is acne in pregnancy a sign of a girl - #23058
I am really confused about this whole acne situation during my pregnancy. Like, is acne in pregnancy a sign of a girl? I read somewhere that if you have breakouts, it could mean you're having a girl, but I wasn't sure if that actually has any medical backing. I've always had pretty clear skin, and then bam! The moment I got pregnant, my face started breaking out like crazy, especially around my chin and forehead. It's kinda frustrating. My sister-in-law had a girl and she had terrible acne too, which makes me think about this myth thing. My OB didn’t mention anything about acne being linked to the baby's gender. I’m 20 weeks along now and just trying to get my head around all the changes. I mean, both acne and being pregnant are tough, right? Anyone else dealing with this? Is acne in pregnancy a sign of a girl, or is it just one of those old wives’ tales? I really want to know if there’s any truth behind this or if I should just focus on what products I can use to clear this up without harming the baby. Makeup isn’t cutting it anymore!
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Doctors' responses
Acne during pregnancy isn’t an indication of your baby’s gender. This idea is indeed one of those old wives’ tales. Hormonal changes are the most likely cause of acne when you’re expecting, and these changes aren’t actually linked to whether you’re having a boy or a girl. During pregnancy, your body ramps up production of hormones known as androgens, which can lead to your skin producing more oil, clogging pores and causing breakouts. This can happen regardless of your baby’s gender. Managing acne during pregnancy can be a bit tricky since you’ll want to ensure any treatments are safe for your developing baby. It’s good to steer clear of products that contain retinoids or high doses of salicylic acid, as these may not be safe. Instead, look for topical treatments that have lower concentrations of glycolic acid or azelaic acid, which are generally considered safe during pregnancy. You might also want to incorporate a gentle cleanser into your daily routine and avoid overly scrubbing your face. Keeping your skin clean is important, but excessive cleaning can irritate the skin and make it worse. To keep things simple and safe, it’s often best to consult with a dermatologist who can recommend treatments tailored to your pregnancy needs. Remember, though, over-the-counter products don’t work for everyone, and consulting with your healthcare provider is always a smart move if acne becomes bothersome or if you’re uncertain about the safety of a specific product.
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