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Acne during Pregnancy

Glowing skin or spotty as a teenager? The hormonal changes you experience during pregnancy can make some odd things to happen to your skin, but there are simple remedies.

FACIAL SPOTS/ ACNE

You may find that your skin breaks out more in pregnancy, despite all that healthy eating and clean living! This is because oil (sebum) production increases during pregnancy. Your skin produces sebum in order to keep it soft and supple. The sudden increase can make spots appear, particularly in the last trimester - a little like they do before a period. You may have noticed that the tiny oil glands (' Montgomery 's tubercles') around your nipples have become bigger. This helps protect your nipples and stops them from drying out during breastfeeding. Things will return to normal after delivery.

To deal with the extra sebum, use gentle, hypoallergenic products to step up your skincare routine. Drink lots of water, and eat plenty of foods containing vitamin B6 such as wholegrain cereals and breads, potatoes, bananas and peanut butter. Vitamin B6 helps to control hormonally induced skin problems. Don't be tempted to take supplements unless you have consulted your doctor. On the subject of medication, do not take any of the anti-acne prescription drugs such as Accutane and Retin-A during pregnancy: they carry a high risk of causing birth defects.

SWEATY BETTY

When you are pregnant, you sweat more. You are also heavier than you were pre-pregnancy, and this can make you puffy in places. The upshot of this may be sweat rash under your boobs and in your groin. This is uncomfortable - and difficult to shift, once it occurs. Treat sweat rashes by bathing the area in cool water. You can also apply a sprinkling of cornflour to reduce chafing.

ITCHY!

As your belly and breasts grow, and your skin stretches, you may feel generalised itching. Make your showers and baths warm rather than hot - really hot baths that raise your temperature are not good for your baby anyway. Only use mild soap or bath gel and use a moisturizer regularly. Applying that could be a fun job for the boys...

If your skin is really itchy, dissolve a cup of bicarbonate of soda in your bath for a soothing soak. If the itching is really bad, or you have a persistent rash, contact your healthcare provider for a check up.

DREADED STRETCH MARKS OR HONOURABLE SCARS?

Stretch marks are the source of many a joke, but they are something women really dread. And yes, I have some. But then again, so do many bodybuilders, apparently. My dad calls them honourable scars, but he is a bit of a charmer. Check out your mum if you are worried about stretch marks. They run in the family.

Stretch marks are small tears made in response to the pulling and stretching your poor dermis undergoes as you expand. Sadly, the jury is still out as to whether any of the (expensive) lotions and potions available are effective. If it makes you feel better, have a go - you have nothing to lose, and it's a great excuse to make your partner give you a lovely rub down with Shea butter. A win-win situation, I'd say.

If you do get stretch marks, try not to worry. They start off red, but fade to silver.

WHO'S BEEN PAINTING ON MY BELLY?

You may wake up one day to find you have a dark line running from your pubes up to your belly button. No, your partner hasn't been busy with the magic markers; it's another of nature's little jokes. The line is called the linea nigra, found more often in women with darker skin and hair. Before you came pregnant, you had an unnoticeable line in the same place. When you are pregnant, you produce more melanin and that causes the line to darken. It usually disappears again after the birth.


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