What are the skin changes during pregnancy?
Many women notice changes to their skin, nails, and hair during pregnancy. Some of the most common changes include the following: Dark spots on the breasts, nipples, or inner thighs. Melasma—brown patches on the face around the cheeks, nose, and forehead.
What causes striae gravidarum?
Striae occur in response to changes in weight or muscle mass and skin tension, such as that induced by weightlifting. They are common on the abdomen during and after pregnancy (striae gravidarum) and breasts due to pregnancy as well.
How does pregnancy affect the integumentary system?
For many women, pregnancy brings glowing skin, rosy cheeks, and shiny hair. Others, however, can experience skin changes that aren’t so attractive, including acne, dark spots, and stretch marks.
What musculoskeletal changes occur during pregnancy?
The enlarging gravid uterus, accompanying compensatory lumbar lordosis and shift of the center of gravity may increase strain on bones, muscles, ligaments of lumbar region. In addition, relaxed abdominal wall muscles, primarily the rectus abdominis, during pregnancy may not be able to maintain posture.
Is striae gravidarum normal during pregnancy?
Striae gravidarum are common during the first pregnancy [8] and usually present during the third trimester [9]. Striae start as ‘reddish slightly depressed streaks’ [9] (p. 111) and fade gradually [8] to leave pale wrinkled lines [10], which are permanent skin changes [11, 12] .
What is the difference between striae rubra and striae Alba?
Stretch marks are extremely common, affecting over 70% of the population. There are two types of stretch marks – striae rubra (red or new stretch marks) and striae alba (white or old stretch marks). New stretch marks are more responsive to treatment than old stretch marks.
Which physiologic change in a pregnant woman is associated with nasal congestion?
Progesterone alters the smooth muscle tone of the airways resulting in a bronchodilator effect. It also mediates hyperaemia and oedema of mucosal surfaces, causing nasal congestion.
Is there a difference between hyperemesis and hyperemesis gravidarum?
Morning sickness usually goes away by week 12 through 14 of pregnancy, so women often feel a sense of relief by the time they’re in their second trimester. By contrast, hyperemesis gravidarum is a serious condition that is characterized by severe nausea and vomiting.
Does relaxin affect tendons?
Relaxin alters the properties of cartilage and tendon by activating collagenase. This hormone is also involved in bone remodeling and healing of injured ligaments and skeletal muscle.