Your skin is one of the areas that most reflects hormonal changes during pregnancy. Besides the action of hormones on your skin during these months, it undergoes a considerable degree of stretching, especially on your belly. Some skin changes are considered normal, although inconvenient, and others require that you consult with your doctor.  

Dark spots

Dark brown spots that vary in intensity may appear during pregnancy. In fact these are known as “pregnancy mask” or chloasma. They look like patches and usually make their appearance on the cheeks and forehead.  

The onset of this excessive pigmentation is due to the fact that one of the hormones that increase during pregnancy is the hormone that stimulates melanocytes, that has to do with the skin’s coloration. The patches will be darker or lighter depending on the concentration of melanin.

The effect of the hormone that stimulates melanocytes will also be apparent as your pre-existing moles darken. Your nipples typically also darken during pregnancy and it is common for a darker line to appear that goes from the pubis to the navel, known "linea nigra".

Acne

One of the consequences of higher hormonal levels during pregnancy is that skin is oilier. For this reason, pores clog and may become infected, giving way to acne. This is similar to what happens in adolescence.  

Keeping skin clean and hydrated is the best thing you can do to prevent the onset of acne. But you must be very careful with the creams and acne treatments you use. Retin-A and Accutane both cause defects in the fetus, and they are completely off-limits during pregnancy. Check with your doctor before applying any acne treatment during pregnancy.  

Stretch marks

Stretch marks are lines that first look purplish and then turn whitish, and are a consequence of the skin stretching. Stretch marks appear when skin doesn’t have time to stretch as fast as the belly is growing. They tend to appear on the lower side of the abdomen and on the thigh area.  

There is little you can do to prevent stretch marks. The fact that you have more or fewer stretch marks will depend on your type of skin and whether you are prone to their appearance. In order to give skin more elasticity, you may slather on hydrating cream every day. However, once they have appeared, stretch marks never go away.

Although they are permanent, keep in mind that their initial purplish color fades gradually until they take on a whitish tone that is not so noticeable.

Other changes in your skin

Besides dark spots, you can also experience other visible changes during pregnancy. One of them is varicose veins. Although these are caused by changes in the circulatory system, they show through the skin as greenish or purple thickened veins. Other veins may also show through the skin during pregnancy, although they are not necessarily varicose veins.

Small clusters of reddish veins that have purplish ramifications are also a characteristic of these months. They are known as “spider veins” because of their appearance.

Another change in the skin that can sometimes take place is the onset of small wart-like growths on the neck, eyelids or other places, which later on disappear. The cause of these growths is unclear but they are usually not something to be concerned about.  

Itchy skin

It’s normal to have itchy skin during pregnancy, especially around the belly area. In the first few months, this feeling is due to an increased blood flow. In the last months, this discomfort is due to the rapid growth of the belly. Avoiding harsh soaps in the bath or applying nourishing creams may alleviate this discomfort. Wear loose cotton clothing in order to alleviate these symptoms.

Occasionally, small red itchy bumps or pimples may appear. This discomfort is rather common after the 34^th week of pregnancy. They tend to happen first on the abdomen and then extend to the thighs. The itchiness can be very unpleasant and your doctor may treat you with a cream specific for this condition. Fortunately, it isn’t a risky condition, either for you or for your baby, and the discomfort will disappear after birth.

However, if the itchiness increases or extends to other parts of your body, especially during the third trimester, you should check with your doctor as soon as possible. This itchiness could be a symptom of a condition known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. The itchiness is due to the liver not being able to process bile and bile salts then accumulate under the skin. You will require medical treatment.