Being pregnant, bringing new life into the world is one of the most treasured blessings a woman can experience, no matter what. Even more so if it’s a planned pregnancy and she’s is ready for the responsibility of raising a child. Otherwise, it can quickly become a whirlwind of emotions; as it was in my case.
I was 22, my life lay stretched out in front of me, and the last thing I’d expected was to be sitting in my doctor’s office discussing the first trimester of my pregnancy. This can’t be happening to me, yet it was. The day before I’d taken a home pregnancy test and waited in quiet desperation as the blood drained, my face went pale and cold sweat covered me; the test was positive, I was going to be a mom, “Oh my God”.
“Of course you’re pregnant,” my doctor said smiling, no need for a blood test, I can tell just looking at you. I must have presents a quizzical look, so he continued, “You’ve got acne on your chin, your test was positive, you’re the body is preparing itself for your pregnancy. My reaction? First disbelief, and then embarrassment as I touched my chin and said, “Oh that’s not acne, I have sensitive skin.” He smiled while making note in my chart. Next came realization, I was pregnant, and with acne to boot, this was not the way I expected my life to go. I wished there had been someone to guide me, warn me, explain the path I was walking whether or not I would have listened, who knows. Here are a few facts from someone who’s been there and yes, done that at 22, hopefully, it will help.
What You Need to Know if You’re Pregnant and Have Acne
Remember, no matter how you got to this point, you’re about to be a mom, you’re about to bring life into the world, and with that thought, there are several acne medications that you should avoid when pregnant. One is Accutane, which has the potential to give your child severe birth defects, avoid it like the plague.
CAUTION: Always speak with your doctor, midwife or health care professional concerning any medications you are currently taking or plan to take during pregnancy, including over the counter medication.
I’m Pregnant – What Has That Got To Do With Pregnancy?
Think about it for a moment, your body is changing on a daily basis, your hormones are in a constant state of flux; life is growing within you. Acne -or pimples- are simply a byproduct of your raging hormones, normally nothing to be alarmed about, but check with your OBGYN if you have concerns. In this particular instance, the glands in your skin are enlarging and the production of “sebum” is increasing.
There are many products on the market for acne, although tea tree oil is one of the best that many are missing. The oil is extracted from the leaves by gently steam distilling them until the oil bleeds out. The tea tree can be found in Australia while the oil is found worldwide and helps people with many skin ailments. While tea tree oil is imperative for skin treatment it is important that it is 100% pure and natural.
Anybody who suffers from having acne is very well aware of how relieved one can feel after their acne infections have been treated and their skin no longer has acne on it. Unfortunately, their relief tends to disappear very quickly after they realize what the acne has left behind- acne scars. Although they are very irritating, acne scars are quite common. Frequently it is quite possible to avoid acne scarring if acne sufferers would just follow the advice that their dermatologist, family members or information found on the internet provides them with.