Some pregnant women notice many changes in their skin, nails, and hair, in some due to changes in hormone levels that occur during pregnancy.
Some common skin changes that occur during pregnancy:
- Dark spots on the breasts, nipples, or thighs.
- Melasma (brown spots) on the face around the cheeks, nose and forehead.
- A dark line extending from the navel to the pubic hair.
- Stretch marks.
- Acne.
- Spider veins appear.
- Changes in hair and nail growth.
Dark spots on the skin during pregnancy:
Dark spots are caused by an excess of melanin (a natural substance that gives color to skin and hair) in the body. Dark spots and melasma usually fade on their own after giving birth. However, some women may experience dark spots that last for years. To help prevent melasma from worsening, you should apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat every day when going out.
Stretch marks:
As the abdomen grows during pregnancy, red lines appear in the skin. In the third trimester, stretch marks appear on the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, or thighs in many pregnant women. Using a thick moisturizer may help keep the skin soft, but it will not help get rid of stretch marks, most of them may fade after the baby is born but they may never disappear.
Acne during pregnancy:
Many women suffer from acne during pregnancy, so, she must follow these steps:
- Wash the face twice a day with a soft cleanser and lukewarm water.
- If the hair is greasy, it should be washed with shampoo daily, while trying to keep the hair away from the face.
- Avoid pressing, touching or squeezing acne; To reduce potential scars.
- Choose oil-free cosmetics.
Spider veins:
Hormonal changes and increased amounts of blood in the body during pregnancy can cause small red veins to appear on the face, neck, and arms, which usually disappear after the baby is born.
Changes that may occur to hair during pregnancy:
Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause hair on the head and body to grow or thicken. Sometimes hair grows in places where hair did not grow before (such as: the face, chest, abdomen, and arms), but the hair returns to normal within 6 months after giving birth.
Postpartum hair changes:
About 3 months after giving birth, most women start to notice hair loss. This happens because the hormones return to their normal levels, allowing the hair to return to its natural cycle of growth and shedding. In most cases, the hair grows back completely within 3-6 months.
Itching during pregnancy:
During pregnancy, small, itchy bumps that look like insect bites can appear almost anywhere on the skin, which last for several months and for a short time after delivery. This condition can occur at any time during pregnancy and usually begins with a few bumps that increase in number each day and are thought to be caused by changes in the immune system that occur during pregnancy.
Stagnation of bile in the liver:
It is one of the most common liver problems during pregnancy, and its most common symptom is severe itching of the skin without any rash. Itching occurs most commonly in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, but it may also spread to the trunk of the body. Symptoms usually begin during the third trimester of pregnancy, but they often go away a few days after delivery, and they can increase the risk of preterm labor and other problems.