Pregnancy Doesn’t Just Change Your Body It Changes Your Skin Too
One day your skin is glowing. Next, you’re breaking out like a teenager.
Then come the stretch marks, the dry patches, the sudden dark line down your belly.
At Flowrence, we often hear this: “Is this normal?”
And most of the time it is. But sometimes, your skin is telling you something that needs medical attention.
Let’s break it down: what’s normal, what’s not, and when to speak to your doctor.
The Normal (and Annoying) Skin Changes
Hyperpigmentation - Darkening of the neck, underarms, inner thighs, and face (melasma) is common.
Hormonal shifts increase melanin production. It usually fades post-delivery.
Linea Nigra - That vertical dark line on your belly? Totally normal. It’s caused by pigment changes and is harmless.
Stretch Marks - Seen around the abdomen, thighs, and breasts. Genetics, hydration, and weight gain pace all affect severity.
We recommend gentle moisturising, but no cream can completely prevent them.
Acne and Oiliness - Progesterone boosts oil production. Even women with clear skin may break out.
Wash gently and avoid harsh treatments without checking with your doctor in Rajkot.
Dryness and Itching - Mild itching due to stretching skin is common — especially on the belly and breasts.
Use fragrance-free, non-medicated moisturisers. Drink water and wear loose cotton clothes.
What Needs a Closer Look
Severe Itching (Especially on Palms and Soles) - Could be Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) a liver-related condition. It needs immediate liver function tests and obstetric monitoring.
Rashes with Blisters or Redness - Could indicate PUPPP (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy) uncomfortable, but harmless. Still, it requires treatment to reduce discomfort and rule out infections.
Sudden Skin Tags, Moles, or New Growths - Usually benign, but anything rapidly changing in shape, colour, or bleeding should be checked.
Extreme Hair Fall or Bald Patches - Mild postpartum hair fall is expected. But sudden hair loss in pregnancy might point to nutritional deficiencies or thyroid imbalance.
At our women care hospital in Rajkot, we test vitamin levels if these symptoms show up especially B12, iron, and thyroid profile.
Tips for Healthier Pregnancy Skin
- Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturisers
- Avoid products with retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone unless approved by your doctor
- Stay hydrated and protect your skin from sun exposure
- Don’t self-medicate skin conditions always check before using over-the-counter creams
- Keep nails trimmed and clean scratching itchy skin can cause infection
Final Word
Every pregnancy tells a different story and your skin is one of its narrators.
Not everything needs treatment. But not everything should be ignored either.
If your skin feels uncomfortable, is changing rapidly, or is causing you stress don’t “wait and watch.”
Talk to your doctor. Test early. Treat what matters.
