Pregnancy Rash
During pregnancy the female body goes through many, many changes. Some hormonal, some mental and some physical. One of the common changes that can occur is a change in the skin, in form of pigmentation or sometimes rashes. Most of these are completely harmless although occasionally, they may be an indication of something that needs further attention. Here are some of the most common rashes that can occur during pregnancy:
 Pigmentation changes
Pregnancy causes changes the body’s hormone levels, including an increase in oestrogen levels and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Melanocytes are skin cells that determine how much pigmentation there is in the skin. As these levels are increased, dark patches can occur, often on the face and neck and also the common “Linea nigra” line that appears from the belly button downwards during pregnancy. These marks are nothing to worry about and will usually begin to fade within 3 months of the baby’s arrival.
Spots, boils and acne
You wake up one morning, look in the mirror and see that you have gone back to age 14 and teenage ache again! Again, this is down to the hormone levels in the body and can appear anywhere, not just on the face. Try to use a gentle cleanser and oil free moisturiser. You skin should go back to normal within a few weeks of delivery.
 Itchy rashes
Your skin can become more sensitive in pregnancy and so you may find that you react to certain products that have previously caused you no bother, such as washing powders, shower gels etc. Try to work out what you have used that could cause this reaction, and then stop using it for a while. Long soaks in the bath for example can dry out your skin and cause itching, so try to keep these to a minimum and use a little baby oil to keep your skin moisturised.
Wear loose, cotton clothing to keep your body cool and to allow the air to get to your skin. Keep your skin well moisturised. If a rash or irritation does not clear up after a few days, you should see your GP or midwife.
Intense Itching
Occasionally, some pregnant women experience extreme itching all over their bodies, in particularly on their hands and feet. This is most common during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. This can be a sign of obstetric cholestasis which affects the liver. This occurs in approx 1 in 1000 pregnancies and in 99% of cases causes no harm to mother or baby. If left untreated, there is a risk of stillbirth. It is therefore essential that you see your doctor if you have such extreme itching.
 Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP)
Approximately 1% of pregnant women develop red, itchy bumps on their tummies during the 2nd half of pregnancy. This rash can appear to look like hives and usually appears around the stretch marks on the tummy, and then spreads to the thighs and buttocks and occasional to the arms. This is called Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP) and is completely harmless to mother and baby, although can be very uncomfortable.
If you have such a rash, you must see your GP or midwife as it can be relieved with treatment. This condition will disappear within a few days of the baby being born and it doesn’t always follow in subsequent pregnancies.
As well as skin rashes and itchiness, pregnant women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections and thrush during pregnancy. If any itching persists for more than 2 days, you should always see your GP or midwife.
This is a members article written by Dizie
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