Why Would I Have Acne In Early Pregnancy?

You might think that now that you're an adult you shouldn't get acne anymore – I only wish that were true! For a teen pregnancy, acne is often par for the course. But for adults getting acne can come as a surprise. Acne still affects us, even as adults, and acne can be particularly common in times of stress or hormonal upheaval. And thus we see why those in early pregnancy might get acne – is there any time more laden with stress and emotional upheaval?

Acne…And – What Else?

Early pregnancy can bring acne and a whole host of other symptoms. Chances are, you've got at least a few of the symptoms – maybe most of them. It doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the baby – some women have more symptoms, others less, and even the same women with different pregnancies will usually be different in terms of symptoms.

The changes to the body in early pregnancy like acne are caused by a quick change in hormones coursing through the mother's system. If the pregnant woman is typical, these symptoms will settle down once the hormone levels stabilize, but some women have symptoms throughout their pregnancy.

One of the common symptoms that are hormone caused in early pregnancy like acne is a change in the mouth's saliva. The mother might have a metallic taste in her mouth, which can change how foods taste. Sometimes even things she used to love to eat are unappetizing and can even make her gag. Some of these cravings are alright to "give in" to – like wanting good food. But if you are craving things that are not good for a growing baby, like foods high in sugar or fat, consider finding a substitute that will meet the craving but not be as detrimental to your body.

The hormones also can wreck havoc with the mother's sense of smell. Sometimes things that didn't bother her before will bother her now – mostly food and cooking smells do it, but sometimes other smells give her nausea, too.

The same hormones that cause acne in early pregnancy are also responsible for the utter exhaustion many newly pregnant women feel. The fatigue can be so overwhelming as to make her feel drugged – and it is no wonder – the hormone progesterone, which is in high amounts during pregnancy – is a form of sedative! The best way to cope with this exhaustion is to take a nap as needed.

Not only may your skin be under assault from acne in early pregnancy, but it will also undergo other changes in the breasts. The veins may start to look like roadmaps as the breasts get swollen and tender to the touch. The areolas (the darker circles around the nipple) in the first time pregnant woman will get larger and darker, and the nipples themselves become larger. There are also what may look like little pimples within the areola (they aren't pimples, don't try to pop them!) that are called Montgomery glands. They will usually get more pronounced as they prepared to do their job of moisturizing the nipple area once there is a little one to breastfeed.