You’re growing a human inside of you, and it can be a wonderful and beautiful experience.
And every woman is different.
Some women get the pregnancy glow, while others end up with acne and brown spots.
Nico Piotto / Getty; Social image: Getty
Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched rapidly by growth or weight changes.
Basically the skin is overstretched, Sejal Shah, M.D., a board certified dermatologist andRealSelfadvisor, tells SELF.
Some women are more prone to get these tiger stripes due to genetics and hormonal factors.
you’re free to start to see them as early as four months into your pregnancy.
Shah recommends using moisturizers to help improve the elasticity of skin.
“However, there is no scientifically proven preventive.”
Youll often hear moms-to-be brag about their amazing hair growth.
And it’s true, hair can seem thicker and longer during pregnancy.
However these effects only last for nine months.
After the hormone boost subsides, hair completes the natural cycle and begins to shed.
Hair goes into the telogen phase of growth, which is a resting phase.
This typically starts about three months after birth and lasts for about six months.
Some supplements can help, but it will all level out in time.
However if you start to see bald patches, see your dermatologist to find out the real issue.
Yes, your breasts will swell during pregnancy.
But no one talks about how the nipples can change, too.
Shah says it’s normal for the areolas and nipples to get bigger and darken.
And those little tiny bumps that look like pimples?
Theyre called Montgomery’s tubercles.
With the surge of hormones you experience during the first trimester, acne flareups are more likely to occur.
Youre also more likely to sweatfor no reason.
This is because your sweat and oil glands are more active during pregnancy, says Shah.
The effects on your vascular system might also make your complexion appear flushed and palms look red.
Stoll adds that the weight in the belly area can also increase the pressure on veins.
Wearing support hose can help, but the swollen vessels tend to return to normal after birth.
Seventy percent of pregnant women encounter melasma during pregnancy.
These splotches arent the only thing to get darker when you’re expecting.
In most cases the brown spots disappear postpartum.
However, some women may want to turn to peels and topical treatments if the hyperpigmentation persists.
Both Stoll and Shah agree that research has shown hair dye is safe for moms-to-be.
If youre concerned, consider waiting until after the first trimester is over or after delivery.
However, plan to cancel your other cosmetic procedures.
During pregnancy your skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation and can be super sensitive.
So, avoid retinoids and salicylic acid products.
Also on the no-go list are saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, and hot tubs.
