Pregnancy causes substantial changes to your body, including your skin. Many women report that their skin is responding in unexpected ways. These shifts might be unexpected, and understanding why they occur helps you manage them more successfully.
Data shows that common skin alterations include hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, spider angiomas, palmar erythema, and greasy skin. Shifting hormones, increased blood flow and other internal changes frequently influence the way your skin responds throughout pregnancy.
In this article, we will look at how these changes occur and what you can do about them.
How Hormonal Changes Affect Your Skin
Hormones are primarily responsible for many of the skin changes that occur during pregnancy. Estrogen and progesterone levels rise significantly, with varying impacts depending on your skin type. For some women, hormonal surges result in a bright complexion, known as the “pregnancy glow.” This glow results from improved blood flow, which improves circulation and gives the skin a rosier, healthier appearance.
Hormonal variations can also cause increased oil production, which can lead to acne or breakouts, even in women who have never had them before. However, some women have particularly dry skin during pregnancy due to the body’s changing moisture demands and chemical imbalances.
Pregnancy can lead to numerous hormonal changes in the body. In fact, pregnancy itself is influenced by hormones, which is why many women use hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) to prevent it. However, since these IUDs can lead to hormonal changes, it is often advised to opt for non-hormonal IUDs like the Paragard IUD.
Paragard IUD is a T-shaped copper device that can be useful for long-term birth control and lasts for up to 10 years. As Cleveland Clinic states, the Paragard IUD has an accuracy rate of 99%, which makes it more appealing to users. Comparatively, the accuracy of an injection, a pill, or condoms is 96%, 93%, and 86%, respectively.
However, the problem with the Paragard IUD is that it can break when being removed, resulting in complications. According to TorHoerman Law, the Paragard IUD can fracture when in use or during removal to cause the following possible complications:
- Bleeding or spotting during menstruation
- Pain during intercourse.
- Infections
- Vaginal discharge.
- Increased discomfort from menstrual cramps
- Expulsion (IUD slips out of the uterus)
Many individuals have filed a Paragard IUD lawsuit against the manufacturer and are seeking compensation for the damages and sufferings. The plaintiffs allege that manufacturers should have known and informed consumers about these potential consequences.
The Paragard lawsuit settlement amounts may differ from case to case. However, the experts believe that the amount can be anywhere between $10,000 and $400,000.
Why do some women have a pregnant glow and others don’t?
The pregnant glow is mostly due to increased blood circulation and hormonal changes, which allow the skin to seem flushed and radiant. However, not all women experience it since hormonal changes can often induce acne or dryness instead of a smooth, radiant complexion.
Hyperpigmentation and Melasma
Another typical skin alteration during pregnancy is hyperpigmentation, namely melasma or the “mask of pregnancy.” This manifests itself as black areas on the face, particularly on the cheeks, nose, and forehead.
It is caused by increased production and release of the dark pigment melanin. While the specific causes are unknown, they appear to be associated with increases in estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormones. Up to 90% of pregnant women have hyperpigmentation. Some women, especially those with darker skin tones, may have more noticeable pigmentation.
Melasma is often caused by sun exposure; therefore, protecting your skin from the sun is significant during pregnancy. While these dark patches normally vanish after birth, treating them throughout the pregnancy might help prevent them from becoming more noticeable.
Will melasma fully go away after pregnancy?
Melasma typically disappears after pregnancy, although it can occasionally remain. Hormonal balance and solar exposure influence how long the dark patches stay. Consistent sun protection and moderate treatments can help lessen their presence after pregnancy.
Sensitivity and Itchiness
During pregnancy, your skin may become more sensitive, responding to things that you previously used without trouble. This heightened sensitivity might cause redness, rashes, or discomfort.
Itchiness is also typical, especially when your tummy and breasts expand to accommodate your developing kid. The skin may feel tight and unpleasant, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy when it is under more strain.
This heightened sensitivity might make you more susceptible to eczema or enhance your skin’s reaction to severe weather, such as cold air or wind. Gentle skincare regimens become essential for reducing these responses and keeping your skin calm.
While itching is common during pregnancy, you should not ignore it, especially if you are constantly feeling the urge to itch. This is due to the fact that itching may also indicate intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a liver ailment. ICP, also known as obstetric cholestasis (OC), is a medical condition that has to be treated. The good thing is that the condition is not very common and affects only one in 140 pregnant women.
Is it okay to use antihistamines to treat itchy skin when pregnant?
Some antihistamines are considered safe during pregnancy, but you should always ask your doctor before taking any medicine. Histamine receptors come in two varieties: H-1 and H-2 receptors. Allergies and allergic rhinitis are frequently treated with antihistamines that bind to H-1 receptors. Your healthcare provider will be best positioned to help you determine what medicines or creams you can safely use for itchy skin during pregnancy.
Stretch Marks and Skin Elasticity
Striae gravidarum, often known as stretch marks, affects up to 90% of pregnant women. They form when the skin expands or shrinks suddenly, rupturing the collagen and elastin.
According to research, women who become pregnant at a young age or gain weight fast are more likely to have stretch marks. Several studies found that cortisone, an adrenal gland hormone, has a role in the formation of stretch marks. Furthermore, those who use corticosteroids or have Cushing syndrome are more likely to get stretch marks. The buttocks, hips, breasts, belly, and thighs are the most often affected body parts.
Collagen synthesis, which promotes skin suppleness, decreases during pregnancy, making some women more prone to stretch marks than others. Though these markings may vanish after labor, adopting actions to maintain skin elasticity throughout pregnancy might help lessen their severity.
Pregnancy causes many unanticipated changes, and your skin is no exception. Understanding why you have a radiant glow, unexpected breakouts, or stretch marks might help you manage them better. A mild skincare routine, hydration, and sun protection can help your skin during this special period. Though certain changes may be transitory, caring for your skin throughout pregnancy can make you feel more comfortable.