How Pregnancy Causes Skin Changes
Updated December 04, 2014.
Connective Tissue Changes
The most noticeable connective tissue changes in pregnancy are stretch marks, also known as striae distensae or striae gravidarum. Striae occur in up to 90% of pregnant women, usually on the abdomen, but also on the thighs and breasts. There are several factors that determine who gets stretch marks, not the least of which is genetics. Women whose mothers have stretch marks will be more likely to have striae themselves.
Other factors that play a role are hormones such as estrogen and relaxin, and the actual distance the skin must stretch.
Blood Vessel Changes
During pregnancy the small blood vessels and capillaries multiply, and most blood vessels get larger to accommodate a larger blood volume. Therefore, the changes that are seen are related to this effect. Many women notice visible capillaries known as spider telangiectasias or spider angiomas on the face and palms. The palms may also be diffusely redder during pregnancy. The gums are also affected by this increase in blood vessels, and most pregnant women notice that their gums bleed much easier.
The change in larger blood vessels combined with the increased blood volume contributes to the swelling that many women experience. This swelling occurs not only in the feet, but also in the face and hands. Varicose veins occur in 40% of pregnant women because of blood vessel changes and the pressure of the baby on the pelvic veins that drain the legs. It is also common for women in their second and third trimesters to notice bruising on the legs without a history of trauma.
Finally, rapid fluctuations in the size of small blood vessels can cause facial flushing, pallor, hot or cold "flashes", hives, and worsening of Raynaud's phenomenon.
Connective Tissue Changes
The most noticeable connective tissue changes in pregnancy are stretch marks, also known as striae distensae or striae gravidarum. Striae occur in up to 90% of pregnant women, usually on the abdomen, but also on the thighs and breasts. There are several factors that determine who gets stretch marks, not the least of which is genetics. Women whose mothers have stretch marks will be more likely to have striae themselves.
Other factors that play a role are hormones such as estrogen and relaxin, and the actual distance the skin must stretch.
Blood Vessel Changes
During pregnancy the small blood vessels and capillaries multiply, and most blood vessels get larger to accommodate a larger blood volume. Therefore, the changes that are seen are related to this effect. Many women notice visible capillaries known as spider telangiectasias or spider angiomas on the face and palms. The palms may also be diffusely redder during pregnancy. The gums are also affected by this increase in blood vessels, and most pregnant women notice that their gums bleed much easier.
The change in larger blood vessels combined with the increased blood volume contributes to the swelling that many women experience. This swelling occurs not only in the feet, but also in the face and hands. Varicose veins occur in 40% of pregnant women because of blood vessel changes and the pressure of the baby on the pelvic veins that drain the legs. It is also common for women in their second and third trimesters to notice bruising on the legs without a history of trauma.
Finally, rapid fluctuations in the size of small blood vessels can cause facial flushing, pallor, hot or cold "flashes", hives, and worsening of Raynaud's phenomenon.
