Pregnancy brings with it many changes, emotionally, physically, and mentally. From a mental and emotional standpoint, you’re preparing to adopt a new role of parent, with all its accompanying responsibilities. Physically, of course, you’re dealing with changes in the shape, function, and movement of your body. While we have a society-wide belief that pregnant women are always glowing, that, unfortunately, is not always the case. No where is this more evident than in the skin problems of pregnancy.

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “the eyes are the window to the soul”. If this is true, your skin is the window to your current state of health and the changes taking place on the inside. During pregnancy, aside from all the other issues, you may also have to deal with a variety of skin changes, including rashes, acne, stretch marks, breaking nails, hair growth or loss, and dark blotches on the skin.

Most of these changes are directly linked to the enormous amount of hormonal fluctuations women experience during pregnancy. During pregnancy, there are all kinds of changes which can have impact on your skin, leading to new skin problems or worsening of existing ones. In some cases, pregnancy may actually help improve existing skin conditions. Let’s look at various skin conditions in more detail, defining the main ten skin problems of pregnancy.

1) Rashes. Rashes appear due to irritation of the skin. One common pregnancy rash is called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). This is the most frequently seen condition specific to pregnancy. Women with PUPPP demonstrate a rash which starts on the abdomen and can spread to the breasts, arms, thighs, and buttocks.

2) Acne. Acne is another skin condition that may get better or worse during pregnancy. Acne is, at least in part, driven by hormones, so the hormones of pregnancy can lead to more breakouts for some women, and clearer skin for others.

3) Oily skin. Oily skin is third skin condition which may arise during pregnancy. This is related to increased levels of androgen, the male *** hormone, which causes an increase in sebum production. The more sebum produced, the oilier the skin. Many women report that their skin and hair becomes oilier during pregnancy. Most of the time, these issues can be addressed with over the counter oil controlling cleansers and products.

4) Stretch marks. The fourth skin problem of pregnancy, stretch marks arise when the under layers of the skin is stretched, resulting in visible striations on the surface of the skin. Stretch marks can be treated after the fact, but the best treatment is always prevention. Keeping your skin well moisturized, especially on your tummy, breasts, thighs, can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

5) Spider angiomas. These are another possible skin problem of pregnancy. Spider angiomas are groups of very tiny blood vessels which gather around a central point and radiate out like the legs of a spider. Pregnant women are likely to develop these on their chest, faces, arms, and sometimes on other places on the body. Most of these spider angiomas clear up after pregnancy.

6) Chloasma. Chloasma, also called melasma, or the “mask of pregnancy” is another skin condition which is diagnosed when certain areas of the skin turn darker because of excess pigmentation. Most often, this condition affects places of the skin which are most often exposed to sun, like the upper lip, forehead, cheeks. This condition is likely to clear up after pregnancy. Again, you can lessen your chances of chloasma by using a good (baby safe) doctor recommended sunscreen throughout the course of your pregnancy.

7) Too much hair. Changes in the hair are also common during pregnancy. Some women lose a lot of hair within a few months after delivery, while many are troubled with excess hair growth during pregnancy. Excess hair growth is most often seen on the lip and chin, and is triggered by an increase in androgen and other male hormones during pregnancy.

Brittle nails. Many women experience breaking, splitting, or brittleness to their nails during pregnancy. Physicians aren’t quite sure why this occurs, but it may be managed with an over the counter nail hardening polish. Check with your doctor.

9) Skin tags. Skin tags are little pieces of skin which over-grow and hang from the neck. These can increase in number during pregnancy. If you have skin tags before pregnancy, it may be that pregnancy will cause these to increase.

10) Atopic dermatitis. Also known as eczema, this skin condition may appear or worsen during pregnancy. Marked by extreme skin itchiness, too much scratching can lead to the skin become red, swollen, or cracked.

If you are pregnant, be sure to watch for these ten skin problems of pregnancy. If you begin to develop any of these conditions, seek appropriate medical advice; you don’t have to suffer through these conditions for the whole nine months. Chances are that your doctor will have recommendations which can address your skin problems so you can have healthy, beautiful skin, even while you’re pregnant.



By: Ally McNeal

About the Author:

The first reaction to early sign of pregnancy is disbelief, joy followed by a feeling of uncertainty. A visit to the doctor and a blood test is the only way to confirm your pregnancy. Early pregnancy tests are very reliable and even show the accurate results of a 2-week-old embryo. Before the visit to a doctor for the confirmation of pregnancy, it is very important to watch out for pregnancy symptoms. The precautions taken during early sign of pregnancy is very important for embryo’s health and well being. Some of the most recognizable signs of pregnancy are as follows.

