Ten Strange Pregnancy Symptoms
Pregnancy skin problems (aka acne, melasma and darker moles)
Dark spots on your skin:
Turns out, not all skin “glows” during pregnancy. Higher hormone levels cause an increase in your body’s production of the natural pigment melanin, so dark spots on your skin (freckles, moles, nipples and areolas) gradually get darker. New moles may also surface and, sometime in your second trimester, you’ll probably notice a dark line from your navel to pubic bone (aka linea nigra). Happily, darkened moles and freckles, as well as linea nigra, will all fade within a month or two after delivery.
Solution
There’s not a lot you can do to prevent pigment changes during pregnancy, although some studies suggest folic acid supplements may help because a folic acid deficiency can cause hyperpigmentation. Health Canada recommends pregnant women take a multivitamin containing 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid every day.
Mask of pregnancy:
If you notice a dark patch of skin spreading across your nose, resist the urge to scrub harder in the shower. About 70 percent of pregnant women develop melasma, a darkening of the skin over the upper lip, nose, cheekbones and forehead. Because it’s often symmetrical, melasma is also known as “the mask of pregnancy.” But fear not, you aren’t doomed to look like a caped crusader forever – melasma usually fades a few months after your baby’s arrival.
Solution
During pregnancy, the best way to battle skin discolouration is with extra sun protection (UV rays intensify pigment changes), so apply a broad-spectrum sunblock with SPF 30 or higher every day. To make melasma less noticeable, yellow- and white-based concealers can even out your skin tone. If the dark patches haven’t faded even months after delivery, talk to a dermatologist about bleaching creams, topical medication containing Retin-A, chemical peels, or laser treatments.
Acne:
You may feel you’ve regressed to your teen years as raging hormones once again trigger breakouts by boosting oil production in your skin. Pregnancy acne can be mild to severe and can occur any time over the next nine months, but rest assured that your skin will settle down again when your hormone levels return to normal.
Solution
Use mild cleansers, says Hayes. “Many pregnant women don’t realize their skin is hypersensitive and continue using their pre-pregnancy cleansers and exfoliants, but these things can just aggravate skin and cause more problems.” When it comes to skincare products and cosmetics, opt for ones that are oil-free, water-based and non-comedogenic as they’re less likely to clog your pores and contribute to breakouts. When it comes to topical acne treatments, check with a dermatologist to make sure they’re safe to use during pregnancy.
