Why Skin Picking May Change During Pregnancy and Parenthood

Pregnancy and early parenthood bring enormous physical and emotional changes. While much attention is given to what happens to the body, many people are surprised by how dramatically their emotional well-being can shift too. For individuals living with excoriation disorder (skin picking disorder) or trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder), these changes can sometimes affect symptoms in unexpected ways.

Some people report that their urges decrease during pregnancy. Others find that symptoms worsen, particularly after childbirth. Although research on body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) during pregnancy is still limited, emerging evidence and lived experiences suggest that hormonal changes, stress, sleep deprivation, and body image concerns can all play important roles.

If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or adjusting to life with a new baby, understanding these factors may help you navigate this period with greater self-compassion and awareness.

Why Pregnancy Can Influence Skin Picking

Pregnancy is a time of significant hormonal change. Levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and other hormones increase dramatically, influencing not only the body but also mood, energy levels, and emotional regulation.

Researchers are still trying to understand exactly how hormones affect BFRBs. Interestingly, some studies have found that many women notice changes in their hair pulling and skin picking symptoms during different phases of the menstrual cycle, suggesting that hormonal changes may influence urges and behaviours.

A recent study examining pregnancy experiences among individuals with trichotillomania and skin picking disorder found that symptom changes are highly individual. Some participants reported improvement during pregnancy, while others experienced little change or worsening symptoms. This reminds us that there is no single "normal" response. Every person's experience is unique.

Why Stress Can Make Skin Picking Feel Harder to Manage

While hormones may play a role, stress is one of the most consistent triggers for both hair pulling and skin picking.

For many people, skin picking becomes a way of coping with difficult emotions. Picking can temporarily reduce feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, boredom, frustration, or tension. Unfortunately, this relief is often short-lived, and the behaviour can become part of a self-reinforcing cycle.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period can bring many new demands, including:

• Concerns about the baby's health
• Financial pressures
• Changes in relationships
• Physical discomfort
• Loss of routine
• Sleep disruption
• Increased responsibilities

For some individuals, these stressors may increase the frequency or intensity of urges.

The postpartum period can be especially challenging. New parents often experience significant sleep deprivation, reduced personal time, and the constant demands of caring for an infant. These factors can reduce emotional resilience and make it more difficult to consistently use healthy coping strategies.

If you notice your skin picking increasing after childbirth, it does not mean you are doing anything wrong. It may simply mean that your nervous system is working overtime during one of the biggest life transitions you will ever experience.

When Changes in Your Body Affect Your Skin Picking

Another factor that often receives less attention is body image.

Pregnancy and childbirth often change the way people see and experience their bodies. Weight gain, stretch marks, changes in skin texture, postpartum hair shedding, and changes in body shape can all affect self-confidence.

Research has shown that body dissatisfaction, perfectionism, and self-criticism are common risk factors for both hair pulling and skin picking. During pregnancy and postpartum recovery, these vulnerabilities may become more pronounced.

For example, someone who already struggles with perfectionistic tendencies may become increasingly focused on perceived flaws in their skin, hair, or appearance. Likewise, someone experiencing postpartum hair shedding may find themselves spending more time touching, inspecting, or pulling their hair.

This does not mean body image concerns cause BFRBs. Rather, they may create additional emotional stress that contributes to urges in people who are already vulnerable.

Why Some People Improve During Pregnancy

Interestingly, not everyone experiences worsening symptoms.

Many people find that pregnancy motivates them to take better care of themselves. Increased medical support, stronger social networks, healthier routines, and a greater focus on well-being may all contribute to symptom improvement.

Some individuals also describe becoming more aware of their emotional needs during pregnancy and intentionally prioritising stress management, rest, and self-care.

Although researchers do not yet fully understand why symptoms improve for some people, these positive experiences remind us that change can happen in both directions.

Supporting Yourself During Pregnancy and Early Parenthood

If you are navigating pregnancy or the postpartum period while managing a BFRB, the goal is not perfection. Instead, focus on creating a supportive environment that makes urges easier to manage.

Let Go of Perfect

Parenthood is messy. Recovery is messy too. Trying to be the "perfect parent" often creates additional pressure and self-criticism.

Practice replacing perfection with flexibility and self-compassion.

Notice When Urges Are Most Likely

Pay attention to when your urges are strongest.

For many new parents, common high-risk situations include:

• Night-time feedings
• Scrolling on your phone while holding the baby
• Watching television
• Times of exhaustion or overwhelm

Awareness is often the first step towards change.

Keep Your Hands Occupied

Having something else to do with your hands can help during moments when urges are strongest. This is known as a competing response, a strategy commonly used in Habit Reversal Training.

Some ideas include:

• Stress balls
• Fidget toys
• Knitting or crafts
• Sensory objects

Prioritise Rest When You Can

Sleep deprivation affects emotional regulation and impulse control. While uninterrupted sleep may not be realistic with a newborn, accepting help and sharing caregiving responsibilities where possible can make a meaningful difference.

Reach Out for Support

You do not have to wait until symptoms become severe before asking for help.

Support may come from:

• A therapist familiar with BFRBs
• Peer support groups
• Trusted friends and family
• Online communities of people with similar experiences

You're Not Alone

Pregnancy and parenthood can bring joy, excitement, uncertainty, and stress—all at the same time. If you notice changes in your hair pulling or skin picking during this period, you are not alone.

Current research suggests that symptom patterns during pregnancy and the postpartum period vary widely. Some people improve, some experience an increase in symptoms, and many fluctuate throughout their journey.

What matters most is remembering that increased symptoms are not a sign of weakness or failure. They are often a signal that your mind and body need additional support.

As you care for your growing family, remember that your own well-being deserves care too. You do not have to navigate this alone. If your skin picking is becoming more difficult to manage during pregnancy or after your baby is born, our team of experienced therapists is here to support you with compassionate, evidence-based care.

References

1. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/your-pregnancy-and-childbirth
2. https://www.skinpick.com/technology-competing-response
3. https://www.skinpick.com/self-compassion-acceptance-skin-picking
4. https://www.skinpick.com/habit-reversal-training-for-skin-picking
5. Banafshi, Z., & Khatony, A. (2025). Exploring the lived experiences of individuals with trichotillomania: A descriptive phenomenological study. BMC Psychology, 13(1), 1040.
6. Grant, J. E., Neelapu, M., Avila, L., Boutouis, S., & Chamberlain, S. R. (2026). Trichotillomania, skin picking disorder, and pregnancy. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 144, 152647.
7. Kłosowska, J., Cieśla, A., Szymańska, D., Jankowska, A., & Prochwicz, K. (2024). Interoception, emotion regulation strategies and skin-picking behaviors: Results of an intensive longitudinal study. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 180, 47–55.
8. Muzik, M., Rosenblum, K. L., Alfafara, E. A., Schuster, M. M., Miller, N. M., Waddell, R. M., & Kohler, E. S. (2015). Mom Power: Preliminary outcomes of a group intervention to improve mental health and parenting among high-risk mothers. Archives of Women's Mental Health, 18(3), 507.
9. Roberts, S., O'Connor, K., & Bélanger, C. (2013). Emotion regulation and other psychological models for body-focused repetitive behaviours. Clinical Psychology Review, 33(6), 745–762.