A pregnant woman’s body goes through various physiological and hormonal changes, which often manifest on the skin. Some of these skin changes are common, predictable, and considered normal, while others are severe and may lead to complications during pregnancy.
Common skin conditions in pregnancy can be separated into three categories. These conditions can occur because of:
• Normal physiological/hormonal changes in pregnancy.
• Pre-existing skin conditions that can show signs of flare during pregnancy due to immune–hormonal alterations.
• Other pregnancy-specific dermatoses (diseases of the skin, especially those that do not cause inflammation).
Common Skin Changes:
During pregnancy, normal hormonal fluctuations can lead to various benign skin conditions, including:
Striae gravidarum (Stretch marks): Lesions that develop on the skin due to stretching, weight gain during pregnancy, or shrunken skin due to extreme weight loss postpartum. Treatment such as laser therapy and prescription creams may offer limited effectiveness.
Linea nigra: A hyperpigmented vertical line over the abdomen
Melasma (Chloasma): Hyperpigmentation on sun-exposed areas, which may fade after baby delivery or may get retained over many years and will need treatment.
Telogen effluvium: Temporary hair loss
Hirsutism: Increased hair growth, commonly on the face, limbs, and back. While it typically resolves after delivery, cosmetic removal options may be considered if it persists.
Nail changes: Brittle nails, transverse grooves, onycholysis, or subungual keratosis.
Vascular changes: Such as varicose veins, primarily observed in the legs.
Pre-existing Skin Conditions:
Pre-existing skin conditions can worsen or improve during pregnancy, often necessitating treatment. These conditions may include:
- Acne
- Atopic Eczema
- Psoriasis
Pregnancy-specific Dermatoses:
These conditions are unique to pregnancy and may require specific management:
Pruritic Urticarial Papules & Plaques of Pregnancy:
Characterised by itchy, red bumps and hives. These appear first on the abdomen and spread to the thighs, buttocks and breast.
Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy
Pemphigoid Gestationis:
A rare blistering disease that can begin in the third trimester and may lead to preterm birth or low birth weight.
Intrahepatic Cholestasis:
The most common liver condition in pregnancy. Symptoms start in the 3rd trimester with itching of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or the trunk. In severe cases, it may cause preterm delivery or foetal death.
It’s important to note that most of these skin conditions are benign and reversible. Pregnant women should not overly stress about them, but if severe, consulting a dermatologist for appropriate treatment is advisable, considering some medications may be contraindicated during pregnancy.
Yours in Health,
Dermatologist Dr BR Mfikwe
T: 079 029 4891
E: drbrmfikwe@gmail.com
Location: BMR Family Health Clinics 68 Block DD, Soshanguve
