Pregnancy symptoms never fail to keep women on their toes when expecting. From the first trimester to the last, the body is constantly undergoing changes. While the symptoms during pregnancy are more often than not normal, any changes to the status quo can be concerning. One of those changes, specifically to the skin, is red cheeks. And while the change of color is generally not anything to worry about, there are several reasons why some women get red cheeks during pregnancy.
It is not a figment of imagination when people say that pregnant women are “glowing.” This is because the skin takes on a healthy coloration when expecting. This coloring causes women to look healthy and vibrant, even if they are not feeling their best. But when the glowing changes from a youthful pink to a red flush in the cheeks, there may be more than just a normal change in color occurring. And because of this, if women have any concerns, they should contact their healthcare professionals to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Here is why some women get red cheeks during pregnancy.
Ever-Changing Hormones Can Cause Red Cheeks During Pregnancy
A flush in the cheeks is not only normal but a welcome occurrence for pregnant women. This is because, even when morning sickness is bringing its worst, there is still a glow being emitted from the face. And this glow is a result of changing hormones.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, when the hormones change in the body to support the pregnancy for nine months, every part of the body is affected. This includes the face. And when the hormones fluctuate, they can cause the skin to produce more oil or even more blood to pump to and from the face.
When this happens, according to the publication, the skin gets a blush to it that makes mothers-to-be look healthy. Something that is welcome, regardless of what stage of pregnancy women are at.
Increased Size Of Blood Vessels
During pregnancy, the body produces more blood to pump through the body to babies to support the pregnancy. When this happens, the excess blood flows to all portions of the body, including the cheeks.
According to Healthline, during pregnancy, the body increases the amount of blood in the body by up to fifty percent. As this happens, the blood vessels grow larger to accommodate the blood flow.
When this happens, the blood vessels in the face can give the cheeks a flush. And because of this, women can have redder cheeks than normal until after the delivery of their babies.
Change In Skin’s Chemistry Can Cause Red Cheeks During Pregnancy
Some women may find that as pregnancy progresses, the chemistry of the skin on their faces change. And when this happens, redness in the cheeks from the skin breaking out can occur.
According to WebMD, pregnancy causes a change in hormones to happen in the body. The change can cause an excess of oil to be produced on the face. When this happens, the pores can get clogged.
If pores get clogged, the skin will break out. The breakout will cause patches of red to form on the cheeks. And because of this, pregnant women will have red cheeks until hormones are more under control.
Fifth Disease May Be To Blame
As a result of being exposed to the parvovirus, pregnant women may break out in a mild rash on their faces. And this breakout can cause women to experience red cheeks until the immune system has destroyed the virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, parvovirus is transmitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes on or near another. The virus invades the body of those who have a weakened immune system, like pregnant women. When this happens, one of the symptoms of the virus is getting red cheeks or “slapped-cheek syndrome.”
Fortunately, per publication, more than half of pregnant women are immune to the fifth disease. And for those who are not, more often than not there are not any complications to the pregnancy.
Rosacea Can Flare Up During Pregnancy
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Thanks to the changes in hormones, those who have rosacea are likely to have a flare-up when expecting. And as a result, the cheeks and face turn red.
According to Sea Coast Dermatology, pregnancy can cause rosacea to come on with a vengeance. When this happens, the skin on the face can be dry, burn, sting, be rough, and even cause small blood vessels to be visible.
As a result of the skin being triggered, all the skin issues from rosacea can cause the checks to appear red. And while there is no treatment to make rosacea, women can speak with their healthcare professionals to find ways to reduce redness during pregnancy to help keep some redness presenting at bay.
Source: America Pregnancy Association, Healthline, WebMD, Centers for Disease Control, Sea Coast Dermatology