
As the requirements of your body change, there will be 50 percent more blood production. This increase in blood circulation brings that extra brightness on your face. Moreover, the hormones HCG and progesterone cause the glands to secrete more oil, making your skin shinier. However, use an oil free cleanser to wash your face if your skin becomes too oily. Other than that, love this glow and enjoy it while it lasts.
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3.Mask Of Pregnancy
Also known as melasma and chlosma, this causes dark patches on your face, especially on the forehead and cheeks. The appearance of dark splotchy spots is usually associated with female hormones estrogen and progesterone. The high hormone levels also lead to pigmentation. Preventing the pregnancy mask is not possible. But, you can take a few steps to make it less noticeable. Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible. Use an umbrella or wear full sleeve clothes. Applying sunscreen lotion which is at least SPF 15 is another option. 2 Include folic acid rich foods like leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits in your diet. This is because folate deficiency is often associated with hyperpigmentation.
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4.Pimple and Acne
While you enjoy the pregnancy glow, others may not be lucky enough. The hormones that cause the oil glands to produce more oil do the damage for them. The extra oil leads to pimple breakouts and acne. Use soap-free face wash to keep the face clean. Choose an oil-free moisturizer lotion with SPF 15 at least. Use an astringent to remove oil. But, stay away from acne medicated astringents. If you have oily hair, wash your hair regularly. Avoid oily, greasy foods. Keep the skin hydrated by drinking lots of water. Include fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, E, and B complex as well as zinc and fiber in the diet. 3 Not able to keep it under control with all this? Ask the doctor for any medications that are safe during pregnancy.
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5.Varicose Veins
The enlarged bluish veins that can be seen on your legs are varicose veins. The increased blood volume during pregnancy puts pressure on the veins, causing varicose veins. They can also appear on the buttocks and vaginal area. Adopt these preventive measures:
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Elevate your legs periodically to improve blood circulation
- Start regular exercises, which are safe for pregnancy
- Walk as much as possible
- Do not use high heels
- Cut down sodium intake
- Get enough vitamin C
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6.Spider Veins
The increased blood circulation exerts pressure on your capillaries, resulting in small, reddish blood vessels known as spider veins. They disappear within a few months of giving birth. Increase your vitamin C intake to minimize spider veins. Also, restrain yourself from crossing your legs.
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7.Itchy Abdomen
This is expected as your skin stretches with the growing belly. Dryness and itchiness trouble you during this period. To get relief from this, keep your abdomen moisturized. Lotions or anti-itch cream such as Calamine may comfort you. Do not use creams that contain chemicals. If the itching is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, or jaundice, seek medical attention.
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8.Linea Nigra
You may not have noticed it before. The line that runs from your navel to your pubic bone darkens during pregnancy has always been there. But, it was so light in color. During pregnancy, it darkens. Well, it is harmless and nothing can be done about it. And it fades way after childbirth.
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9.Darkening Of Skin
Moles, nipples, areolas and labia become darker as you get pregnant. Changes in your skin pigmentation caused by high volume of pregnancy hormones are the reason behind this. There is nothing you can do to stop this. And unlike other changes, they may remain so even after pregnancy.
You will have to deal with blotches and rashes that crop up during these nine months. Many of them come along with the hormonal changes that equip your body for childbirth. Instead of overreacting, take these preventive measures whenever you can. After all, at the end of all these troubles, you get to see your little one.
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