You wake up one morning and you’re feeling a little odd. You’re a little nauseous, strangely fatigued, and your face is breaking out. Could it be? Are you pregnant?
Everyone is familiar with some of the more common early symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness, fatigue, and food cravings, but there are actually many other signs that aren’t as well known.
But what about acne? Is acne a sign of pregnancy?
What Other Women Have To Say
If you read around on internet forums or ask women in person, the overwhelming response is yes.
While not all women get acne during pregnancy, it seems to be very common and many women have reported that acne breakouts was one of the first symptoms of their pregnancy.
Even so, taking people’s word is not the most reliable way to gain information. What does science have to say about acne and pregnancy?
Pregnancy Hormones: Estrogen and Progesterone
During pregnancy, a woman’s body because creating increased amounts of certain androgens (steroidal hormones). Specifically: estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen is produced by the placenta, and is crucial in the formation of progesterone. It is also necessary to aid in the formation of certain fetal organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Progesterone promotes the survival of the fetus and embryo, and is used by the body as a building block for other steroidal hormones that are needed.
How Hormones Cause Acne
Another, sometimes unwelcome, side effect of these hormones is an increase in sebum production. Sebum is the natural oil secreted by your skin, which has a primary role in the formation of acne lesions.
That’s why women don’t even have to be pregnant to experience hormonal acne; many experience monthly breakouts that correspond to their menstrual cycles.
How To Treat Acne During Pregnancy
Hormonal acne does not generally respond well to standard topical acne treatments, because it has an entirely different cause.
Some of the best methods of treatment for pregnant women are antibiotics, which help control the P. acnes bacteria found in sebum and prevent it from causing acne.
For more information visit our page on acne treatments for pregnant women.
As with any type of acne, seeing a dermatologist and getting professional treatment is never a bad idea.
