Bumblebeebaby Blog 5 common skin changes during pregnancy ...

Hopefully you are one of the lucky ones and acquire that classic, characteristic pregnancy GLOW that everyone labels you with, regardless of whether you have it or not. This glow can & does exist and is partly due to the increased hormone levels in your body. On the flip side, you may find you perspire more as a result of the action of the pregnancy hormones on the sweat glands all over the body ... Interestingly most of your observed skin changes go away in the first 6 months after the birth, but some may remain permanently. Linea Nigra - You may notice a dark line running down from your naval to your pubic bone called the Linea Nigra. This is usually more prominent in darker skinned womenChloasma - The skin around your cheeks, nose and eyes may also change colour. This is called Chloasma and usually appears darker in lighter skinned women & lighter in darker skinned women. Exposure to the sun can make these changes more pronounced. Chloasma is due to hormonal influences on skin pigment cells Acne - Some women who suffer from acne find that their skin improves in pregnancy. Others may find that their skin gets worse & those that have never suffered from spots, may suddenly get them. Always consult your doctor before taking acne medication. Acne & spots usually clear in the second trimesterSpider Angiomas - Tiny red spots or spider Angiomas may appear anywhere on your body. These spots which turn white when you press on them, are concentrations of blood vessels caused by the high level of oestrogen in the bodyItchy hands & feet - Your palms & sometimes the soles of your feet may become red & itchy. This condition is known as palmar erythema & is once again as a result of increased levels of hormones in the body. If your body is increasing itchy, speak to your doctorA little glum to think about however, it's good to be aware of what you may or may not encounter along the way ... To end on a positive note ... There is NO way to prevent stretchmarks & no cream is available to get rid of them regardless of the price tag & marketing promise. If your mother had them, you are also more likely to get them ... Sorry! :) Believe me, this will all be distant memory once your little bub arrives ...