Hair and skin related problems experienced during pregnancy

Changes in the color of hair and skin at pregnancy

Women are generally sensitive individuals to their outward out look. Anything that happens to their skin or hair makes them to be very affected and could end up making them to develop serious health and emotional problems as a result.

In some instances, the changes that happen in the woman’s skin and hair are just too great and make her the most happier with herself. Some changes make the woman to look more beautiful and a lot younger than their actual age.

Skin and hair changes occur as a result of change in hormonal releases within the body. Pregnancy hormones seem to increase and bring about the changes which happen in the skin and hair.

Pregnancy is a delicate period as the lives of both the baby and that of the mother are to be looked into with great care. Failure to do that or anything that compromises that comfort and provision can possibly put the two delicate lives in danger.

Skin and hair are outwardly exposed parts of the body. Any changes in them are basically open to be seen by others. Skin changes get more noticeable from week 20 onwards. It is more prominently visible in those who have a dark skin color than in those who are lighter in complexion. 

Changes in the color of ones hair can also occur and is most evidently pronounced in those with dark hair shades than in those with red hair colors.

Some women develop a dark line in the middle of the chest and tummy. This is also known as linea nigra. It usually disappears a few months after delivery.

In some women, the nipples color becomes darker than usual. Nipples also become more prominent and large and the areola that surrounds the nipples may also get further spread.

Irregular and blotchy facial mask like coloring of the face also affect some women. It is most prominently evident in dark women who may have white patches formed on their skin.

Some pregnant women also get adverse effects of sunburns. Their skin gets tanned when they are in the sun and when they use sun-bed. It is advisable not to use sunbeds during pregnancy because f the unpredictability of their effects.

Dry hair and skin during pregnancy

Pregnancy may have the skin of some women, looking fresh and subtle during pregnancy as a result of enhanced blood circulation in the body. In some cases, the skin and hair can loose their sheen during pregnancy. The skin becomes seriously dry and at time itchy.

Cholestasis could be developed in some instances especially if the skin becomes extremely itchy around the torso. This may have effects on the kidney and the liver. It is important to consult the doctor or a midwife as such a condition could be very dangerous to the health of the baby as well as that of the mother too.

On mild cases, bathing or showering with moisturizers and applying some moisturizing skin lotions on the skin and hair helps the management of the condition.

Some effects on the skin could be the results of reaction to certain perfumes. It is advisable to do a series of tests before changing cosmetics and skin products before starting to use them.

Any products which have drying effects to the skin should be discontinued and a doctor’s advice should be sought to determine the best products for the skin.

Pregnancy stretch marks and how to manage them

The breasts, stomach and the thighs are the areas which get mostly affected by stretch marks during pregnancy. They are signs of broken elastic fibres which start around the sixth month of the pregnancy. It first looks red and then become silverfish grey in color as the month’s progress.

Stretch marks are in most cases hereditary and move along the family line. Fibres underneath the skin get broken and that is what causes the stretch marks. Some creams can be used to reduce the visible effects of stretch marks but not much relief can be achieved as it is an internal effect of the skins fibres.

In fair colored women, spider veins are what affect them mostly. They mostly appear like red spiders and are mostly on the face especially on the cheeks. They are basically broken veins which occur when blood vessels get dilated and grow in a circular motion. This does not usually stay long after delivering and should not be great source of concern.

Areas that were already having a different pigmentation are usually most affected. They should not be bleached but otherwise handled with care so that extreme skin conditions are not developed.

Due to the extra distension in the tummy, it is common to have the stomach area itching. This can be managed by rubbing the itchy areas with lotion and massaging softly to relieve the itch.

Hair issues during pregnancy

Hair loss during pregnancy is basically low. It slows down noticeably making the hair to look thicker than usual. The normal falling rate resumes after giving birth and this may cause point of worries to most women. Unless it becomes extremely serious, hair loss after birth is normal. One should seek a doctor’s advice if it does not stop after a few weeks.

The porous nature that hair assumes during pregnancy can make it not to respond to hair colors and perm lotions like it used to in normal occasions.  It is quite normal to face such cases and this should not cause the pregnant mother to panic.

Hair can be washed as frequently as preferred with appropriate shampoo that does not cause any sensitive feeling effects on the scalp. Be very careful when doing this so that the back is not over strained.

Beauty management for skin and hair during pregnancy

The period of pregnancy as we have seen has varied effects on the mother. This also is different from person to person. The differences either of effects or those experienced by persons are due to the difference in hormonal release in individuals.

For those who maintain the hair bye coloring and dyeing, reactions may be different from those expected. It is either good to bear with them or to stop the use of such products especially if the results are causing serious worries. Let the hair stylist know points of concern and help in implementation of changes.

Hair chemicals have also brought doubt on the effects they may have on the unborn baby. During the first trimester, outside factors have major effects on the development of the baby. Use of hair chemicals at such period may just be an influential factor in this. It is therefore advisable to avoid the use of hair chemicals at least until after the first trimester.

A dermatologist may also be told of any skin concerns so that exact causes may be determined. Some may just be normal chemical reactions caused by hormones while others may be serious and could need immediate attention. Use alternative lotions if the ones being used are causing irritations to the skin.

It is also very important to massage the skin. This helps to relax it and reduces and rejuvenated. The posture one takes during massage is very important and should be such that it does not make the pregnant mother to feel uncomfortable. Lying flat on the back would especially dangerous as it would bring serious strain to the vena cava which lies on the back wall of the abdomen and should be avoided. Be sure not to suffer any contractions during skin massage.