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.
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