Water storage

The already described effect that estrogen stores water in the skin is also transferable to other areas of the body. In most cases, the water is stored in the legs and leads to a bulging swelling, which is localized around the ankles. Water can also be stored in the hands or face.

The skin is stretched in these places, but the uppermost layers do not receive enough water from the redistributed storage – dry skin develops. During treatment, it is important to be very careful not to use any dehydration medication (diuretics), as these are harmful to the unborn child. A conservative therapy by putting the legs up and a lot of rest is preferable for the well-being of the child. Pregnancy edema can also be related to high blood pressure (gestational hypertension), which sometimes occurs during pregnancy.

Linea nigra

As with the development of Linea nigra, Chloasma gravidarum, the so-called “pregnancy mask”, produces too much pigment (melanin) and stores it in the skin. In fair-skinned women, this causes dark spots on the face and neck. If the woman has a darker skin type, the spots can also appear lighter than the surrounding skin. When exposed to sunlight, the pigment cells (melanocytes) are stimulated even more to produce skin pigment and the spots appear even more contrasting to normal skin. Within the first three months after birth, the majority of all “pregnancy masks” disappear.

Broom ripper/Spider naevi

When capillaries (smallest blood vessels) dilate or break down, spider veins form. During pregnancy these are usually located on the cheeks, but also on the legs, for example. The tendency of the vessels to dilate is increased by the increased blood circulation of the skin under the influence of estrogen and the usually slightly increased blood pressure.

Women who have already developed such skin symptoms before pregnancy have an increased risk of this. In order to protect the skin and not to encourage spider veins, extreme heat and cold should be avoided. Spider naevi can also occur with other diseases, such as liver damage, but are not dangerous during pregnancy.

The increased oestrogen level can increase the activity of the sebaceous glands in the skin. The production of skin fat is stimulated and the glandular ducts and pores clog more easily. Without the possibility of drainage, inflammation can quickly develop, as a perfect breeding ground for bacteria is created.

Inflammations show themselves as pimples or, worse, as acne. Women who suffered from acne in their youth have a higher risk of developing it again than expectant mothers with healthy skin. When treating the skin impurities, strong medication against acne should be avoided, as in many cases it can be harmful to the child.