Skin and Hair
There are good reasons for the bloom that is said to appear on a woman's face and skin in pregnancy. The high levels of hormones in your blood affect your skin, plumping it out, giving your face a smooth, velvety appearance. Added to this, your skin acquires a rosy glow because there's more blood circulating around your body.
Most women's skins improve notably - a dry skin becoming more supple, an oily one less shiny, and any tendency to spots disappearing - but the opposite can happen and you may have to adapt your whole beauty routine.
Your face may become plumper, which tends to smooth out lines and wrinkles, making you look younger and healthier or, conversely, even chubbier than before.
You may find that your skin itches more in pregnancy, particularly over your distended stomach. Rub any kind of oil into the skin. The oil itself may not make the difference, but the massage will certainly stimulate your blood vessels and ease the irritation.
If you have put on a lot of weight, especially on your thighs, your skin may chafe. Bathe frequently, dust the area with corn flour or talcum powder and keep it dry and cool. Wear cotton and avoid nylon tights. Calamine lotion is also soothing but the only real prevention is to cut down on your weight gain.
Chloasma
Any areas of skin that are already pigmented, such as birthmarks, moles and freckles, can darken, especially in olive-skinned brunettes. Sunlight will intensify this so keep covered up or include a sun block.
Occasionally brown patches (chloasma or the mask of pregnancy) appear on the face and neck. They are caused by the pregnancy hormones and are often noticed in women who take the contraceptive pill.
Chloasma may be aggravated by a reaction to perfume, so test what you use. Don't try to bleach the marks out: cover them up with a blemish stick, topped with a thin layer of foundation. They will go within three months of delivery.
Chloasma can be brought on by sunlight and it will get worse if exposed to the sun, use a strong sun block. Black women may develop patches of white skin on the face and neck. These too disappear after delivery.
Spider Veins
These are broken blood vessels, which resemble little red spiders. They appear on the face, particularly on the cheeks. They occur when a blood vessel dilates and tiny vessels grow from this central area.
They are most noticeable in fair women but will have gone within two months of delivery.
Hair Care
Some women notice a difference in their hair during pregnancy. It is a good idea to have hairstyle that is easy to care for. You can wash your hair as often as you like but if you notice a change in your hair, use the correct shampoo for your new hair condition.
Wash your hair in the shower or use the shower attachment when you take a bath so you don't put any strain on your back.
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