You\u2019ll often hear moms-to-be brag about their amazing hair growth. And it\u2019s true, hair can seem thicker and longer during pregnancy. \u201cThe increase in hormones, especially estrogen, causes scalp hair to remain in the growing phase so that it grows more and sheds less,\u201d says Shah.\u00a0\u201cSome women may also notice more body hair, which is due to the increase in androgenic (male) hormones.\u201d<\/p>\n

However these effects only last for nine months. After the hormone boost subsides, hair completes the natural cycle and begins to shed. \u201cHair goes into the telogen phase of growth, which is a resting phase. So as hair falls out, it\u2019s not replaced as fast,\u201d says David Stoll, M.D., a board certified dermatologist and author of A Woman\u2019s Skin<\/em>. \u201cThis typically starts about three months after birth and lasts for about six months.\u201d Some supplements can help, but it will all level out in time. However if you start to see bald patches, see your dermatologist to find out the real\u00a0issue.<\/p>\n

Your nipples will get HUGE, and you might see\u00a0little pimple-like bumps.<\/h2>\n

Yes, your breasts\u00a0will swell during pregnancy. But no one talks about how the nipples can\u00a0change, too. Shah says it\u2019s normal for the areolas and nipples to get bigger and darken. And those little tiny bumps that look like pimples? They\u2019re called Montgomery\u2019s tubercles. \u201c[They] are actually sebaceous (oil) glands that can be an early sign of pregnancy,\u201d says Shah.<\/p>\n

Your sweat and oil glands can go into hyperdrive. Read: hot flashes\u00a0and\u00a0breakouts.<\/h2>\n

With the surge of hormones you experience during the first trimester, acne flareups are more likely to occur. If you typically get breakouts\u00a0with your period, you can also get expect to see a few hormonal zits pop up\u00a0during pregnancy. You\u2019re also more likely to sweat\u2014for no reason. This is because your sweat and oil glands are more active during pregnancy, says Shah.<\/p>\n

Your veins will become more prominent.<\/h2>\n

\u201cThe hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause blood vessels to dilate, proliferate, and become congested,\u201d says Shah. This means you can see spider and varicose veins spread across your body from your legs to your face. The effects on your vascular system might also make\u00a0your complexion appear flushed and palms look red. Stoll adds that the weight in the belly area can also increase the\u00a0pressure on veins. Wearing support hose can help, but the swollen vessels tend to return to normal\u00a0after birth.<\/p>\n

Hyperpigmentation can happen\u2014everywhere.<\/h2>\n

Seventy percent of pregnant women encounter melasma during pregnancy. \u201cMelasma is a skin condition characterized by\u00a0brown blotchy patches most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip; but it can also affect the chin and nose,\u201d explains Shah.\u00a0Although melasma is often called the \u201cmask of pregnancy,\u201d it can happen in women who aren\u2019t expecting as well.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s hard to pinpoint the exact cause, it is linked to the increase in estrogen and progesterone in the body, which can affect melanin production. These splotches aren\u2019t the only thing to get darker when you\u2019re expecting. Skin tags, moles, and a line down your belly (called linea nigra) can also appear more prominent.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs sun exposure can also play a role in triggering or darkening the pigment, the most important thing you can do during the pregnancy is use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that contains physicals blockers, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide,\u201d says Shah. In most cases the brown spots disappear postpartum. However, some women may want to turn to peels and topical treatments if the hyperpigmentation\u00a0persists.<\/p>\n

And you may have to skip the spa, but you can keep your regular hair color\u00a0appointment.<\/h2>\n

Both Stoll and Shah agree that research has shown hair dye is safe for moms-to-be. \u201cVery small amounts of hair dye are absorbed into the body, making it unlikely to reach the baby,\u201d explains Shah.\u00a0\u201cIf you\u2019re concerned, consider waiting until after the first trimester is over\u00a0or after delivery.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, plan to cancel your other cosmetic procedures. During pregnancy your skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation and can be super\u00a0sensitive. So, avoid retinoids and salicylic acid products. Also on the no-go list are saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, and hot tubs. \u201c[They] prevent your body from losing heat effectively so your core temperature can rise,\u201d says Shah. \u201cIf this rise is significant, it can affect your baby\u2019s development, especially in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Congratulations! You\u2019re growing a human inside of you, and it can be a wonderful and beautiful experience. In addition to your growing baby bump, your body is going to go […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-in-the-news"],"featured_image_src":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"smarterskin","author_link":"https:\/\/smarterskindermatology.com\/author\/smarterskin\/"},"yoast_head":"\n