1. Hyperpigmentation

Fortunately, this is one of the pregnancy skin conditions that is usually temporary and will go away after your baby is born. When you’re pregnant, your body produces more melanin that usual. That’s what gives your skin its color. Because more is pumped through your body while you’re pregnant, you may notice changes to your skin color on various parts of your body.

2. Striae Grabvidarum

Otherwise known as stretch marks, this is a skin condition that afflicts virtually all women when they’re pregnant. As your baby grows, so too does your belly. When the skin reaches its maximum stretch point, it results in these marks as your body works to accommodate the baby. Some women also get them on their hips and butt. There is no proven prevention method, but keeping your skin hydrated can really help.

3. Prurigo

Not only is this condition hard to pronounce, but it’s not at all comfortable either. It isn’t extremely common, so you don’t have to be too worried about it. If you do come down with this one, it results in a widespread rash that is made up of small red bumps. Your dermatologist or obstetrician can give you something to treat it.

4. Melasma

Melasma is a subset of the bigger hyperpigmentation condition. It’s specific to the face and causes brown patches on the skin. In rare cases, it might appear elsewhere on the body. Melasma is generally harmless and is more embarrassing than dangerous. You can cover it up with make-up to keep it from being to noticeable.

5. Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy

Also known as PUPPP, this condition results in a patch of red bumps. They can range in size from being very small to covering a large portion of the body. They are usually itchy and uncomfortable and often show up on the stomach, legs, arms and back side. If you do experience this condition, call your doctor for something to make you feel better. There’s no reason to suffer unnecessarily.

6. Skin Tags

Skin tags are a build-up of skin cells that form “tags” that hang off your body. While it’s possible to grow skin tags even when you’re not pregnant, they are fairly common during gestation, likely due to the hormonal changes that go with having a baby. They are not cancerous, but can hurt if you rip or snag them. If you have skin tags that get in the way or bother you, talk to your doctor about removal.

7. Impetigo

Getting impetigo during pregnancy is pretty uncommon, but if it happens to you, you’ll want to do something about it right away. This is a form of psoriasis and when it appears, usually does so during the second half of the pregnancy. There is debate about whether the pregnancy itself causes the condition or if it’s simply made worse during pregnancy. Either way, a call to your doctor is necessary.

What weird things did you experience during pregnancy? I hope that you have smooth sailing until your baby is born, but be sure to stay in contact with your doctor. Did you suffer with any skin conditions that aren’t on this list?