Morning Sickness Hormones

24 Feb

Pregnancy is more than just getting a big tummy. The truth is that there are many changes associated with pregnancy just as there are a hundred flavors for ice cream. And the more obvious changes occur right on your skin.

Skin changes during pregnancy can be brought about or aggravated by skin conditions that are already present before pregnancy and skin conditions that are typically linked to pregnancy. For instance, if you are already suffering from psoriasis before you got pregnant, you may experience more scaling of your skin during pregnancy. Or you may have flawless skin before pregnancy, but at anytime during the nine-month-period, you can expect to have a skin condition characterized by prickly papules, which is common in pregnant women and known as prurigo of pregnancy.

However, the skin conditions that pre-exist and those that are uniquely related to pregnancy are not the only factors that influence the changes on your skin. Hormonal changes in your body may also cause skin conditions that, though benign, may give you unsightly spots on your skin.

Hyperpigmentation

Almost all pregnant women experience a skin condition that is distinguished by unusual darkening of certain areas of the skin. This condition, known as hyperpigmentation, is largely brought about by excess pigments in the skin. And this skin problem can be more emphasized in women with darker skin. Hyperpigmentation largely affects the ring around your nipples, your private parts, armpits, and even some scars and birthmarks.

Hyperpigmentation is also present in melasma. This is a tan or dark skin discoloration that is common in a pregnant woman's face; in fact, melasma is often referred to as the mask of pregnancy. This skin condition affects around 70 percent of pregnancies and also some women who are using oral contraceptives.

Congested Blood Vessels

Your body's production of the hormone estrogen normally changes during pregnancy. Even if estrogen changes can be considered normal, they can cause instability and clogging of blood vessels. As more vascular tissues are being congested, you may experience having skin conditions like spider veins, which can develop in the face and arms of more than 60 percent of pregnant women.

The same vascular congestion can also bring about erythema or redness on the skin located on your palms, especially if you have white complexion. Apart from the surface of your skin, congested blood vessels can cause varicosities or swelling to occur in areas such as your feet, legs, genitals and anus.

Stretch Marks

No other skin condition can be more widespread in pregnant women than stretch marks. It has been recorded that more than 90 percent of women who are pregnant develop stretch marks; the occurrence of stretch marks can be rampant particularly during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Stretch marks are pinkish and purplish lines that can develop along your breasts, buttocks, thighs, arms, and most especially your belly region. This skin condition can be more pronounced in pregnant women who are young, physically heavy, and expectant of large babies. Of course, hereditary factors can also influence your risk of developing this type of skin problem during your pregnancy.

Hair And Nail Problems

Endocrine changes in your body during pregnancy can cause you to have excessive hair growth on several parts of your body, such as the face, back, arms, and legs. In other instances, hair growth can also be inhibited during pregnancy. In fact, there are rare cases where pregnant women may have to deal with mild hair loss.

During pregnancy, you may also observe that your nails are growing at a tremendous pace. And in other instances, you may also experience the loosening of your nails from their nail beds. Weird changes in both your hair and nail production are reversible after your pregnancy.

Numerous applications can help remedy any unwanted skin conditions during pregnancy. Stretch marks for example, can be diminished by using products like Strevaxl. For more information about this product, visit http://Strevaxl.com/.

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine http://www.healthnfitnesszone.com

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