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How and why your body is changing

When you become pregnant your body goes through a great deal of change due to the new hormone levels you’re experiencing. Skin, hair and gums are all likely to change, and you may need to develop a new beauty routine to manage the changes.

Healthier hair

Many women say that they have the healthiest hair they’ve ever experienced during pregnancy. It’s the hormonal changes you’re experiencing that cause it.

Hair loss

Experiencing hair loss during your pregnancy is quite unusual. It’s not clear exactly what causes it, but it’s likely that it’s due to the change in hormone levels you’re experiencing.

If you notice hair loss problems, or even excessive cracking or breakage, speak with your midwife or doctor. These problems can also be caused by other medical conditions or dietary issues, and may not necessarily be due to your pregnancy.

After giving birth it’s common to experience a greater amount of hair loss. This won’t be in great clumps, just an increased amount of shedding. This is normal and your hair growth will regulate as your hormonal cycles settle down. However, if you are experiencing anything that worries you, do speak to your GP.

Nails

Your nails may also become stronger and grow more quickly during pregnancy. There’s no specific health advice around nail varnish and varnish removers, and no indication that they will cause any problems with your baby’s health. However, you may prefer to avoid using these products while you’re pregnant as they do contain strong chemicals.

Changes to your blood flow

Bleeding gums and nosebleeds are quite normal during pregnancy. This is because when you’re pregnant your blood volume increases and hormonal changes you experience will cause your connective tissues and mucous membranes to become thinner.

To help your body deal with this, try taking a vitamin C supplement. This will help to strengthen your connective tissues and capillary walls.

Dental health

It’s important to pay extra attention to your all round dental health during pregnancy. Floss regularly and avoid sugary foods. Keep to your usual brushing routine of twice a day, but be gentle with your more sensitive gums.

Any pain, problems or questions then do visit your dentist straightaway. Even if you think your pregnancy is obvious, do make a point of telling your dental surgeon that you’re pregnant and how many weeks. This will help them when planning x-rays or other treatments which could potentially be harmful for pregnant women.

The ‘natural glow’ of pregnancy

You’ve probably heard about the ’natural glow’ of pregnancy, and people mentioning how pregnant women often look at their most radiant. It’s true and it’s one of the more pleasant side-effects of pregnancy.

It happens because your skin is retaining more moisture, smoothing out any fine lines or wrinkles. Increased levels of blood circulating round your body can also cause rosier cheeks and this may also make you feel slightly warmer at times.

Skin problems

Although you’ll be glowing with health and looking younger than ever, hormonal changes may also trigger a few skin problems.

Skin irritation

It’s normal to have more sensitive skin during pregnancy. Clothes, washing powders and beauty products you’ve always used may suddenly start causing irritation.

Choose natural dermatologically tested beauty products and washing powders, and wear cotton clothes. Moisturise your whole body, as your skin will be affected by the changes, not just your face.

Spots

Spots can become more common on your face, but in the second trimester these normally clear up. Resist squeezing and use products designed to reduce grease on the skin. Be cautious about using any very strong products or acne treatments, as these could be harmful. Seek medical advice, if you are unsure.

Red skin

You may find that you develop patches of red skin on your face. This is normal but if you’re feeling particularly self-conscious they can be easily covered up with make-up. There are some great products on the market specifically designed to combat skin redness. Any redness should disappear again after your baby is born.

If your skin is inflamed, blistered, or you have a rash, irritation or itchiness that lasts more than a couple of days, always talk to your GP.

Linea nigra

Around the second trimester pregnant women typically start to develop a dark line up to a centimetre wide, running vertically down the stomach towards the pubic region. This line is called the linea nigra, and it’s nothing to be alarmed about. It will fade within a few weeks of giving birth.

It’s caused by your abdominal muscles stretching to accommodate your growing baby. Where the stretching occurs, natural pigmentation appears.

You may also notice other areas with pigmentation on your body like your nipples, moles or freckles also darkening, but these changes generally fade after delivery.

Spider veins

The appearance of spider veins on your face can be upsetting, but it’s very common in pregnancy for these to appear. It’s another temporary side-effect. The veins will fade after you’ve given birth.

These are caused by the increased volume of circulating blood putting extra pressure on the tiny veins in your face To help prevent them from happening, protect your face by moisturising regularly.

Stretchmarks

Only around 10% of women don’t get any stretchmarks during their pregnancy. For most women, stretchmarks are a part of being pregnant. There is no way to completely prevent them from happening, but moisturising will help. Try using a cream rich in Vitamin E.

The pigmentation in the stretch marks gradually fades, and the streaks become lighter than the surrounding skin. This can take some time to happen so be patient and keep on moisturising!