Classic pregnancy symptoms

These pregnancy symptoms appear soon after fertilization, within 8-10 days after conception. Some of the pregnancy symptoms stay with you for the entire period of gestation, while some pregnancy symptoms disappear as the pregnancy advances. They stop troubling you as your body starts getting used to change in hormones and settles to the imminent body changes. A few temporary early signs of pregnancy are:

Missed periods or less bleeding at the onset of periods. The absence of periods during the duration of pregnancy is because now the uterine lining need not be shed but used for implantation of the embryo.

Lower abdominal cramps, which begin soon after the implantation of embryo, disappear within a week or two. Headaches caused by rising levels of hormones in the first few days of pregnancy too disappear once the body accepts the change in hormonal levels.

The pregnancy symptoms that last the entire period of pregnancy are:

Nausea and vomiting are the early signs of pregnancy starting in the second week itself. The degree in which you feel sick varies from full fledged to none as the pregnancy advances. It is fairly controlled during the third trimester, making you feel more relaxed and happy.

Tender and swollen ******* appear soon after conception and stays with you till the entire period. It is the nature’s way to make the ****** ready for baby’s breastfeeding. In the last trimester the ******* secrete a liquid called colostrums, which provides immunity to the baby.

Enlarging and darkening of areola is the first sign of pregnancy, and lasts throughout.

Frequent ********* and constipation is early sign of pregnancy and increases with the advancing pregnancy due to the pressure of the growing embryo on the surrounding body organs.

Exhaustion and tiredness occurs from initial stages of pregnancy and stay the entire duration of the gestation.

Food cravings for a particular type of food are still an unsolved mystery. Some doctors feel this is the way the body acquires the adequate minerals required by the growing embryo. This pregnancy symptom is an early sign of pregnancy and stays on till the end.

Increased sense of smell and taste too varies in all stages of pregnancy.

If you experience these pregnancy symptoms then take care of your health. Avoid harmful products; start taking balanced diet and some extra folic acid for happy and healthy pregnancy.



By: Apurva Shree

About the Author:

¸.•*´`*♥Sable Lauren♥*´`*•.¸ asked:


How soon into pregnancy might you start having food cravings?

I have NEVER liked scrambled eggs, until a few weeks ago. I could be pregnant. No more than a month pregnant though. The only signs I have really noticed is egg cravings and maybe implantation bleeding.

If I am pregnant, why might I be craving scrambled eggs?

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Kristy B asked:


This is my second pregnancy. My first pregnancy my belly pudged out slightly (noticeably though) at 8.5 weeks. Ive heard it can happen sooner for consecutive pregnancies. Just curious on others experiences.

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Introduction

Most often in a developing country, each minute of every day, a woman dies from complications related to pregnancy. For all women who die, 30 to 50 percent of women suffer from injury, infection, or other complication. Almost 15% complications of these are life-threatening and require immediate obstetric care. Hence, safe motherhood can be achieved by providing high-quality maternal health services to all women during pregnancy, childbirth, and during the postpartum period.

Maternal mortality

Most of the maternal mortality is due to following major medical causes:

1. Severe bleeding (hemorrhage);

2. Infection;

3. Unsafe abortion complications;

4. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; and

5. Obstructed labor.

Warning signs during pregnancy:

1. Failure to gain weight (at least 6 kilograms should be gained during pregnancy)

2. Anemia or paleness inside the eyelids (healthy eyelids are red or pink)

3. Unusual swelling of legs, arms or face

4. Movement of fetus being either very little or not at all.

Therefore, a pregnant woman needs to be checked at a clinic or health facility at least four times during every pregnancy. It is also important to seek the advice of a skilled birth attendant (such as a doctor, nurse or midwife), about where the baby should be born. A pregnant woman should also be properly educated so that she can take care of herself and her baby.

Still, a pregnant woman is susceptible to all those possible diseases which a normal human being can encounter. Hence, if there is any disorder during pregnancy, the situation can be best managed under the guidance of good physician.

Considering the above facts, in Ayurveda, Kashyap samhita has given two full chapters on this subject. Harita samhita has enlisted emaciation, nausea, vomiting, edema, fever, anorexia, diarrhea and discoloration etc. According to Sushruta samhita, pregnant women are prone to ****** paralysis. Similarly Charaka samhita and Vagbhata also have suggested that the pressure caused by growing fetus increases in cases of piles and edema.

