Various changes in the skin during pregnancy & bull; hello healthy

Lots of changes happen inside and outside of your body during pregnancy. This includes various changes that occur in areas other than your stomach.

During pregnancy, you may experience:

Stretch marks
Skin discoloration (pigmentation)
Spotting
Blisters
Blood vessels burst
Itchy or sensitive skin

Changes in hormone levels and your immune system are one of the causes. Most of the skin changes during pregnancy will go away after your baby is born. Some skin changes, such as stretch marks and certain pigmentation can run in families. If your mother or siblings experienced it while pregnant, you may also experience it.

Are changes to the skin during pregnancy dangerous?

The general changes in the skin are not associated with health problems. However, talk to your doctor if your skin is inflamed or has a rash, irritation, or itching, which lasts more than a few days.

If you already have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriosis, it's possible that it will get worse or improve during pregnancy.

Be aware that some skin discoloration can be caused by other conditions unrelated to your pregnancy. Always check with your doctor if you notice a change in skin color or a change in the size of a mole. If the pigmentation changes are accompanied by pain, tenderness, or redness, seek medical attention immediately.

Why is my skin darker than usual?

Some dark patches of skin are usually a symptom of pregnancy. Most expectant mothers feel the color of their nipples and surrounding area (areola) darker.

You will notice other pigmented areas such as moles and freckles darkening as well. However, over time it will fade back to normal.

The brown pigmented spots on the forehead, cheeks, and neck are called chloasma. If you have darker skin tones, the chloasma will look like lighter patches.

Chloasma is caused by the body producing excess melanin, which can protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV). About ¾ expectant mothers experience this condition.

Being in the sun will make the stripes darker and more visible. To protect your skin, wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or more) or a hat when you travel.

If you don't like stripes, use them foundation to disguise it. The stripes will fade within 3 months after your baby is born, but 1 in 10 mothers have patches that don't go away.

What is the dark line running through my stomach?

The vertical line on your stomach is called the linea nigra. Usually this line is up to 1 cm wide and sometimes crosses the navel. The linea nigra usually appears around the second trimester.

The linea nigra is caused by pigmentation due to hormonal changes, in which the abdominal muscles stretch and separate slightly to make room for the baby. The lines will fade in a few weeks after you give birth.

People say a woman's skin looks "glowing”And more radiant when pregnant. Is this true?

"Serial" or "glowing"When pregnant is not just lip service. Your skin retains more fluids during pregnancy, which makes the skin more supple and removes wrinkles.

Blushing is caused by increased levels of the hormone progesterone and blood circulation in the body. It can also make you feel warmer and your skin sometimes flushes.

The drawback of this effect is that you will look swollen due to water retention and more visible redness of the facial skin. This condition will subside after you give birth. Meanwhile, you can disguise it with foundation which is moisturizing.

Remember to drink lots of water. Many benefits will be felt on the skin if you are well hydrated.

Why are the veins on the cheeks clearly visible?

Tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that burst are known as spider veins (spider veins) or naevi. This is common in pregnancy, especially if you are prone to this condition.

The amount of blood circulating in the body puts pressure on the capillaries, which are also more sensitive during pregnancy.

Protect your face from extreme heat or cold. Blood vessels will fade when hormone levels drop after you give birth.

Why do I get pimples?

You may experience breakouts in the first trimester. High levels of hormones increase the production of sebum, the oil that keeps facial skin supple. Too much sebum can close the pores, resulting in oily and acne-prone skin.

Clean your face regularly with mild soap and warm water or facial cleanser. If your skin is dry, use an oil-free moisturizer. If you use make-up, wash it off before bed.

Do not use acne creams or medications unless recommended by your doctor. Some acne products should not be used during pregnancy. Fortunately, a few weeks after your baby is born, your skin will return to its original state.

Why do I have stretch marks?

You may notice stretch marks appearing as you gain weight. Pregnancy causes your skin to pull more easily than usual. High levels of hormones can also upset the protein balance in the skin and make it thinner.

After pregnancy, the stretch marks will turn silvery white in color. This can happen in 6 months.

Unfortunately, there isn't much that can be done to prevent stretch marks, but it can be reduced by:

Avoid gaining weight too quickly
Massage the stomach with oil or cream to promote new tissue growth
Eat nutrient-rich foods
Consume vitamins E and C, zinc (zinc) and silica to keep skin healthy

What can I do to ease blisters?

As you gain weight, you'll notice that the skin between your thighs or under your breasts blisters, causing the skin to become inflamed, flaky, and smell a little. This condition is known as intertrigo.

If you experience these conditions:

Keep the infected area dry
Use loose powder to absorb moisture
Use cotton clothes
Avoid wearing tight clothes

Talk to your doctor, especially if you sweat a lot as it can lead to candidal intertrigo yeast infection. It is important to treat the condition before you give birth, because it can run in your baby.

Why is my skin more sensitive than usual?

High levels of hormones and the condition of skin that is stretched and thinner can cause skin to become sensitive.

Soaps and detergents can cause irritation. Skin conditions you had before pregnancy, such as eczema, can worsen. However, sometimes the opposite can also happen. Women with psoriasis find that their condition improves after pregnancy.

You may find your skin burns more easily when exposed to the sun. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more, and avoid being in the sun for extended periods of time.

To minimize sensitivity, choose clothes made of cotton and keep yourself moist.

Why does my skin feel itchy?

Naturally, itching and rashes occur during pregnancy without cause. Nearly ¼ expectant mothers experience itchy skin.

General itching

You will feel more sensitive to substances that don't normally affect you, such as chlorine in swimming pools.

Applying calamine lotion to the area can help relieve itching. If the rash or irritation lasts more than a few days, consult a doctor.

Severe itching

There is a relatively rare condition called obstetric cholestasis (OC) which can cause itching all over the body. The itching may become more intense on the palms or feet. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Rash

There are some rashes that are red and itchy, but not dangerous, caused by pregnancy, such as:

Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy (AEP)

Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy (PEP)

AEP causes itchy bumps on the skin and usually appears in the first trimester in 1 in 300 pregnant women. This condition is harmless and will go away after your baby is born.

You could be susceptible to AEP if you have:

Eczema
Asthma
Food allergies

Applying an emollient cream can relieve itching. Your doctor can prescribe an antihistamine to reduce itching at night.

If you have PEP, you'll notice it in your stomach, around the mark of wrinkles. The rash can spread to the buttocks and thighs. PEP is more common if: