Jack Maloney, MD Family Practice

August 28, 2009

During pregnancy it may seem like everything is changing, your emotions, needs, thoughts and more. But the change that might make you the most uncomfortable is the one you feel everyone can see: your skin.

Skin changes in pregnancy are caused mostly by shifts in hormones, and there are certain differences that a new mom should expect:

• A ‘mask like’ increase in pigmentation on the face, known as melasma
• Stretch marks, known as striae, occur in up to 90% of pregnant women, on areas such as the abdomen, hips and buttocks
• Redness of the face (‘pregnancy glow’), palms and soles of the feet
• Spider veins (capillaries that become visible during pregnancy)
• Acne (Many women experience worsened acne during pregnancy, but as many as 1/3 of women see their acne actually improve.)
• Darkening of certain areas of skin, such as the nipples, areolae and genitalia

Skin changes do vary from woman to woman, but most changes are relatively mild and normal. However, it is still important to stay in communication with your doctor about any changes, particularly ones that concern you. A rash or significant itching should be evaluated by your doctor to rule out the possibility of a more serious problem.

With all of these changes, it is important to make sure you are taking care of your skin properly and with your baby in mind. I don’t generally recommend any specific skin routine changes. Certain prescription skin products should be avoided during pregnancy. ‘Retinoid’ medications, such as isotretinoin (Accutane) used for acne, should be avoided during pregnancy due to their risk for causing birth defects.

Pregnancy can cause your skin to become somewhat more itchy. Sarna lotion is a good over-the-counter product for itching in general. Itching can also occur if your skin becomes overly dry. In this case, a good moisturizer such as Eucerin or Cetaphil cream is what you need.

While a pregnant woman’s skin is not any more sensitive to sun and burning than when not pregnant, it is still incredibly important that you use sunscreen regularly if you are going to be outside. Why risk the added discomfort of sunburn?

The good news is that most of these changes that occur during pregnancy will resolve or improve substantially after your child is born. The skin darkening in most places will lighten, and stretch marks will gradually fade.