According to Charaka (C. 1000 B.C.), pregnant woman should be treated with soft, sweet, cold drugs, dietetics and gentle pleasing behaviour. She should not be given emetics and purgatives.

 Exercise and use of pungent drugs should be avoided (Charaka Sutra sthan 25/40).

According to Harita(10-12th Cent. A.D.), unripe fruit of Bilva (Aegle marmelos Corr.) mixed with curd and sugar is always beneficial.

There are certain diseases whose treatment at the initial stage itself prevents them from becoming major disorders at a later stage. Treatments of such diseases are mentioned below:

Line of treatment in different gestational month:

During fourth month of pregnancy:  In this, if woman suffers from any disease of vata, retention of urine, pain etc. then castor oil with milk should be given (Kashyap khil sthan, 10).

During fifth month: Evacuative ***** and nutritive ***** containing sour, salty drug and sweet substance should be given (Kashyap khil sthan, 10).

During sixth month: In case of lymphadenitis, furunculous, inflammation, abscess, use of cauterization and surgery should be done (Kashyap khil sthan, 10).

During seventh month: If there is protuberant flesh then its suppression should be done with help of surgery or cauterization (Kashyap khil sthan, 10).

General disorder during pregnancy and their management:

1. Vomiting:

The vomiting related to pregnancy is classified as simple vomiting of pregnancy (milder type) and Hyperemesis gravidarum(severe type). Slight vomiting is common in early pregnancy (about 50%). It may however, occur at any time in day, generally occurs in morning. It does not produce any impairment of health or restrict the normal activities of women and gets disappeared with or without treatment by 12-14 weeks of pregnancy.

It could be managed by avoiding fatty and spicy foods. Patient is advised to take plenty of fluids (2.5l in 24hr.) and fruit juices.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe type of vomiting of pregnancy which has got deleterious effect on the health of the mother in day to day activities. The etiology is obscure but the following are the known facts:

 -It is mostly limited to first trimester.

-It is most common in first pregnancy.

-It has got a familial history.

-It has more prevalence in hydatidiform mole and multiple pregnancies.

-It is more common in vata vaigunya, non-fulfillment of dauhrida stage (i.e. non fulfillment of desired substance by mother during pregnancy)

Management:

To correct the fluids, electrolytes and other metabolic disturbance.

Nutritional support with Vit.B1, B6, Vit.C and Vit.B12.

Nursing care: sympathetic but firm handling of the patient is essential.

Some useful drugs:

Paste of Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum Linn.) mixed with rice water and sugar should be given (Yogratnakar, Stri rog chikitsa sthan).

Flour of parched barley mixed with decoction of Sunthi (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and Bilva (Aegle marmelos Corr.) (Yogratnakar, Stri rog chikitsa sthan ).

.2. Pre-eclamptic toxemia: It is a multi system disorder of unknown etiology characterized by development of hypertension to the extent of 140/90mm Hg or more with proteinuria after the 20th week. It may appear even before 20th week as in case of hydatidiform mole and acute poly hydramnios.

Demonstration of pitting edema over the ankles after 12hr. bed rest, rapid gain in weight of more than 1lb a week or more than 5lb a month of pregnancy may be earliest evidence of pre-Eclampsia.

There is increased association of pre-eclampsia with primigravida, family history, placental abnormalities, genetic disorder and thrombophilias.

Management:  As long as the etiology is obscure the treatment is mostly empirical and symptomatic. Diet should contain adequate amount of protein (about 100gm). Usual salt intake and fluids is not restricted. Total calories approximate 1600 cal/day.

In favorable cases, there is fall of blood pressure and weight with subsidence of edema. Urinary output increases with diminishing proteinuria, if previously present.

In unfavorable cases, the definitive treatment of pre-eclampsia is termination pregnancy through which mother could be saved.

3. Eclampsia:

Pre-eclampsia when complicated with convulsion and /or coma is called as eclampsia. The causes of cerebral irritation leading to convulsion are not clear. The irritation may be provoked by anoxia (spasm of the cerebral vessels following hypertension). Cerebral edema may also contribute to cerebral irritation, arrhythmia which increases following anoxia / edema.

Management:

Patient should be placed in a railed cot in an isolated room.

Anticonvulsant and sedative regime should be used.

