Pregnancy: a time of change

A woman will experience a number of physical and emotional changes throughout her pregnancy. Aside from the obvious swelling belly and popped navel, there are other changes that occur that are normal and sometimes are just a part of being pregnant.

Stretch marks

Stretch marks are literally the result of the skin stretching over a rapidly growing area. In pregnancy, they will generally occur on your belly and breasts. Women sometimes feel their tummy is dry and itchy as the skin stretches. If your skin is lacking the nutrients that improve the elasticity and tone of the skin, such as vitamin C, then the skin won’t bounce back as well after the birth.
  
It’s always easier to prevent stretch marks than to treat them later, so ensure you eat a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and essential fatty acids. Remember to drink lots of water, too. Using a pregnancy massage oil is an effective way of making sure the skin keeps its tone and stays moisturised. A lovely way to keep the intimacy alive is to get your partner to massage you…daily!

Skin pigmentation

The hormonal changes that your body adjusts to in pregnancy can cause normal and harmless skin pigmentation due to an increase in the skin pigment melanin. Chloasma (or melasma), also known as the ‘mask of pregnancy’, is the bronze pigmentation that commonly occurs on the face.

Linear nigra is the name for the dark line that runs down the belly to the pubic bone and is caused by the same increase in melanin as a result of hormonal changes. This line was always there pre-pregnancy; it just darkens as a result of the hormonal changes. Your skin will also naturally darken around your nipples and your labia. You may even notice your freckles darken or you have new ones popping up.

Too much sun can further increase your melanin production, so try to avoid spending too much time sunbaking and use a natural protective sunscreen when outdoors. As your hormones settle down a few months after birth, the areas of high pigmentation should naturally fade away and your skin should return to its normal colour.

Nails, hair and skin

Some women feel like their skin is hypersensitive to environmental influences during pregnancy. It is recommended to avoid using any harmful or toxic chemicals on your skin and to only clean with environmentally safe cleaning products.

Breakouts can occur, particularly in the earlier stages of pregnancy, as the body and liver adapt to the increased hormonal load. However, most women experience the pregnancy “glow” which normally occurs during the second trimester. This is mainly due to the increased blood volume bringing more blood to the skin and resulting in a ‘glowing’ complexion.

Other wonderful things that happen in pregnancy are that your nails will grow stronger and longer and your hair will feel healthier and thicker.

Spider veins may pop up on your face as a result of the increased blood flow and hormonal changes. They will usually disappear a couple of months after delivery, but some women may find they just fade slightly. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids may help to strengthen capillary integrity and reduce the likelihood of this happening.

Pregnancy is a time of changes for you and your body – some you may find strange, some you might find inconvenient, but all are normal and a beautiful reminder that you are undergoing one of the most enchanting and unique times in your life.