(HealthDay News) -- Pregnancy affects much of your body, even your skin.

Here's a list of changes to the skin that can occur while you're pregnant, provided by the American Pregnancy Association:

  • Stretch marks -- pink or reddish streaks that can occur on your abdomen or breasts.
  • Melasma -- dark spots that can appear on the face, especially the cheeks and forehead. They are caused by a change in hormones, which affect the skin's pigmentation.
  • Oily skin on the face, or acne.
  • Varicose and spider veins, both caused by increased blood circulation.
  • Dry, itchy skin on the belly.
  • Darkening of the linea nigra -- a dark line that runs from the belly button to the pubic bone.
  • Moles and freckles that turn darker.
  • Excess skin that forms beneath the breasts or arms.