Acne in Pregnancy: Does It Predict Gender?
The old wives' tale says acne during pregnancy means you're having a girl — the idea being that she's 'stealing your beauty'. It's one of the most widely shared gender prediction theories, especially on pregnancy forums and social media. But does it hold up? And what actually causes pregnancy acne?
The Theory
The folk belief goes like this: if you develop breakouts during pregnancy, you're carrying a girl. Girls, the story goes, steal their mother's beauty — hence the spots. Clear skin throughout pregnancy supposedly points to a boy. Some versions of this tale extend it to include oily hair, dull complexion, and generally feeling less glowing than expected.It's a belief that has been passed down through generations, and many people genuinely swear by it after their own experiences. But anecdotal patterns aren't the same as evidence, and the biology tells a very different story.
The Reality
Pregnancy acne is caused by hormonal changes — specifically, the significant rise in progesterone and androgens (hormones such as testosterone) that occurs in early pregnancy. These hormones increase sebum (oil) production in your skin, which can block pores and trigger breakouts.Crucially, these hormonal shifts happen in all pregnancies, regardless of whether you are carrying a boy or a girl. The sex of the baby does not meaningfully alter your androgen or progesterone levels in a way that would produce more or less acne. Accuracy for this old wives' tale sits at roughly 50% — which is exactly what you'd expect from a coin flip.
If you've had acne-prone skin before pregnancy, you're more likely to experience breakouts. If your skin was previously clear, you may find pregnancy suits you well. Your individual skin type and hormone sensitivity are far better predictors of whether you'll break out than the sex of your baby.
Managing Pregnancy Acne
If you're struggling with breakouts, there are some safe approaches to consider:
- Gentle cleansing — wash your face twice a day with a mild, unperfumed cleanser. Avoid scrubbing, which can make irritation worse.
- Non-comedogenic products — look for moisturisers and foundations labelled non-comedogenic (less likely to block pores).
- Avoid certain skincare ingredients — retinoids (vitamin A products), salicylic acid in high doses, and benzoyl peroxide are best avoided in pregnancy. Always check with your pharmacist or GP before using any acne treatment.
- Stay hydrated — drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet supports skin health generally.
- Speak to your GP or midwife — if your acne is severe or affecting your wellbeing, your GP may be able to recommend pregnancy-safe treatments.
Most pregnancy acne improves after the first trimester as hormone levels stabilise, though for some people it continues longer. It nearly always resolves after birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
### Does pregnancy acne mean I'm having a girl?No. Pregnancy acne is caused by hormonal changes — specifically a rise in progesterone and androgens — and these changes happen in both boy and girl pregnancies. There is no reliable scientific evidence that the sex of your baby influences whether or not you break out. This is an old wives' tale with around a 50% accuracy rate, which is no better than chance.
What skincare ingredients should I avoid during pregnancy?
It's generally recommended to avoid retinoids (tretinoin, retinol), high-dose salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy. If you're unsure about a product, ask your pharmacist or GP. Gentle, fragrance-free products are usually the safest choice.
When will pregnancy acne clear up?
Many people find their skin improves after the first trimester as hormone levels even out. For others, it may continue through pregnancy. In most cases, skin returns to its pre-pregnancy state within a few weeks or months of giving birth.
For personalised advice about your skin during pregnancy, speak to your midwife or GP.
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