“What Are Normal Skin and Hair Changes During Pregnancy?”

What Are Normal Skin and Hair Changes During Pregnancy?

When it comes to hair and skin changes during pregnancy, there is no “normal.” Women will undergo various changes throughout their pregnancy, some delightful and some that are very unexpected.

You’ve all heard of the pregnancy “glow.” Many associate the pregnancy glow with improved circulation often resulting during pregnancy. This may lead to slight flushing of the cheeks, contributing to the appearance of a healthy pregnancy “glow.”

Still others may realize the wrinkles or fine lines in their face seem to disappear during their second and third trimester. This is certainly a perk of pregnancy often occurring from increased fluid retention and swelling of the skin’s tissues and membranes.

I often wished I could take the pregnancy “glow” with me after pregnancy. Most of the skin changes occurring during pregnancy are temporary, and quickly resolve themselves in the months following delivery.

It is important however, you realize some of the changes occurring in your skin and hair during pregnancy are less associated with a glow than they are a nuisance. Below you’ll find a list of some of the peskier and often unexpected skin changes occurring during pregnancy.

Acne During Pregnancy
There are as mentioned, some less pleasant skin changes occurring during pregnancy. Among the more common complaints women have during pregnancy include increasing acne. Some women liken their skin during pregnancy to that of their teenage years. No matter how much you clean your face during pregnancy, you may find you are just as prone to break outs as you were when a teenager.

This is simply the result of complex hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy. Usually no treatment is necessary other than cleansing your skin using a mild cleanser. Your doctor will recommend you not use a lot of prescription medications to treat acne during pregnancy, as many of these are harmful for growing babies.

The good news is you’ll find your skin quickly returns to normal in the months following delivery.

Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Stretch marks are another common, albeit often unwanted, skin change that occurs during pregnancy. As your abdomen and breasts swell to accommodate your growing baby, so too will your skin swell and sometimes “tear” slightly during pregnancy.
Stretch marks often emerge as your skin is stretched many times beyond its normal capacity.

There is not a lot you can do to prevent stretch marks.

Many studies suggest most women have a genetic tendency to develop stretch marks. You can however, use various lotions and creams to help diminish their appearance and keep your skin as smooth and supple as possible during pregnancy.

There is as always however, good news when it comes to stretch marks. Most women will find with time their stretch marks gradually fade into small, thin and silvery white lines. This is often true even of some of the more severe stretch marks in women.

Some women however, may want to treat their stretch marks more aggressively after delivery. There are some treatments including laser treatments available that may help diminish the appearance of severe stretch marks after pregnancy.

Darkening of Skin During Pregnancy
It is also normal for women’s skin to darken during pregnancy. Doctors often refer to this as melasma or chloasma of pregnancy, where the skin surrounding the eyes, forehead and cheeks often darkens during pregnancy.

This condition often also faces after delivery once your hormones return to normal. Still other women will develop a dark line extending from their navel to their pubic bone. This line, referred to as the linea nigra, is a common side effect of pregnancy that also diminishes in the weeks following pregnancy.

Here are some other common but often not discussed skin changes that occur during pregnancy:

•  Skin tags – many women develop small flaps of skin on the armpits, breasts, neck and even face. Many times these do not disappear after delivery, however they are easily removed by a dermatologists.
•  Hair changes – some women find their hair is thicker during pregnancy. After pregnancy many women’s hair sheds slightly however, returning to its normal thickness in the months following pregnancy. Some women find their hair is curlier or straighter than normal as well during pregnancy, a change that is often temporary and associated with increasing hormones. Still others notice that hair grows in new places on their body during pregnancy, including on their abdomen. Typically this results from increasing levels of progesterone during pregnancy. This is also usually a temporary side effect of pregnancy that resolves itself in the months following pregnancy.

When it comes to the hair and skin changes a women experiences during pregnancy, it is important you remember no two women are alike. You may even notice the hair and skin changes you experience during pregnancy change from pregnancy to pregnancy!