Pregnancy Stretch Marks & Skin Changes
Stretch Marks
Appearing as red, pink, or purple streaks in the skin, a lot of women are concerned about stretch marks during pregnancy. The good news? Only about half of all pregnant women actually get stretch marks.
Typically appearing on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and breasts, stretch marks are scars caused by the stretching of the skin and usually appear in the second half of pregnancy.
Stretch marks often occur due to:
- Heredity (ask your mother if she had them)
- Rapid weight gain
- Too much weight gain
Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
While creams and lotions can help your skin stay well moisturized, it is questionable whether they prevent stretch marks from forming. However, using special anti-stretch mark creams during pregnancy can’t hurt, and if it doesn’t prevent stretch marks, it will at least help with the itchy sensation caused by the stretching of the skin.
What may be able to prevent stretch marks is even, steady, recommended pregnancy weight gain.If you are noticing stretch marks during your pregnancy the good news is that most stretch marks fade after delivery to very light, even unnoticeable lines.
Other Skin Changes
Stretch marks may not be the only thing you’re noticing with your skin. Many women also experience:
- Darkening of the nipples
- Dark line from belly button down to pubic bone (called the “linea nigra”)
- Blotchy brown pigmentation changes on the forehead
- Nose and cheek changes in pigmentation, often rosy colored from elevated estrogen levels.
Pregnancy hormones are the one to blame for all the changes in your skin, especially elevated estrogen levels. But don’t worry. Most of these changes will fade or disappear after delivery.
