Thursday, June 19, 2008

Health Tip: Pregnancy Affects the Skin

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

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.


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