The Most Common Pregnancy Problems and Solutions

Some women really do find they bloom during pregnancy and that their skin, nails and hair have never been better. However some women get spotty or dry skin, brittle, lacklustre or even thinning hair, and brittle nails, with changes in skin being the most commonly reported pregnancy problems. The condition of a woman’s skin and hair pre-pregnancy seems to have little to do with their pregnancy state. And some may find completely different changes from one pregnancy to the next. Here are some of the most common skin complaints in pregnancy: Spotty skin Progesterone causes glands in the skin to produce more oil which can result in a breakout of spots. Spotty skin, or even the more severe acne, can be a side effect of pregnancy even for women whose skin has always been blemish-free. These spots can appear not just the face, but all the oily areas of the body including the chest and back. Spots and acne may clear as the pregnancy progresses, and should disappear completely afterwards, but in the meantime bathe regularly and avoid all oily lotions and crèmes. Try a good cleanser but if that doesn’t help, practice with a good concealer. Dry, Itchy Skin Pregnancy hormones can also be blamed for sucking the moisture out of the skin on tummies, arms, legs, hands and feet. Some pregnant women find their skin becomes so dry it starts cracking. Use intensive moisturising or moisture surge creams on the dry skin, maybe even a regular moisture masque. And avoid perfumed shower gels and bubble bath as these can be drying.rnMany pregnant women say their expanding tummies get itchy at times. This is a very common pregnancy problem. Try not to scratch and instead soothe the itchy skin with oils and lotions. The stretched skin on a pregnancy belly is very thin and may bleed if scratched too much. Stretch marks Probably the most serious of all pregnancy problems with skin is stretch marks as these, unlike spots or dry skin, leave lasting scars. Stretch marks occur if the elasticity of the skin becomes over-stretched quickly and deep layers start tearing. They appear as angry red or deep pink lines on the tummy, hips, back, breasts or thighs. You can lessen the chances of them appearing by gaining weight slowly, wearing a supportive bra and keeping your skin well moisturised, but stretch marks are genetic so if your mother has them, you will probably get them too. Stretch marks do fade to silver over time. Some laser treatments are successful at softening their appearance. Pigmentation Some women develop a condition called chloasma, a shadow of darker skin across the face. This will disappear after baby is born, but in the meantime all you can do is hide it with makeup. During pregnancy your skin can be more sensitive to the sun so use a moisturiser that contains UVA protection even on dull days and on sunny days use a high factor sun screen.