How Your Skin Changes During Pregnancy – Part 2

Earlier on, you may notice skin changes during pregnancy such as stretch marks, mask of pregnancy, pregnant glow, pimples and skin tags.

While many of these changes can be alarming, they will usually disappear after you give birth. Here are some other skin changes that you may notice during the later months of your pregnancy.

• Linea Nigra - This shows up as a dark line running down the middle of your abdomen. It is believed to be caused by the increased hormones in your body and will usually occur some time in the 2nd trimester.

  You may also notice a darkening of the inside of your belly button as well. There is nothing you can do to prevent it, but it will disappear shortly after giving birth.

• Itchy Abdomen – An itchy abdomen can have a few different causes. Typically, it is caused by the stretching and tightness of the skin and can be relieved with lotion or calamine lotion.

  If you notice bumps accompanying the itchiness, you may have what is called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (sometimes referred to as PUPP, PUPPS or PUPPP).

  This is an extremely itchy condition and you will likely need a prescription to get relief. Lastly, if you experience extreme itching late in pregnancy, you should contact your healthcare provider. You may have a condition called cholestasis which is caused by improper liver function and will need to be treated.

• Spider Veins - These look like small little reddish or purplish blood vessels and you will notice them on the backs of your legs, on your face or on your arms. These are caused by the increased volume of blood in the body and do not hurt. They will ususually go away on their own.
• Varicose Veins – These are blue veins that will stand out from the skin. They are sometimes uncomfortable or painful and again are the result of increased blood flow.

  In order to try to avoid them or reduce them, try to not stand for long periods of time, keep your feet up when you sit, take short walks to increase circulation and try taking vitamin C. If they become a problem for you, try support stockings.

Although there are many skin changes during pregnancy, most of them are not serious or bothersome. Try some of the remedies and if you cannot get relief, speak to your health care provider.

Also keep in mind, that most of these conditions will reverse themself after you give birth.