month 3
as pemphigoid gestationis. This pregnancy associated autoimmune disease presents with an itchy rash with fluid- filled blisters, so it’s vital to seek treatment if you notice such lesions,” cautions Dr Moolla. Rarely, another pregnancy related liver disease known as cholestasis can present with itchy skin, so it’s best to seek medical attention if you have a persistently itchy skin in pregnancy. Cholestasis can increase the risk of premature labour or cause foetal distress. Another less serious itchy eruption
that and occurs in
pregnancy is pruritic urticarial papules
plaques of
pregnancy, more commonly referred to as PUPPP. “This is a hive type rash that usually occurs in the last trimester and is associated with increased weight gain,” she explains. “It develops around the umbilicus and spreads outwards to involve the thighs, buttocks and breasts. While PUPPP isn’t dangerous, it can be incredibly uncomfortable and may warrant prescription topical
YOUR BODY AND BABY
corticosteroid treatment.”
THE MASK OF PREGNANCY
Chloasma, or melasma as it is otherwise known, is a form of hyperpigmentation that is often called the “mask
STRETCHMARKS OR STRIAE OCCUR IN UP TO 90 PERCENT OF PREGNANT WOMEN, AND ARE CAUSED BY THE ACTUAL STRETCHING OF THE UNDERLYING LAYERS OF YOUR SKIN DURING PREGNANCY
of pregnancy” because of the tan or brown patches that frequently occur on the face. Fortunately, this condition usually resolves after you give birth, but women with darker skin types and dark hair are more at risk for the persistence of hyperpigmentation and melasma post pregnancy. In the meantime it’s important to minimise any long term damage by wearing a high SPF
broad spectrum (UVA
and UVB) sunblock of at least 30SPF and staying out of the sun. “There is still controversy on the use of traditional depigmenting creams such as hydroquinone in pregnancy. Other products, such as topical azelaic acid and topical vitamin C, are good for pigmentation and they have an established safety profile,” says Dr Moolla. If all else fails, consider using a high pigment concealer or
foundation in a colour which is closest to your own skin colour. Resist the urge to go lighter, as this will only draw attention to the pigmentation by highlighting that area. “Post delivery, you can always consider chemical peels if the mask of pregnancy has not cleared,” she adds.
STRETCHMARKS Stretchmarks or striae occur in up to 90 percent of pregnant women (yes, really!), and are caused by the actual stretching of
the underlying layers of
your skin during pregnancy, as well as hormonal factors. Women who have a higher BMI (are overweight), younger women and women with large babies or multiples are most likely to get stretchmarks, as are women who already have stretchmarks on their thighs and butt.
Sadly, there is no evidence that any of the creams and lotions available will help prevent these stretchmarks. The good news however, is that keeping your skin well moisturised can minimise their appearance. YP
HERE’S WHAT OUR EXPERT TINA OTTE HAS TO SAY...
I DON’T REALLY FEEL PREGNANT. HOW DO I KNOW MY BABY IS OKAY? You are pregnant from the moment of conception, but you can’t yet feel your baby move, so how do you know he or she is okay in there? By being as healthy as possible, you are giving your baby the best start. The first three months can often be the most challenging. You can feel so ill at times that you wonder if your baby can possibly be surviving. Looking after your developing baby means looking after yourself first. In the first three months, nothing is visible on the outside, but massive changes are occurring (from immediately after conception) on the inside. Not one single body system is unaffected. The biggest complaint in these early days is of fatigue and nausea. Both of these niggles happen for a very good reason. Nature, in her wisdom, causes a “natural
lethargy” to occur, so that you do not do anything potentially dangerous. Give in to those feelings and nap whenever you can. Make sure that you get a good night’s sleep – pregnancy is not for sissies and you need your strength. Nature also makes sure that you keep away from foods and liquids that could cause harm. Even your sense of smell becomes more acute. Hence the feelings of queasiness. Sometimes things go wrong for no apparent reason, but you can take steps to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. Avoid drugs, smoking, and alcohol, all of which can affect normal development. Make sure that your pregnancy is thriving by following your body’s cues. Also keep up with your supplements and keep regular checks with your caregiver. Although pregnancy can make you feel really awful in the very beginning, celebrate the fact that your body moves into a position of defence – without any help from you.
80 YOUR PREGNANCY
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116