4. Fever:

Fever to pregnant women is most troublesome disease and fetus also suffers due to transfer of heat of fever from the mother. If fever occurs before 4th month then patient should be advised to fast for one day, followed by use of drinkables free from fat and salt. She should take only rice gruel followed by cereals with soups and no medicine should be given. Lekhan karma (the measures which makes the body light) could be used if it occurs after 4th month (Kashyap khil sthan,10).

In taruna jwara (recent fever), massage with oil, nasal drops and sternutatory drugs (causing sneezing) should be avoided as they influence the fetus by making it stiff or immobile (Kashyap, khil sthan 10/18).

Similarly emesis produces fetal abnormalities, abortion and other serious disorders (Charka, siddhi sthan 2/9).

General treatment:

Decoction of Chandan (Santalum album Linn.), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus R.Br.), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa Roxb.) & mardvika (Vitis vinifera Linn.) mixed with sugar should be given. (Yogratnakar, Stri rog chikitsa sthan).

Hriberadi decoction prescribed for diarrhea is also beneficial (Kashyap, khil sthan.10).

5. Diarrhea during pregnancy:

Dietetic abnormalities, use of ripened fruits and polluted water, fear, grief etc. psychological trauma, emaciation and due to doshas or other body disease can cause diarrhea to anybody. However during pregnancy presence of least abnormalities may produce diarrhea.

Management:

Digestive drugs should be prescribed when diarrhea has sufficient quantity of mucous in ***** and constipation drug should be prescribed incase ***** do not contain mucous.

Kalyanakawaleha and Hriberadi decoction is beneficial in all types of diarrhea (Kashyap, khil sthan.10).

6.  Epilepsy:

In this, incidence of fetal malformation and still birth increases. The malformation includes- cleft lips/palate, mental retardation, cardiac abnormalities, limb defect. There is chance of neonatal hemorrhage. There is also a risk of developing epilepsy to the offspring of an epileptic mother.

Management:

-Vit.K 10mg a day orally is to be given in the last two weeks of pregnancy.

-Juice of lemon mixed with vid and rock salt.

-Decoction of agnimantha (Premna mucronata Roxb.)

-Soups of meat of quail mixed with fat.

7. Jaundice:

When the serum bilirubin level exceeds 2mg % (normal being .2-.8mg %), visible yellow staining of the tissue appear. Its overall incidence in India is 1-4% per 1000 deliveries.

It may be due to severe pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, acute fatty liver (acute yellow atrophy of the liver), severe hyperemesis gravidarum, intra hepatic cholestasis is the second most common cause of jaundice in pregnancy, the first one being the viral infection.

Management:

-Decoction of prsniparni (Uraria picta Desv.), bala (Sida cordifolia Linn.) and vasa (Adhatoda vasica Nees) should be given (Yogratnakar, stri rog chikitsa sthan).

-Use of pippali (Piper longum Linn.) and root of ankotha (Alangium salvifolium Linn.f.) mixed with juice of horse dung and curd of buffalo’s milk is beneficial (Kashyap, chikitsa sthan. 2/6).

8. Heart pain:

In 32nd week of pregnancy the pressure on heart is highest and with time it goes on increasing. In such cases, the patient needs special care.

We may use powdered pippali (Piper longum Linn.) with paste of patra (Digitalis purpurea Linn.), coca ( Coffea arabica Linn.) and priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.) mixed with juice of lemon(Citrus medica Linn.). (Kashyap, khil sthan.10).

9.  Tuberculosis:

The incidence ranges between 1-2% among the hospital deliveries in the tropics, and is predominantly confined to the under privileged sectors of society. Incidence of T.B. is also rising worldwide with the rising prevalence of HIV infected patients, positive family histories etc. Alcohol addiction and intravenous drug abuse are also responsible for this.

Management:

- An electuary made with maricha (Piper nigrum Linn.), bharngi (Clerodendrum serratum Linn.), and pippali (Piper longum Linn.) mixed with lemon juice should be given (Kashyap, khil sthan.10).

- If it is associated with trauma then use of an electuary made with madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.), sankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis Chois.), jiva (Leptadenia reticulate W. & A.), sugar and honey should be used (Kashyap, khil sthan.10).

- Pippalyadi leha is also useful (Kashyap, khil sthan.10).

10. Anemia:

It is the most common hematological disorder that may occur during pregnancy. According to standard laid down by WHO, anemia in pregnancy is present when the hemoglobin concentration in the peripheral blood is 11gm/100ml or less. During pregnancy, plasma volume expand (maximum around 32nd week) resulting hemoglobin dilution, which result in fall of hemoglobin concentration.

