Despite the utter joy of finding out I was pregnant and the overwhelming knowledge that there is a tiny HUMAN BEING growing inside my tummy, I have also been plagued by worrying about lots of little things, mainly whether or not the baby is healthy but also some vanity woes. Will I get really sick? Will I get fat or have swollen ankles or stretchmarks? Will I feel and look exhausted? And, beating them all, will my skin get really bad?
Having suffered with the 'mask of pregnancy' (or Melasma) way before ever being pregnant - thanks to the Pill - I am simply waiting for my skin to get worse throughout my pregnancy. Whilst I don't really care all that much because I'm producing another little heartbeat, I can imagine that the road ahead is going to be quite hard and fraught at times anyway so looking in the mirror at a patchy, tired, panda-eyed face might just be enough to tip me over the edge...
If, and up until that happens, I am currently enjoying the joys of pregnancy! A lot of friends have kindly commented that I'm glowing (although I think everyone says this to pregnant ladies even when they're tinged with a nauseous green complexion) but it does make you feel nice! I was interested to find out what this glow is...
There are many good and not so good physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and they change as you progress through your trimesters and beyond. These are down to the influx in hormones (mainly progesterone) which are whizzing about your body trying to create a new life and are, ultimately, responsible for changes to your skin and hair. Hormones can be simultaneously wonderful and evil.
Having suffered with the 'mask of pregnancy' (or Melasma) way before ever being pregnant - thanks to the Pill - I am simply waiting for my skin to get worse throughout my pregnancy. Whilst I don't really care all that much because I'm producing another little heartbeat, I can imagine that the road ahead is going to be quite hard and fraught at times anyway so looking in the mirror at a patchy, tired, panda-eyed face might just be enough to tip me over the edge...
If, and up until that happens, I am currently enjoying the joys of pregnancy! A lot of friends have kindly commented that I'm glowing (although I think everyone says this to pregnant ladies even when they're tinged with a nauseous green complexion) but it does make you feel nice! I was interested to find out what this glow is...
There are many good and not so good physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and they change as you progress through your trimesters and beyond. These are down to the influx in hormones (mainly progesterone) which are whizzing about your body trying to create a new life and are, ultimately, responsible for changes to your skin and hair. Hormones can be simultaneously wonderful and evil.
THE GOOD CHANGES:
- During pregnancy your body increases the production of blood by 50%, which can lead to a boost in blood flow and circulation, which makes your face look fresher and brighter. It also aids with faster healing, so I'm finding any spots are clearing up much quicker!
- Skin can retain more moisture and oil which plumps up and smooths out any fine lines and gives a healthy, pinkish glow or shine to your complexion.
- Halfway through your pregnancy you may find your nails are growing quicker and are thicker than before and may need filing more often.
- Your hair may look thicker and shinier - you're probably not actually growing more hair but you're losing less.
- Vitamin D is great during pregnancy and often prescribed in tablet form, but get out in the sun and show off your upper thighs, tummy and shoulders and absorb up those yummy vitamins! You may find your skin tans quicker thanks to hormones so be careful, wear sun cream and a hat (see below 'mask of pregnancy') and avoid any burning.
- Not drinking alcohol and avoiding eating other pregnancy no-nos may also improve your overall health and skin tone, resulting in a clearer, brighter complexion.
- Your boobs may get bigger and more voluptuous, which if you're anything like me is a complete miracle and one worth celebrating!
- Perhaps best of all, you don't have periods - hooray!!!
THE NOT SO GOOD CHANGES:
- Skin can become very dry and sensitive, possibly because your body is using up so much energy elsewhere to create a baby! You may need to apply more moisturiser to your face and rest of the body.
- Skin can also become excessively oily and lead to spots and pimples, or worse case, pregnancy acne. Oil-free skincare, gentle exfoliation and eating and drinking healthily will all help combat acne, but your skin may not get better until after pregnancy. Book yourself in for some facials or seek medical help.
- Stretchmarks are a common physiological change during pregnancy as your skin battles with a growing bump! Applying moisturiser or oil (Bio Oil is a popular choice!) from as early as the start of the second trimester can at least lessen the severity of them, but unfortunately you're probably going to get some, if not during your first pregnancy then the second or third! Apply cream or oil to your boobs, tummy, hips, bum and thighs every day.
- Morning sickness can happen at any time of the day and can either just make you feel nauseous or make you physically sick. It usually stops after your first trimester, but is miserable and can last longer. Be careful not to stop eating or drinking water as you risk becoming dehydrated.
- The 'mask of pregnancy' or Melasma is a skin-darkening condition which can form on the face or body, and is caused by hormones reacting with sun exposure and creating more pigmentation than normal resulting in brown/grey patches. Pregnant women should avoid excessive sun exposure and wear a hat and SPF 50 sun cream. It can fade 3-6+ months after pregnancy, but will always need to be carefully maintained.
- Women who are prone to eczema may develop dry, red, itchy skin whilst pregnant, as you are more prone to allergies and sensitivity during pregnancy. Seek medical help.
- Your teeth and gums can be affected by pregnancy, with bleeding gums quite a common symptom. Make the most of your free dental care under the NHS during pregnancy and maintain good dental hygiene.
- Whilst the hair on your head may appear thicker and shinier, you may find some new hairs sprouting where you've never had them before!
- You may ache more during pregnancy; pelvic pressure, lower back pain or general achiness can be soothed by wearing a maternity belt, taking hot baths, heating a wheat cushion and taking paracetamol (always check with your midwife or GP with medication and specific concerns).
- Tiredness during and post-pregnancy can make your skin look dull, enhance fine lines and cause spots, so try to maintain a regular facial regime (even though I imagine that's quite impossible with a newborn baby or active toddler!).
Time will tell what symptoms I get lumbered with but I do think it's good to prevent what you can and accept what you get. Although the reality of growing a baby should outweigh any physiological or emotional woes, it is easier said than done and pregnancy and any types of resulting changes can take their toll. If you are pregnant then be kind to yourself and embrace the changes as best as you can. If you're not pregnant but you know someone who is then keep dishing out those compliments and don't ask too many questions about stretchmarks, sickness, etc - they probably don't want to be reminded!
With love from me and the bump,
Laura x
With love from me and the bump,
Laura x
