Pregnancy affects women in various ways. It changes the shape of your body, and it can also make you feel tired and nauseous at times. When it comes to your skin, hormonal changes can be a good or bad thing.
Why does my skin glow during pregnancy
Hormonal changes can either make you glow or make you look pale. The pregnancy "glow" is familiar in soon-to-be mothers because of improved blood circulation. This usually occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy.
However, your oil glands also increase their production. Acne and pimples can also appear on your face because of the excess oil produced by the hormonal changes.
Tips for keeping skin healthy during pregnancy
how can you stay beautiful during pregnancy? Here are some easy-to-do tips to remain gorgeous and glowing throughout your pregnancy.
Wear Sunscreen when Going Out
Some pregnant women experience melasma, commonly called 'the mask of pregnancy.' Increased pigmentation leads to splotches on your face, regularly appearing in the cheeks or forehead.
Exposure to extreme sunlight can increase the splotches on your face. Sunscreen can help shield your skin from the sun. The best thing to do is protect your face and skin whenever you go out to avoid further irritation.
Cleanse Your Face Regularly
As discussed above, hormonal changes can lead to increased oil production on your face, and this can lead to a breakout. You can't do anything about the oil, but you can follow a cleansing regimen for your face to keep it smooth.
Invest in cleansing soap or facial scrub to cleanse your face. Maintain a regular pattern for cleaning and wash once or twice a day. If you're not satisfied, an astringent can remove excess oil from your face.
These facial cleansers and other skincare products are especially safe for pregnant women and will cleanse your skin without putting harmful ingredients into your body.
Eat Foods High in Folic Acid and Vitamin C
Pregnancy can affect your skin tone because of hormonal changes. Avocado, broccoli, kiwi, and other food with folic acid can help you maintain or balance your skin tone during pregnancy. (And it's great for your baby, too!)
Vitamin C is a safe and effective antioxidant which can also help keep your skin tone balanced. Other chemicals might be too strong, but Vitamin C will always be a safe choice for healthy skin.
Drink At Least Two Liters of Water per Day
You can never go wrong with H2O. When you're pregnant, you'll need to stay hydrated more than ever. Water will help you remove the toxins from your body, and it also helps maintain the adequate amount of amniotic fluid required by your body. Drink at least two liters per day for a healthier and toxin-free pregnancy.
Read How to Drink for Water During Pregnancy for additional tips
Avoid eating highly processed and fatty foods
You'll get cravings, but you can't give in especially if you're looking for unhealthy food. You have to be careful because you're pregnant. Stay away from caffeine and alcohol, and don't eat junk food as well.
Avoid food with high mercury content. Make sure that you eat food that is thoroughly cooked and avoid raw or undercooked fish or meat. Avoid raw eggs as well because salmonella can cause infection. Unpasteurized products may carry bacteria which can also cause disease.
Sleep At Least 8 Hours a Day
Being pregnant will leave you feeling more tired than usual. You'll need proper rest if you want to cope with your pregnancy. Sleep will refresh you and take away your fatigue.
You can use a maternity pillow for better sleep. The pregnancy body pillow is human-sized, while the U-shaped pregnancy body pillow wraps around your body. The inflatable pregnancy pillow is the largest one, and the pregnancy wedge pillow is the smallest and is designed to support a specific area of your body.
For more advice, read 7 Tips for Better Sleep
Exercise Regularly
Pregnancy doesn't mean that you should lie on the bed for the whole day. It's essential that you exercise. Light swimming, walking, and indoor cycling are safe for you. You can also do Lamaze or yoga classes to prepare you for giving birth.
Dress up
Your baby bump shouldn't discourage you from dressing up. You can still wear dresses and such. Maternity dresses are sold online and in stores. Use your maternity curves to your advantage.
Face Masks
A lot of moms have breakouts and unavoidable “transformations” during the duration of their pregnancy. As a pregnant mom, steer clear of any hair dyes, nail polishes, or any product that has harmful fumes.
If you want to use facial care products such as a detox face mask, always consult your OB/GYN and Dermatologist. When they give you the green light to use masks and other skin care products, make sure that you stick by their recommendations.
Takeaway
Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. The process won’t be trouble-free, but there are things that you can do to make it more comfortable for you. You can protect your skin by wearing sunscreen when you go out. Wash your face regularly to avoid acne and pimples from growing due to excessive oil from hormonal changes.
When it comes to food, avoid raw food and invest in folic-rich food. Take vitamins if needed. Gulp down lots of water, and stay away from caffeine and alcohol. Get enough sleep and maintain regular exercise for a healthier pregnancy.
Author Bio
Lisa Jones is a single mother and a writer. She’s also a health enthusiast and maintains a healthy lifestyle for herself and her two children. She often shares her health tips by writing articles for her readers. When not writing, Lisa spends her time on the beach with her kids.