Skin during pregnancy: major physiological changes

Dermatology is known to be one of the most extensive sciences, because the skin reflects any changes in the human body. And what can we say about pregnancy, a process that requires such a serious, global restructuring. Physiological changes during pregnancy can sometimes frighten or alarm both the expectant mother herself and the dermatologist.

However, understanding the normal processes that take place in a woman's body during childbearing allows you to avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety. Read about the physiological changes in the skin during pregnancy on estet-portal.com in this article.

Physiological changes in the skin during pregnancy

Pigmentary changes are the most frequent companions of pregnancy. Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in the secretion of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones act in combination: estrogen increases the secretion of melanin, while progesterone increases its uptake by macrophages. Initially pigmented areas are the first to undergo hyperpigmentation - nipples, areola, genitals.

During pregnancy, all nevi and freckles may increase in size and change color to darker.

Also, many pregnant women develop linea nigra, a hyperpigmented vertical line on the abdomen that most often appears in the second trimester and disappears within two months after delivery.  
Striae gravidarum develops in 90% of women during the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy in the abdomen and thighs.

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Changes in the appendages of the skin during pregnancy

Mild hirsutism and hypertrichosis are observed during pregnancy. This is due to an increase in the secretion of estrogen, which contributes to the lengthening of the hair growth phase - anagen. After childbirth, follicles that have been stimulated by estrogens move into the catagen and telogen phase faster, which is responsible for the increase in hair loss after childbirth. These phenomena disappear within 3-12 months.

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During pregnancy, nails usually become more brittle. But this phenomenon is also temporary. To reduce its severity, pregnant women are advised to stop using gel nail polishes.

Vascular changes in the skin during pregnancy

During pregnancy, vascular growth factors are actively synthesized. This is facilitated by an increase in the secretion of pituitary, adrenal and placental hormones. In this regard, endothelial cells undergo active division and growth. As a result, it is not uncommon for pregnant women to develop telangiectasias (spider-like vascular lesions) on the face, upper chest, neck, and arms.

Sometimes, women during pregnancy may experience palmar erythema, which is associated with activation of blood circulation and vasodilation.

All of the above changes are physiological, as a result of which, in most cases, they disappear without a trace within the first month after the birth of the child.

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