Health Tip: Pregnancy Affects the Skin

Here's what may happen

Related Encyclopedia • AIDS and HIV Infection • Amenorrhea • Amniocentesis • Amniocentesis and CVS More... Related Healthscout Videos A Welcome Message from Survivor PJ Hamel Smother Says "Cut!" Maryann and Paula When's the Next Free Mammogram Day? October 17, 2008!!! More... Related Animations • Acne • Breast Reduction • Breast Self-Exam Video • Eczema More... Related Drug Information • Actonel • Bactroban Cream • Bactroban Ointment • Cialis More... Related News Articles • MRIs Don't Improve Breast Cancer Care, Outcome • Health Tip: Healing After a C-Section • Drug Re-Sensitizes Breast Tumors to Treatment • High Blood Pressure and Dementia More...

(HealthDay News) -- Pregnancy affects much of your body, even your skin.

Text Continues Below

---

Here's a list of changes to the skin that can occur while you're pregnant, provided by the American Pregnancy Association:

• Stretch marks -- pink or reddish streaks that can occur on your abdomen or breasts.
• Melasma -- dark spots that can appear on the face, especially the cheeks and forehead. They are caused by a change in hormones, which affect the skin's pigmentation.
• Oily skin on the face, or acne.
• Varicose and spider veins, both caused by increased blood circulation.
• Dry, itchy skin on the belly.
• Darkening of the linea nigra -- a dark line that runs from the belly button to the pubic bone.
• Moles and freckles that turn darker.
• Excess skin that forms beneath the breasts or arms.

-- Diana Kohnle