Skin Changes and Conditions

Pregnancy is an exciting journey, and it comes with plenty of changes to your body. Some may surprise you, but most are normal and temporary. Knowing what to expect — and how to stay comfortable — can help you feel more at ease as you prepare for your baby. Here’s what you might notice and some simple ways to stay comfortable.

Breast Changes

Your breasts expand as milk glands grow and fatty tissue increases. They may feel tender or tingle with temperature changes. Veins, nipples and areolas can darken, and small pores may enlarge. Some women leak colostrum — the fluid produced before breast milk — in the last trimester. If you don’t, that’s normal too.

To care for your breasts:

• Air-dry if you’re leaking
• Avoid using soap on your nipples and areolas — warm water is enough
• Choose cotton bras for breathability
• Purchase nursing bras in month nine if you plan to breastfeed
• Use disposable or washable breast pads if needed
• Wear a supportive bra, even to bed, if it helps

Darkened Skin and Acne

Hormones can cause brown patches on your face (chloasma), a dark line down your abdomen and darker nipples. These changes usually fade after delivery. Limit sun exposure, which can deepen skin coloring.

Breakouts are also common. Wash your face as usual and avoid oral acne medications unless prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Itching

Stretching skin and hormones can cause itchiness, especially on your abdomen. Dry skin or eczema may flare up.

To soothe itching:

• Avoid hot showers
• Choose loose clothing
• Limit time outdoors in midday heat
• Moisturize often with unscented lotion
• Relax with oatmeal baths once or twice a week

Some women develop itchy welts late in pregnancy. They’re uncomfortable but harmless. Severe itching without a rash can signal a liver condition — contact your doctor if this happens.

Stretch Marks

About 90% of pregnant women develop stretch marks, most often on the abdomen, thighs, arms or breasts. They result from skin stretching and often fade to silvery lines after birth. There’s no proven way to prevent them.

Swelling

Your feet, legs and hands may swell because your blood volume increases by about 40% and your body holds extra fluid when you're pregnant. This is common in the last trimester, especially in hot weather.

To ease swelling:

• Avoid standing or sitting for long stretches
• Avoid tight clothing, such as knee-high stockings
• Drink water when you're thirsty — don’t take “water pills”
• Elevate your legs above heart level two or three times a day
• Exercise with walking or swimming
• Rest on your left side to improve circulation
• Skip crossing your legs when sitting and use a footstool if possible
• Submerge yourself in water up to your shoulders (make sure it's no warmer than 98.6 °F)
• Try drinking warm water with lemon juice to help reduce fluid retention

Watch for puffiness in your eyelids, face or fingers with high blood pressure, headaches or vision changes. These may signal preeclampsia, which requires immediate medical care.

Varicose Veins

Varicose (swollen) veins develop from weak areas in the walls of blood vessels, typically in the leg and groin area. This is common during pregnancy due to the pressure and weight of the baby and uterus.

To reduce discomfort:

• Avoid sitting or standing for too long
• Avoid tight clothing that restricts circulation
• Elevate your feet above heart level a few times daily
• Exercise regularly — walking and swimming are best
• Put on supportive socks, leggings or hose before getting out of bed
• Rest your feet on a stool when sitting
• Wear low-heeled, cushioned shoes