Dr. Shafali Yadav is one of the best Dermatologists in Lucknow, who also specializes in Dermato surgery. She has a clinical experience of more than 17 years. Pregnancy is a state of gross hormonal upheavals and other physiological changes in the body, which can give rise to a number of skin problems.

There are three general categories of pregnancy-associated skin conditions: (1) benign skin conditions due to hormonal changes, (2) preexisting skin conditions that change during pregnancy, and (3) pregnancy-specific dermatoses. Some conditions may overlap categories.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause benign skin conditions including striae gravidarum (stretch marks); hyper-pigmentation (e.g., melasma); and hair, nail, and vascular changes. Preexisting skin conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections, cutaneous tumors) may change during pregnancy.

Pregnancy-specific skin conditions include pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, prurigo of pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, pemphigoid gestationis, impetigo herpetiformis, and pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy.

Throughout her vast clinical experience, Dr Shafali Yadav has been successfully treating skin conditions related to pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the common skin changes that occur during pregnancy?
Many women notice changes in their skin, nails, and hair during pregnancy. Some of the most common changes include the following:
Darkening of the breasts, nipples, or inner thighs
Melasma—brown patches on the face around the cheeks, nose, and forehead
Linea nigra—a dark line that runs from the navel to the pubic hair
Stretch marks
Acne
Spider veins
Varicose veins
Changes in nail and hair growth
What causes these skin changes during pregnancy?
Most of the skin changes occur due to upheavals in hormonal make up of the body, secondary to pregnancy. Most of them get reversed after the baby is born.
What nail changes can I expect during pregnancy?
Some women find that their nails grow faster during pregnancy. Others notice that their nails split and break more easily.
I am experiencing major hairfall after pregnancy. Why?
In pregnancy, due to hormones, the hair which should have fallen, get retained on scalp. So pregnant women usually experience increase in density of scalp hair. After birth of child, these retained hair fall abruptly due to shift in hormones. This causes increase in hairfall. Also, most feeding mothers are not able to keep up with their nutritional requirements, which leads to loss of nutrients from body, hence hairfall.
Why do dark spots and patches appear on the skin during pregnancy?
Dark spots and patches are caused by an increase in the body’s melanin—a natural substance that gives color to the skin and hair. Dark spots and melasma usually fade on their own after you give birth. Some women, however, may have dark patches that last for years. To help prevent melasma from getting worse, wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat every day when you are outside. You should consult your Dermatologist if melasma persists.
Is acne common during pregnancy?
Many women have acne during pregnancy. Some already have acne and notice that it gets worse during pregnancy. Other women who may always have had clear skin will develop acne while they are pregnant.
What are the hair changes that can occur during pregnancy?
The hormone changes in pregnancy may cause the hair on your head and body to grow or become thicker. Sometimes women grow hair in areas where they do not normally have hair, such as the face, chest, abdomen, and arms. Your hair should return to normal within 6 months after giving birth.

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