Pregnancy is a wonderful time for most women. But it can have it’s minor maladies and perturbing problems. The body is going through lots of changes inside and out. So it’s no wonder that many of the problems afflicting pregnant women are skin related. Here’s a few that you may encounter during your pregnancy.

Skin darkening, hyperpigmentation.

Existing freckles or moles or birthmarks can become darker and bigger during pregnancy. Hormones flooding your system will exacerbate existing skin discoloration and can lead to new dark skin patches or moles. While not usually dangerous, any new mole, or skin condition should be discussed with your doctor during your visits - so they can be checked. Other areas may also darken during pregnancy, such as areola, nipples, and labia.

Pregnancy Mask (Chloasma)

Also known as melasma, the mask of pregnancy, or mother's mask, its related to hormones again and often results in a mild darkening around the upper cheeks, forehead, and mouth - forming a “mask”. The mother’s mask generally fades after giving birth, but due to increased pigmentation in the upper layers of the skin in the affected areas, it may persist.

Linea Nigra

The linea nigra forms along the typically unobtrusive linea alba running from your navel to your pubic bone. Generally around the second trimester, hormones again, will cause this line to start to darken. It can also extend upwards from the navel too. This darkened line generally fades in most women a few months after delivery.

Acne

Some women experience acne even if they’ve never suffered with it before. Again, the abundance of hormones flowing through your body are to blame. It will generally subside after you deliver or after ceasing to breastfeed (since breastfeeding continues to produce extra hormones). Though in some women that are prone to acne, the opposite may occur. Their skin may clear up and become radiant while they’re pregnant or nursing. However, if you develop acne while pregnant, use gentle washes and natural soaps - avoid abrasive scrubs or acne creams. If your acne is severe, your doctor may address it with prescriptive creams.

Skin tags and growths

Here’s a lovely side effect of those lovely pregnancy hormones. You may develop skin tags. They’ll usually appear where skin rubs together or rubs against clothing regularly. It’s an overreaction of your skin, but while annoying or unsightly, they’ll generally disappear a few months after giving birth.

Rashes during pregnancy

Pregnant women may suffer with several types of rashes. Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is caused by overheated skin, that’s moist, and rubbing against something, resulting in irritation. It usually occurs under the breasts or inner thighs or under arms. While annoying it’s generally not serious. Of course you should discuss any rash with your doctor.

A related condition that appears as pimply, itchy, eruptions is called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (or PUPP). It generally appears in the second half of pregnancy and will disappear after birth. This can be uncomfortable and should be discussed with your doctor

Itchy skin

Rashes and PUPP will trigger itchy skin, just like any rash or skin condition. But so too will the expanding skin occurring during pregnancy. Many women experience itchy bellies and thighs through pregnancy. Or some women develop dry skin or even psoriasis. Treatments should be discussed with your doctor - but generally consist of typical anti-itch remedies.

Red palms and feet

Another pregnancy related skin condition is palmar erythema. Your hands and the soles of your feet may become redder and feel itchy. There’s generally nothing to worry about and it fades after delivery. It’s simply another lovely side effect of pregnancy hormones.

Spider veins.

Spider angiomas are tiny dilated blood vessels radiating out from a central point. They resemble spiders, hence their name. Spider veins typically appear in the legs during pregnancy, but some women will develop them on their faces, chests, or abdomens, etc. They may clear up on their own after pregnancy - but if they don’t - treatments with topical creams or lasers have shown to be effective.

Stretch Marks

Almost all women will develop some type of stretch mark during pregnancy. Genetics, health, and over all weight gain can play a big part in how severely, but prevention is also available through creams and lotions. Stretch marks are a result of the skin stretching and tearing and scarring when it heals. As pregnancy progresses, the skin is stretched more and more along the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and breasts and stretch marks can occur. Most women dread stretch marks since they seldom disappear after delivery. But fortunately, like spider veins, lasers and topical treatments have proven successful in diminishing their appearance.

Hair loss or growth

It’s typical for women to experience fuller and more robust hair growth while pregnant. Your hair may become fuller and stop falling out. It can be terrific for some, though it’s only temporary, as the extra long-lived hair will fall out after delivery. Unfortunately, extra hair growth can also occur else where too. On your face, arms, legs, etc. Again, it’s usually temporary and will correct itself after delivery. Of course, in some instances, hair loss can occur. Pregnancy can trigger female pattern hair loss (if it’s genetic in the family).