Some degree of skin changes, seen in 90% of pregnant women from the 3rd month to the end of pregnancy due to stretching of the skin and change in hormone levels.
In addition, changes in hair and temperature also occur during pregnancy and usually go away on their own after birth.
Changes in the skin can usually be due to an increase in the melanocyte-stimulating hormone that is responsible for giving skin color. It is now reported that estrogen and progesterone are also responsible for the melanocyte stimulating effect and a more likely cause of skin pigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is more common in women with darker skin. It’s more pronounced in areas such as the areola, perineum, and navel, and friction-prone areas such as the axilla and inner thighs.
Changes in the Skin
Linea nigra
The linea nigra is a brownish-black pigmented line that runs from the pubis to the top of the navel and is located on the midline of the rectus muscle.
Chloasma gravidarum
Facial pigmentation, also known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy, occurs around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks; at least half of all pregnant women are affected.
Skin pigmentation is caused by the deposition of melanin in epidermal or dermal layers of skin. Epidermal melanosis (hyperpigmentation of the top layer of the skin) usually goes away after birth. Whereas, dermal melanosis (hyperpigmentation of the middle layer of the skin) can persist for up to 10 years in one-third of women.
Chloasma can be reduced by avoiding sun exposure and application of blanching creams followed by high protection factor sun creams.
Stretch marks
During pregnancy, the mother’s size increases, and the layers of skin stretches, especially on the breasts, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. In some pregnant women, the areas of a maximum stretch become thinner and lead to stretch marks. Itching during pregnancy can increase your belly stretch marks.
Stretch marks, also known as striae graviderm, usually appear as a red stripe during pregnancy, which turns into shiny silvery-white lines about six months after delivery.
There is no evidence that the use of certain creams can prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. You can apply some oils and aloe vera on your belly to reduce the formation of stretch marks and prevent itching and dryness.
Changes in the hair
Hair growth is high during pregnancy. This reverses after delivery when there is a lot of hair loss during brushing or washing. Normal hair growth is usually restored in 6 to 12 months.
Slight rise in temperature
During pregnancy, a 0.2-0.4 °C increase in temperature results from an increased basal metabolic rate and the effects of progesterone. As a result, pregnant women may feel excessive heat and sweat, especially in humid and hot climates. Everything becomes normal after delivery.
Some women feel a burning sensation in their feet after delivery. It’s common to feel it. To avoid this, do not walk barefoot after delivery, use slippers for 2 months. If you still have a burning sensation in your feet, then don’t worry. It ends on its own with time.
Conclusion
In the above post, we have discussed the changes in skin, hair, and temperature during pregnancy. Linea nigra and chloasma are usually caused by hyperpigmentation of the skin due to the effects of hormones. Stretch marks are caused due to the stretching of the mother’s skin. These are very common in pregnancy.
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