During pregnancy, with so many changes taking place inside your body, it's easy to forget that there's a lot happening on the outside of it too. Obviously your belly and boobs are doing some...expanding, but you might not know about the many ways a lot of people's skin changes during pregnancy. And frankly, you need to know, because there is a hell of a lot that could happen to your body's most expansive organ.
Skin, in particular, is more susceptible to changes and sensitivities while pregnant. All those hormones running rampant cause your skin to sometimes act a bit, well, odd. Most of the changes that take place during your pregnancy are temporary. That's welcome news in some instances, but not all of the changes are that unbearable, and you might even be a little sad to see some of them go. For example, that awesome "glow" and those perfectly plump lips are actually sort of fun, and your flushed cheeks could potentially shorten your makeup routine. But there are also some changes that you'll be thankful are temporary. Don't be surprised if any of the following happen during your nine (OK, ten) months of pregnancy. Yes, they're a little weird, but they're also usually nothing to be worried about at all.
Worsening Pre-Existing Skin Conditions
If you have a skin condition such as rosacea or eczema, it's likely that their appearance could worsen during pregnancy. On the other hand, skin conditions relating to your immune system could improve the appearance of things like psoriasis.
Your skin may also be more sensitive due to increased blood flow. When your skin stretches it becomes more delicate, so sensitivity will likely increase the further you get into your pregnancy.
These changes will also subside after delivery.
Itchiness
As your skin stretches — especially if you're developing stretch marks — it can cause you to incessantly itch. You're also more sensitive to certain chemicals found in many detergents, so sometimes mild rashes or hives will develop. Most itching is fairly normal and nothing to be concerned about.
However, if severe itching persists or develops on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, Web MD recommends that you see your doctor, as this could be a condition called obstetric cholestasis, a condition that could affect your liver.
Of course, if you have any concerns about the changes you see in your skin, it's best to consult a doctor, not an online article written by someone who (despite formidable Googling powers and one pregnancy under her belt) is decidedly not a physician. Your body is going through a lot of changes, and it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the health of you and your baby.
Also, you look radiant!
Images: Yanko Peyankov/Unsplash; Giphy(9)