Due to anemia pre-eclampsia, recurrent infections, heart failure at 30-32 week of pregnancy and preterm labor may happen.

General treatment:

1. A realistic balance diet rich in protein and vitamin is prescribed.

2. To improve the appetite and facilitate digestion, some drugs could be given, such as use of powder of pippali, pippalimula (root of Piper longum Linn.), mustak (Cyperus rotundus Linn.) with sweetened milk or honey. (Kashyap, Chitiksa sthan. 2/13)

3. Effective therapy to cure disease contributing to the cause of anemia.

 Special therapy:  The principal is to raise the hemoglobin level to normal as far as possible. Thereafter an attempt is made to restore the iron reserve, before the patient goes in labor.

11. Acute pain in abdomen:

Some amount of abdominal pain is common during pregnancy.  In approximately 80% of women who are pregnant, back pain is present. The etiology of pain is probably related to a combination of mechanical, metabolic, circulatory, and psychosomatic and social contributing factors. The fact that one-third of the patients who experience pain starting during the first trimester when mechanical forces are not a significant force, highly indicates that the most probably cause is due to a change in hormonal influence. Patients are instructed to avoid excessive weight gain; exercise to strengthen the back muscles, maintain correct posture and wear sensible shoes (not high heels).

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful aspects of womanhood. Each pregnancy, each child born, is a special opportunity for a woman to discover within herself great strength and flexibility. She can discover her great power yet her ability to surrender, her great compassion yet a detachment, most importantly, her greatest capacity to love.

In conclusion, considering all the disorders and their management mentioned above, it can be advocated that if the fetus and the pregnant woman are taken care of during each of the nine months, we can not only control all the possible disorders but can also help both mother and her child to live a healthy and happy life.

Reference:

1. Charaka Samhita: Charak Samhita of Agnivesh, Elaborate by Charak, redacted by Drdhabala   (vol.-1), Edited with  ”Vaidyamanorama”, Hindi Commentry Along with Special Deliberation etc. by Acharya Vidyadhar Shukla and Prof. Ravi Dutt Tripathi, Forward by Acharya Priy Vrata Sharma, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, (2002).

2. Dutta D.C.: Text book of Obstetrics, 6th Edi., New Central Book Agency (P) LTD., Calcutta, (2004).

3. Tewari PV: Ayurveda Prasutitantra Evam Striroga, (Part 1) PrasutiTantra (Obstetrics), by Prof. (Km.) Premvati Tewari, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi (2003).

4. Tewari PV:  Kashyap Samhita, (1 Ed.), Chaukhambha Viswabharati Prakashan, Varanasi (1996).

5. Harita Samhita: Harit Samhita,”Hari” Hindi Commentry by Pandit HariharPrasad Tripathi, Chaukhambha Krishndas academy, Varanasi (2005).

6  Sushruta samhita: Susruta Samhita of Maharsi Susruta, Edited with Ayurveda-Tattva-Sandipika, Hindi Commentary, Scientific Analysis, Notes etc, by Kaviraja AmbikaDutta Shastri, A.M.S.(Part-1) Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, (2004).

7  Yogratnakar : Yogaratnakara with ”Vidyotini” Hindi Commentry by Vaidya Laksmipati Sastri, Edited by Bhisagratna Brahmasankar Sastri, Chaukhambha Prakashan, Varanasi (2008).

8. Kashyap samhita: The Kashyap samhita or (Vrddhajivakiya Tantra), by Vrddha Jivaka, Revised by Vatsya, With Sanskrit Introduction, By Nepal Rajaguru ”Pandit Hemaraja Sarma”, with The ”Vidyotini” Hindi Commentary and Hindi Translation of Sanskrit Introduction  by Ayurvedalankar, ”Sri Satyapala Bhisagacharya”, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi (2008).

9. Vaghbata: A. Astanga Hrdayam of Srimad Vagbhata, Edited with ”Nirmala” Hindi Commentary, along with special delibration etc. By Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi (2007).

B. Astanga Samgraha with Hindi Commentary (Vol.1) by Kaviraj Atrideva Gupta Vidyalankar, Bhishagratna. Foreword by Rajvaidya Pandit Sri NandaKishor Sharma, Bhishagacarya, Chowkhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi (2005).



By: Dr. Vandana sharma

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