Many changes to a woman's appearance are completely natural. Some things to be aware of are:
· The linea nigra. This is a dark line that some women get usually extending down from the belly button. It occurs usually during the second trimester of pregnancy and will clear up some months after the birth.
·Pregnancy mask. Occurring around a similar time, you may get brown or yellow blotches on the face. Hormones are stimulating melanin (pigmentation) in an erratic way. This can be exacerbated by exposure to ultraviolet light. Some tanning salons advise against use of tanning beds while pregnant.
· Darker, bigger nipples and areola.
· Pregnancy glow. Due to increased activity of blood cells and oil glands, skin may have a blushed and shiny appearance.
·Acne and darkening of moles. Pregnant women can experience acne. Consult your GP before using any anti acne treatments as some of these can be harmful to unborn children. Moles and freckles may darken. New moles may appear.
· Dry skin. This is not uncommon and can lead to itching. Excessive itching and a jaundiced pallor can be signs of cholestasis, a condition connected with the different behaviour of the liver during pregnancy. Consult a health professional if you exhibit these symptoms as cholestasis can be harmful to your baby.
· Spider veins. Hormones and increased volume of blood can lead to veins being more visible. Exertion during delivery can lead to a bursting of small blood vessels. These burst vessels, or nevi, resemble spiders webs and can take longer to clear up.
· Skin tags. These are harmless polyps, or skin outgrowths, that can occur around the neck, underarm area or elsewhere. Caused by increased skin production, they should disappear after giving birth.
· Stretch marks. These are marks caused by the tearing of the elastic fibres in the skin. Appearing mainly on the abdomen and sometimes on the breasts, hips, thighs and buttocks, they start off a reddish colour then fade. Half of all pregnant women get stretch marks. They are thought to run in families, and there are no proven preventative measures. Although the elasticity of the skin is capable of coping with such changes in body shape which happen in pregnancy, it's all a question of how much and how quickly. Rapid weight gain, large or multiple babies or a lot of amniotic fluid can affect whether or not you get stretch marks. Sticking to the recommended weight gain amounts (normally 25 to 35 pounds) accrued slowly may help. Stretch marks will fade eventually but their texture will remain the same. Certain topical ointments can be of some use but consult your doctor first as some of them (e.g. tretinoin cream a.k.a Retin A) are potentially dangerous for use while still pregnant. Some successful results have been attributed to post birth cosmetic laser surgery. Again ask your doctor.
· Hair. Your hair consistency and normal loss rate may change when you are pregnant. Some women experience drier than normal hair which will require more conditioning. Others experience the opposite and find they have a luxuriant, shiny head of hair. One quite common occurrence is that your hair may not fall out as much during pregnancy and nursing. You may not notice this until you stop, when it may seem that you are losing too much hair. Do not worry; it's just your body catching up on all you should have shed before. It is advisable not to perm or colour your hair especially during the first trimester.