The noticeable changes on skin of women when undergoing pregnancy.
The "pregnancy glow."- The notable facial shine is caused by the enhanced volume of blood which triggers the blush on the cheeks. The increased secretions of the oil glands provide a waxy sheen to the cheeks too.
The pregnancy mask D-uring the second trimester, brownish or yellowish patches called chloasma (also referred as the mask of pregnancy) can appear on the face, but mostly on the forehead, upper cheeks, nose, and chin. This is caused by the pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone stimulating the melanin cells in the skin. The uneven pigmentation caused the blotchy tan.
Acne - Acne of pregnancy is not as serious as in adolescence. Pimples often go away after delivery. Do not take anti-acne prescription drugs Accutane and Retin-A to avoid birth defects.
Linea nigra -Women have an invisible linea alba (white line) from the navel to the center of their pubic bone. In the second trimester however, a linea alba becomes a linea nigra, which puts the dark line in plain sight.
Dark areas become darker-Little moles and freckles before pregnancy may become bigger, and brown spots or birthmarks become browner. The areola and nipples of the breasts become a lot darker.
Red palms and soles - As the second month of pregnancy approaches, the insides of the hands and the bottoms of feet may itch and become reddish called palmar erythema.
Spider veins- Pregnancy hormones coupled with increased blood volume, cause the red or purple capillaries to manifest. Spider veins may also be apparent on the face or on the sclera (white part) of the eyeballs. These veins that could burst during delivery are called nevi.
Skin tags -Some pregnant women have tiny polyps, called skin tags, often found under the arms, between neck folds, or under bra lines on the chest.
Heat rash -Prickly heat rash is caused by a mix of factors: overheated pregnant body, too much perspiration, and skin friction due to rubbing.
Itching-Some areas of skin may itch because of dryness; others are caused by prickly rash. Itching is often felt in stretched skin in abdomen, hips and thighs.
Pimply eruptions. - One percent of pregnant women suffer inflamed, red patches on abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and extremities during the second half of pregnancy. This condition is called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (or PUPP).
