OBJECTIVE: To describe skin changes perceived by pregnant women during the gestation period and verify the level of discomfort caused by those changes. METHODS: Is a descriptive study involving 124 pregnant women in four basic health units in the eastern region of Sao Paulo. RESULTS: Most women (91.1%) perceived skin changes during the period of gestation. In total, 345 physiological alterations were recorded. The alterations most frequently cited were: skin spots, vascular changes and grooves. The majority of them reported discomfort due to those changes. CONCLUSION: The knowledge about the alterations allows the health professional to not undervalue these problems and to not invest in unnecessary interventions.
Skin diseases; Pregnancy complications; Nursing
