Early Pregnancy Symptoms - Complexion Changes
Complexion changes are the bane of many pregnant women. You might notice your skin breaks out in spots as a result of all the pregnancy hormones coursing through your body, but rest assured, this often settles down by the second trimester!
Any moles or liver spots may also darken due to increased skin pigmentation. If this is the case for you, use a good sunblock when you are outdoors as the pigmentation can get worse when exposed to sunlight.
Some women find that spotty skin calms down if they change from their usual cleansers or soaps; others find dietary changes useful. Including more water in your diet can be especially helpful as you may be more prone to dehydration during pregnancy due to the extra requirements pregnancy places on your body. Dehydration can show in your skin as it may become more dry and prone to irritation and your urine can indicate that you are not drinking enough fluids by becoming darker in colour. Try to drink non-caffeinated drinks as caffeine can further dehydrate your skin.
In most cases, after the first few weeks of pregnancy and once the hormones have settled a little, things improve.
Whilst changes in your complexion may be irritating they are a perfectly normal symptom of early pregnancy. However, if your skin gets particularly sensitive or spotty, have a chat with your GP who may be able to prescribe suitable medication.