Pregnancy takes the body on a roller-coaster ride of physical changes, ranging from morning sickness to sensitive emotions to constipation. Skin changes are another less-than-pleasant side effect of pregnancy. Most skin problems can be associated with increased hormonal levels, while others directly result from physical accommodation for the growing baby.
Stretch Marks
According to Dr. Marc Tunzi and Dr. Gary Gray, as published in the "American Family Physician," stretch marks, also known as striae gravidarum, affect up to 90 percent of pregnant women. As the skin over the abdomen stretches along with the baby's growth, tiny tears occur in the skin and appear as pink or purple striations. BabyCenter says the development of stretch marks depends on genetics as well as how much and how fast weight is gained throughout the pregnancy. As the skin stretches, it can also become increasingly itchy.
Skin Darkening
Hormonal changes can also account for hyperpigmentation of the skin. Two common conditions of skin darkening include the "mask of pregnancy," also called chloasma or melasma, and linea nigra. The "mask" appears as brownish, uneven darkening of skin on the middle of the face, up to the forehead and around the temples, according to the March of Dimes. Also, Tunzi and Gray state up to 70 percent of women experience melasma during pregnancy. The linea nigra appears as a darkened line from the belly button down to the pubic area. Both cases of hyperpigmentation fade in the postpartum period.
Acne and Other Bumps
Many moms may suffer from acne during pregnancy but others do not, depending on how hormonal changes affect them. According to the March of Dimes, some women acquire skin tags, which are small, soft skin flaps that can form on the breasts, armpits or neck. Additionally, itchy red bumps can develop on the stomach and spread to the buttocks, arms and legs late in pregnancy. Though the itching can cause some discomfort, these bumps are harmless.
Spider Veins and Other Vascular Changes
During pregnancy, increased blood circulation inside the body can cause changes to the skin outside. While these vascular changes can give a woman the rosy glow of pregnancy by increased circulation to the face, they can also cause appearance of small red or blue lines on the upper part of the body, including the face. These spider veins result from increased blood in capillaries beneath the surface of the skin. Increased blood flow can also make the vaginal skin appear darker in color and cause puffy swelling of the face and eyelids, according to Tunzi and Gray.
