The skin may undergo any number of changes during your pregnancy. Your bosy has many hormones working during pregnancy and is undergoing many change during pregnancy and this contributes to the problem. It is not necassry to consult your GP regarding these problems unless something serious such as a rash or blister last more than a few days.

Due to other conditions, not related to pregnancy, could possibly bring about skin discolouration, you should check with your specialist or midwife if you notice changes, such as a change in the size or colour of a mole, or if pigmentation changes are accompanied by pain, tenderness or redness. Your doctor can diagnose the condition, and hence make sure that you are given the appropriate treatment, should it be necessary .

Acne

Acne may be triggered by pregnancy which you haven't had since adolescence. Hormones are higher during pregnancy which encourages the production of sebum which in turn causes pores to become blocked and acne results.

Cleansing regularly using a gentle cleanser to help your acne and use a oil-free moisturiser afterwards. If alternatively you don't like using products keep your skin clean and make sure you pat it dry rather than rubbing to minimise irritation to the skin. Your skin will return to normal a few weeks after the birth of your baby.

Stretchmarks

Stretch marks usually appear as thin reddish or brownish lines depending on your skin colour on the abdomen, breasts and thigh areas. As your skin stretches during pregnancy they may appear and effect around 90 per cent of pregnant women. Greater amounts of hormones also disrupt your skin's protein balance, making it thinner than before. Fortunately after pregnancy, the coloured pigmentation in the stretch marks gradually fades, and the streaks become lighter than the skin surrounding.

Some women are simply lucky with more elastic skin meaning they wont get stretch marks as their skin is more elastic. You can't prevent a stretch mark, but you can try to minimise them by avoiding putting on weight too quickly, rubbing oil or lotion rich in vitamin E over your abdomen to keep it supple, eating a healthy diet and doing gentle exercise. It may take some amount of time for them to fade after pregnancy. Other Conditions

Skin is usually more sensitive during pregnancy, due to higher hormone levels, but and because it has become more stretched and delicate. Soaps and detergents may cause irritation, or conditions such as eczema may deteriorate. Your skin may become be more sensitive than before when exposed to sunlight.

As you put on weight chaffing may become an issue when the skin becomes moist and red under your breats and between your thighs. If your skin becomes inflamed and blistered you may notice and odour. This is a condition named intertrigo.

Finally the skin may be put through a difficult time during pregnancy possibly suffering from acne, stretch marks and chaffing among other conditions, but remember the joy of childbirth makes it worth the suffering in the end.