Toning down skin splotchiness Sun exposure can intensify those unsettling pigment changes on your skin. To cope: • Use a broad-spectrum sunblock (a formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 15 or higher, and reapply it often. • Limit the amount of time you spend in the sun, especially in the middle of the day (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). • Wear a brimmed hat when you're out. • Use makeup to even out your skin tone. Stop by a makeup counter at a local department store for tips if you're not sure where to start. • Don't use skin-bleaching products — their safety during pregnancy is unknown. Instead, wait and see whether the pigmentation fades on its own after you give birth.

Think you're big now? You'll start growing even more rapidly in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but call your practitioner if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes severe.

You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from increased estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin due to a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line." These darkened spots will most likely fade shortly after delivery