157: Pregnancy Skin Changes Explained: Stretch Marks, Hyperpigmentation, Varicose Veins & Itchy Rashes

Certified nurse midwife Roxanne explains common skin changes in pregnancy caused by hormonal shifts, increased blood volume, and a growing belly, including hyperpigmentation (melasma, linea nigra), vascular changes (spider veins, varicose veins), and stretch marks. She shares practical tips like daily SPF and sun protection for darkening, and compression socks, avoiding prolonged standing/crossing legs, walking, and massage to support circulation. For stretch marks, she notes there’s no evidence that creams prevent them during pregnancy and retinoids aren’t recommended until postpartum; causes are multifactorial (genetics, collagen, hydration, baby size/weight gain). Roxanne also reviews pregnancy itching and rashes: PUPPP (third trimester, spares belly button), atopic eruption (first/second trimester, widespread), and more concerning conditions needing evaluation—ICP (itching palms/soles), pemphigoid gestationis (starts at belly button; risks for baby), and rare pustular psoriasis with systemic symptoms—advising viewers to contact their provider for assessment and treatment options.Watch our video about ICP here: https://youtu.be/uzZz2KuZDAU00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:01 Why Skin Changes Happen01:44 Hyperpigmentation and Melasma02:40 Spider and Varicose Veins03:48 Stretch Marks Truths06:18 Common Changes Recap07:15 Itching and PUPPP Rash08:57 Atopic Eruption Explained09:53 Red Flags and Serious Rashes13:45 Final Recap and Next Steps————🎉 Grab Your Copy of Training for Two → https://amzn.to/3VOTdwHYour go-to guide for prenatal fitness, birth prep, and postpartum recovery.👇 Start Preparing for Birth Today📥 Download our free Birth Prep Circuit Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit📥 Grab our free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Learn how to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor to support a smoother labor and pushing phase.💻 Explore Our Online Programs:Whether you're pregnant or postpartum—we’ve got you covered with expert-led fitness and education:🏋🏻‍♀️ Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Programs🎓 Childbirth + Postpartum Education Courses→ https://mamastefit.com🤱 Just Had a Baby?📥 Grab our free Postpartum Core Workouts → https://mamastefit.kit.com/coreStart reconnecting with your core and feeling strong again—safely and confidently.———📲 Follow Us on Instagram for Daily Tips + BTShttps://instagram.com/mamastefit———✨ Shop Our Favorites:⚡️ Electrolytes we love → https://drinklmnt.com/mamaste🌿 Supplements we trust – 20% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://thisisneeded.com/ginaandroxanne👖 Maternity clothing we actually wear – 10% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://rstr.co/lovesteady/3500——