Relationships between Skin Structure and Skin Function of Pregnant Women and Their Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Abstract

Introduction: In women during pregnancy and in infants during the first months after birth, skin health is challenged. However, evidence about the structural and functional changes of the skin during and after pregnancy is largely lacking.

Methods: The first prospective cohort study was conducted, following women from pregnancy through the postpartum period and their infants until 6 months of age, with skin structure and function measured at different time points. Due to the explorative character of the study, descriptive statistics were used.

Results: Over the study period, transepidermal water loss, epidermal thickness, and skin roughness in women increased. Pregnancy and postpartum period affected skin parameters such as skin roughness, epidermal thickness, and transepidermal water loss, whereas stratum corneum hydration, pH, skin stiffness, and skin elasticity were not affected in women. Infants' skin barrier function matched literature values for healthy skin, with roughness and dryness decreasing through 6 months of age. Infants' skin barrier function characteristics matched literature values for healthy skin, with skin roughness and dryness decreasing by 6 months of age.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this observational cohort study, we found no statistically significant correlation between maternal health and skin characteristics and skin characteristics of infants except for women's skin roughness and infants' skin stiffness and skin elasticity and women's skin stiffness and skin elasticity and infants' skin elasticity. Therefore, based on our findings it may be justified to consider using skin care for maintaining barrier quality and function: (a) in pregnant women with a positive effect on skin roughness and transepidermal water loss and (b) in infants improving dry skin and skin roughness.