Common Skin Conditions During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can sometimes bring with it changes to your skin. While some may be more serious and require help from your healthcare provider—such as eczema​, psoriasis, and candida (fungal) infection of the vagina—most common skin conditions in pregnancy are typically minor and generally diminish or disappear after delivery. 

Skin Condition Causes

Many of the skin conditions experienced during pregnancy are due to hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and skin compression from the uterus. They include:

Acne

Increased oil production and blood flow—typically early in a pregnancy—can lead to clogged pores and pimples on the face, neck, chest, or back. Acne usually clears up within a few weeks of childbirth.

Linea Nigra

Also known as the pregnancy line, linea nigra is a dark vertical line that appears on the stomach during pregnancy and runs from the belly button to the pubic area. It can also extend up toward the top of the abdomen. Linea nigra is caused by hyperpigmentation, which is triggered by increased hormones during pregnancy that stimulate increased pigment production. It’s usually nearly invisible until the second trimester (around 20 weeks) when the line darkens enough to be visible. The dark line usually lightens several months after delivery.

Melasma

A type of hyperpigmentation, Melasma can cause brown or gray patches on the skin, especially the face. Pigment typically goes back to normal after delivery.

Stretch Marks

Up to 90% of pregnant women experience stretch marks by the third trimester. Pregnancy can cause pink or red stripes on the belly, breasts, buttocks, and thighs. Once your baby is born, stretch marks may fade over time and become less noticeable, but they likely won’t go away completely.

Skin Tags

Increased hormone levels and weight gain can lead to skin laxity, which can cause the skin to rub together and develop tags. Pregnancy-related skin tags may go away on their own within a few months after giving birth, as hormonal levels return to normal.

Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy (PEP)

This condition causes red, itchy bumps to appear on the belly near stretch marks during the third trimester. PEP usually resolves within four to six weeks after delivery.

Palmar Erythema

A skin condition that makes the palms of your hands turn red, Palmar Erythema occurs in 66% of white and 33% of black women beginning in the first trimester. The redness will fade over time after delivery.

Varicosities 

Also known as varicose veins or spider veins, Varicosities are swollen, twisted blood vessels that appear blue or red and are located just under the skin. Up to 40% of pregnant people may experience Varicosities, which may not go away after pregnancy. Varicose veins that develop during pregnancy usually improve within the first year after giving birth. For most healthy women, they may disappear or shrink in size within months after pregnancy. However, for about 25% of women, some varicose veins may still be visible after six months, and some patients may need treatment within 12 months.

Hair and Nail Changes 

While this isn’t skin, hair and nails are related. You might appear to have a higher volume of hair on your scalp because estrogen increases during pregnancy support a longer hair lifecycle. In addition, hair can increase on your face, back, and legs. Your nails can also become brittle and split at the ends. Hair and nails should return to normal within three to six months of delivery. 

Skincare During Pregnancy

Many of these conditions, while not serious, can cause discomfort and just be plain annoying. The following skincare tips can help deal with the visual issues and keep you more comfortable.

Use Sunblock

Use a broad-spectrum sunblock on your face each day (30 SPF) to help prevent the pigment from further darkening. You can find gentle moisturizers containing SPF sunblock. Avoid being in the hot sun in general.

Find the Right Soap

While mild soap is recommended during pregnancy, moisturizing soaps are better. Do not use bubble baths or scrub your skin daily. 

Don’t Wash Excessively

Keep your body clean, as you may feel sweaty and hot, but limit bathing to once a day.  Bathing too frequently can remove the natural oils from your skin and cause dryness and irritation. Keep your hair clean with a daily mild shampoo. 

Moisturize

Moisturizers help to decrease the itch caused by acne, Melasma, stretch marks, or rashes that sometimes occur during pregnancy. Steer clear of moisturizers with paraffin, this ​​can clog pores.  

Treating Acne

Acne can be treated with antibiotic lotions, for example, erythromycin or clindamycin lotions. Do not use tretinoin (Retin-A) cream during pregnancy, as it may cause risks for your baby. 

Get Good Sleep and Exercise

Adequate sleep and exercise help the skin to glow. And it’s just a good idea in general, but even more important during pregnancy.

Take Your Vitamins

Ensure you take a prenatal multivitamin. Calcium is stored in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, and helps regulate skin hydration.  Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help protect tissues from damage and brighten skin. It can also help control dark spots and pigmentation. Vitamin B2 can help give skin a healthy glow and is also important for eye health, and Vitamin B3 can help promote and maintain healthy skin. Folic acid, a B vitamin found in most prenatal supplements, promotes healthy cell growth, including skin, hair, and nails (prenatal supplements typically contain 600 micrograms of folic acid, which is the recommended amount per day for pregnant women).

We’re Here to Help

At CT Coastal OB/GYN, we want to make your pregnancy as seamless and stress-free as possible. If you have any questions during your journey—regarding skin issues or anything else—reach out to us online at Connecticut Coastal OB/GYN or call us at 203.562.5181. We’re here for you.