Stretch Marks and Skin Changes in Pregnancy
So, you think your skin has changed since you've become
pregnant?
The answer is probably.
The integumentary system goes through several alterations due to
both hormonal and mechanical changes. Some of these may have been
blown off as old wives tales, while others you may never have heard
of before.
Stretch Marks
Striae gravidarum, or stretch marks are probably the most discussed
of the skin changes during pregnancy. Nearly every woman fears them
or thinks about them. They appear in 50 - 90 of all pregnant women,
usually showing up in the later half of pregnancy. While the
majority will be on the lower abdomen they can also be found on the
thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts and arms of women.
These are most commonly seen as small depressions in the skin. They
tend to be pinkish in light skinned women, and in dark skinned
women they will be lighter than the surrounding skin.
They reflect the separation of collagen of the skin. While not
painful the stretching of the skin may cause a tingling or itchy
sensation.
While many people will swear by certain creams or lotions, the
truth is there's not much you can do about stretch marks, you'll
either get them or not. There are some factors that you should know
contribute to stretch marks:
* Family (If your mom or sister has them, guess what?)
* Weight Gain (Rapid or excessive will make these worse.)
* Nutritional Status (Well hydrated and healthy skin stretches
better.)
* Ethnicity (African American women get them less.)
So, what now? Well, eventually they do fade after you have the
baby, becoming silver lines. While most women don't think about
them much, or consider them badges of motherhood, others want them
removed. There are new techniques and surgeries being explored all
the time. Talk to your dermatologist or plastic surgeon if you are
concerned.
Mask of Pregnancy
Melanotropin is secreted in greater quantity during pregnancy, this
can cause a pigmentation to occur over the nose, cheeks, and
forehead of an expectant mom. While it is not caused by sunlight,
this will aggravate the situation. 45 - 70 of women will experience
this beginning in the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy. This will
fade after the birth. Most women use make up to cover this if it
becomes a problem. This is also called chloasma.
Linea Negra
This is a darker line extending from the pubic bone to the top of
the uterus (fundus), usually showing up for first time moms around
the third month. Multiparous women (had more than one child) will
often see it earlier. While not all women experience this line,
don't believe the rumors that it means a boy baby is on the
way.
Acne
Thought it was gone for good? Think again, while many women
actually find that the hormones of pregnancy relieve their acne and
leave them with that "glowing" skin of pregnancy, many women find
their skin more oily and susceptible to acne break outs. Here's
where the high school remedies come into play... Actually ensure
you are drinking plenty of water, wash your face, avoid things that
cause you to break out. Basically do what works, but it doesn't
have to be fancy.
Spider Veins
These can appear most commonly on the face, neck, chest, arms, and
legs. They are caused from increased estrogen level in your body.
They are often star shaped and slightly raised. They are slightly
blue and do not turn white with pressure. 65 of the Caucasian women
and 10 of the African American women will experience these, which
do usually fade after the birth.
Palmar Erythema
A mottled or reddening of the palms of the hands. This is caused by
increased estrogen levels during pregnancy. About 60 of Caucasian
women will experience this, with about 35 of African American women
too.
Other Facts
* Some women will have accelerated nail growth.
* Others will notice a thinning of their nails.
* Excessive hair growth may occur in unwanted places, fine or
coarse. (Hirsutism)
* Excessive sweating.
http://pregnancy.about.com/od/stretchmarks/a/skinchanges.htm