A whole lot of skin changes happen during pregnancy; some women bloom while others fret over their lot. The fretful lots have to deal with more grease, sweat and pigment in their skin. With blood flowing closer to the skin, you will feel warmer; skin appears shinier with the increased oil secretions. More fat means more cellulite on thigh and bum areas. Every woman has her own experience during this time; some feel their skin never looked better and yet others are plagued by numerous skin problems. Most skin changes are transient but some changes are here to stay.

Pigmentation changes:

Pigmentation changes more obvious on dark skin, these changes are caused by melanocyte-stimulating hormone which acts on the skin cells. Freckles, moles and the areola of the breasts darken; so does the inside of your thighs, armpits, eye areas and genitalia. A dark line that separates your abdominal muscles and runs down the center of your stomach makes its appearance around week 14 and sometimes a little later; it is very common in most pregnant women. This line along with the areola usually remains dark for a while but will fade with time eventually.

Chloasma

Chloasma is also called the mask of pregnancy; it resembles brown patches on the bridge of the nose, cheeks and neck. The patches are dark on light skin and light on dark toned skin. The only way to camouflage it is with the use of cosmetics; don't attempt bleaching. This again is temporary and goes away after few months of delivery. Folic acid deficiency is associated with discoloration of skin; sun exposure worsens things as you are more prone to tanning during pregnancy and the patches only intensify under sun rays. Use suitable protection like a 15+ sunscreen cream.

Spider veins:

These threadlike, red lines usually appear on the cheeks. They are broken blood vessels caused by rapid dilation and constriction of the blood vessels when circulation increases. The blue lines that you notice on the breasts and the tummy area are caused by the extra blood you are now carrying. These go away once your baby arrives. In situations where the veins are severe, you may need surgical intervention.

Skin tags:

These are little extra bits of skin growths that develop in areas where there is friction; bra lines under your breasts, under arm areas are some examples. Small areas of skin become overactive causing these growths. Some women lose them naturally after delivery while others may have to visit a dermatologist for assistance.

Rashes and spots:

Heat rashes can be caused by the combined activities of increased circulation, increased body temperature, perspiration and skin friction. Rashes usually are itchy. Dressing in cotton loose clothing helps; avoid harsh soaps and cleansers. These spots may also appear on the face, arms, torso, palms and soles of feet. Medications for acne and psoriasis can be dangerous to the fetus due to its potency; check with your doctor on alternative care. Conditions like these usually make an exit soon enough.

Pimples:

If you were pimple-prone before your monthly periods, you may continue to get them now as well. This is especially true in the first trimester when the pregnancy hormones have not reached a balanced level yet. Keep your skin clean and use a cleanser 2-3 times a day to deal with the active sebaceous glands. Don't try squeezing these spots as this would help spread the infection into the deeper layers of the skin.

Stretch marks:

These marks are very common; they look like thin pink or red or purplish lines on fairer skins and pale brown lines on dark skin. They are seen on the tummy, breasts, thighs and bums. The hormone relaxin decreases the amount of collagen in the skin fibers, making them more fragile and hence prone to tearing and breaking. You cannot stop it from appearing; no oral application or dietary changes can prevent its appearance. You can't stop or heal these marks; however they gradually fade to silvery lines in the skin. It is usually worse with women who gain kilos rapidly and excessively. How many lines appear and how quickly they fade depends on the elastin and collagen levels of your skin. Gradual weight gain and a diet rich in protein and vitamin C will help keep your skin in better shape. Vitamin E oil or cream does little to prevent its occurrence though many women swear by it.

General tips on skin care

• Use soap sparingly; soap removes natural oils from the skin
• Glycerin based soap and body wash are gentler
• Don't lie in the bath for too long as this dehydrates the skin
• Use make up to add cheer and moisturize your skin at the same time
• Aromatherapy oils are relaxing and moisturizing as well