Skin, Hair and Nail Changes during Pregnancy

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"What skin changes should I expect?"
Linea Nigra - The Linea Nigra is the most common skin change in pregnancy. It is the darken of a faint line (called the linea alba) that runs from your belly button to the top of your pubic hair. The line has always been there but not noticed because it was the same color as surround skin. During pregnancy the extra production of a skin pigment called Melantin darks the line. The line often becomes more apparent during the latter half of pregnancy and for most women will fade after childbirth.

Darkening of nipples and areola - The nipples and the skin around your nipples the “areola” becomes much darker during pregnancy. These changes are temporary and fade after childbirth. Darkening of Scars and Freckles - Scars and freckles will have a darker hue.

Mask of pregnancy - The “mask of pregnancy” (Chloasma) is the most cosmetically disturbing pigment change that occurs in pregnancy. It causes a brownish discoloration around the eyes, nose and cheeks. The darken skin changes to normal at about a year after delivery. You will have to wear cover up make up in the meantime.

Acne - If you thought acne was a thing of the past you may be surprised to find that acne during pregnancy is quite common. Most women find that their face breaks out similar to their puberty years.

Try to clean your face and neck regularly. Pimples will be much worse if the pores are clogged. Be sure to clean your face using a gentle cleanser and light moisturizer. Do not use acne medications unless you ask your doctor. You will be advised not to use a common acne medication, Accutane, as it can cause birth defects.

Vascular spiders - Vascular spiders are tiny red veins that show up under your skin around your eyes, neck; face; upper chest; arms; and hands. They actually look like tiny red spiders. They will fade in about 3 months after delivery.

Red palms - The palms of your hands will turn red during pregnancy. The coloration comes from the dilated blood vessels below the skin. The palms of your hand often itch because of the increase blood supply to them in pregnancy. The redness will fade after delivery.

Varicose Veins - Leg varicosities are common. They are tiny dilated blood vessels seen in the skin of the leg. The more blood that pools in the dilated vessels the worse they appear. You can try measures to decrease the pooling of blood by elevating your legs when sitting, compression with support hose, sleeping on your left side, and avoidance of long periods of standing or sitting.

Skin Tags - Numerous skin tags, little flaps of skin, will appear on your breasts and neck. The skin tags will fall off after delivery.

Stretch Marks - Stretch marks form when your skin is stretched rapidly as happens during pregnancy. Most women develop stretch marks during the later trimesters of pregnancy though some women start to develop them as soon as their bellies start growing.

Stretch marks represent the tearing or separation of collagen within the skin of the thighs, breasts and abdomen as your skin stretches. Creams to prevent stretch marks have not proven to be effective. However, the dark red or purplish stretch marks will fade to a much lighter color and get less obvious within 6 months to 1 year after you’ve given birth to your baby.

"How will my hair change during pregnancy?"

Hair - Pregnancy hormones cause both an increase and a decrease in hair growth. You may see an increase in hair growth most frequently on the face, but it may also be seen on the arms, legs and back.

Scalp hair appears thicker or denser during pregnancy. After your baby’s delivery your hair may thin out and you might become concerned, however, with time your normal hair thickness will return.

"Do my finger and toe nails grow faster during pregnancy?"

Nails - During pregnancy you mail notice an increase rate of finger and toe nail growth. You may also notice grooves in them. This condition will decrease after the delivery of your baby.

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