Skin Problems

During pregnancy the skin is affected by hormonal changes. It has to work harder to eliminate toxins and, as the body’s shape changes, skin must stretch. Some women experience a marked improvement in skin quality while others develop acne or are plagued by itching. Increased pigmentation occurs in roughly 90 percent of pregnant women. Some changes include dry, flaky, or itchy skin, acne, blisters. Eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, and or stretch marks. If, after 28 weeks, you have very severe itching, consult your doctor in case it is indicative of obstetric cholestasis.

Key tips on coping with skin problems:

– Drinks plenty of water
– Avoid sugar, animal fats, alcohol, and caffeine if you have acne
– Avoid stress

Diet and Nutrition

– Eat plenty of protein and foods rich in vitamin c
– Drinks lots of water
– Consume essential fatty acids
– Vitamin B6 may soothe dry itchy skin
– Vitamin B3 can reduce dermatitis, acne, eczema
– Zinc may prevent stretch marks

Complementary Therapies

Hydrotherapy
– to ease psoriasis add oats and lime blossoms to a warm bath

Western Herbalism

– Itchy Skin – mix oats with water and gentle rub on to the skin as a soothing poultice

– Psoriasis – drink 3 cups of dandelion tea

– Eczema – consume evening primrose oil or apply directly to the skin

– Stretch marks – apply calendula cream or cocoa butter

Aromatherapy

– Acne – apply diluted tea tree and/or lavender essential oils to affected area

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