Pimples, zits, spots, acne, bacne, or whichever lovely term of endearment you have for those pesky red marks we all have from time to time, they seem to become far worse for some women once they become pregnant. It is highly important to note that many medicines for acne can harm your baby. So, what can you do to minimize pimples during pregnancy? Keep reading to learn more!

Origins of Prenatal Pimples

It is estimated that 50 percent of pregnant women will have prenatal pimples  at some point or another throughout their pregnancy. Women are most prone to such breakouts during the first trimester due to the surge in hormones and increased oil produced by the skin. Bad news for those of us who might find ourselves in a family way…

Medical professionals cannot definitively say who will get them and who will not. It is widely believed that women who traditionally experience pimples during PMS, or any other time, are at a far greater risk of breakouts throughout their entire pregnancy, while women who are not prone to PMS pimples are more likely to keep their clear skin or to become relieved of breakouts altogether after the first trimester. Medical professionals do not know the exact reasons as to why or who will be susceptible to prenatal pimples. In addition to the unknown origins and expected sufferers, it is unclear as to whether you might be susceptible to a mild case, a moderate case, or a severe case. Unfortunately, it seems as though it is a bit of a game of pregnancy pimple roulette.

Possible Risks

Before you run to refill your acne prescription or to purchase various over-the-counter medication, please note that many of such items are quite dangerous for your baby. Over-the-counter medications and prescriptions for acne are often linked to increased risk for miscarriages and high risk of birth defects. If you are already using pimple products, contact your doctor immediately before continuing to use them to determine whether or not they are safe. Sure, none of us want to feel unattractive as our body changes to make room for the new member of our family; however, safety first! Some of the ingredients you should avoid include adapalene, doxycycline, estrogen, flutamide, salicylic acid, spironolactone,tetracycline, and Topical Vitamin A. Also, keep in mind that not all products, medications, and prescriptions are bad. In fact, many are perfectly safe for you and your baby. Just check with your primary care physician before you continue to use such products.  

Daily Preventative Care

If you are one of the millions of women who become even more concerned about using chemicals during your pregnancy, the good news is that by establishing a daily preventative care routine, you can help to reduce the need for more serious products and treatments. You can start by following these tips and incorporating them into a daily skincare routine:

• Use a mild cleaner that is also alcohol-free, oil-free, and non-abrasive.
• Do not wash more than twice a day and try to do so only after heavy sweating. Over-cleansing can be equally as bad as not cleansing at all.
• If you use a washcloth, use a new one each day.
• Wash with lukewarm water and pat dry before applying an oil-free moisturizer.
• Change and wash your pillowcases frequently.
• Try to avoid touching your face.
• Avoid placing your mobile phone to your face by using earbuds.  
• Do NOT pop or squeeze them no matter how badly you want to!
• Treat yourself to a facial once in awhile.

Keep in mind that even if you incorporate all of these tips into your routine, sadly, there is still no guarantee you will thwart those little, or big, red bump demons. BUT, just think about what could happen if you do not take preventative measures…EEEK!

While facial blemishes can be embarrassing, try to give yourself a break as pregnancy pimples are one of the most common symptoms of the journey to your expectant bundle of joy. And, remember that despite the possible occasional spot, the extra circulation of blood throughout your body during pregnancy will also provide you with an exuberant glow like that of your youth!