The increased hormones and general exhaustion that comes with pregnancy can affect your mood, health, energy and appearance. Your skin stretches and morphs, your feet hurt, you feel fatigued, frumpy, bloated and may have a hard time caring for your pregnant body.
Take heart – you can successfully maintain your beauty routine. This will ensure you remain confident, relaxed and radiant. Although there are things you can’t quite control, there are various things you can do to reinvent your pregnant body so that the lows don’t get the best of you.
1. Eat A Healthy Diet
Even though you may crave less than healthy choices, try to stick to a diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein. Foods rich in antioxidants will keep your skin looking healthy.
Some supplements such as vitamin A, are not advisable during pregnancy. However, eating Vitamin A-rich foods such as eggs, carrots, fish and dairy will help to keep the skin looking supple and young. The healthier your diet, the better your skin will look.
Related: What to Eat and Avoid During Each Trimester: Advice From a Maternal Health Nutritionist
2. Manage Stretch Marks Through Prevention
Heredity plays a role in stretch marks therefore if your mother had them; you’re more likely to get them. Although you cannot prevent pregnancy stretch marks, you can minimize their appearance and growth. Use oils or lotions that contain Vitamin A and E which are good for supporting the structure of the skin.
These include coconut oil, Shea butter, cocoa butter, and carrot seed oil. You may also mix in a few drops of essential oils such as wheat germ oil which is rich in Vitamin E, or rose hip oil which is rich in fatty acids and healing nutrients. Many of the essential oils are rich in antioxidants which help to repair and protect the skin and are therefore good for stretch marks.
However, ensure you confirm which oils and skincare products that are safe during pregnancy and lactation. Prevention will lead to you feeling more confident, and loving your pregnant body and encourage you to be consistent in your beauty routine.
3.Dry Itchy Skin
Stretching skin tends to be itchy and dry. Try to eliminate drying soaps and skin products that contain alcohol. Use natural soaps and natural skin care products because whatever you put on the skin, is absorbed into your body.
To keep your skin well moisturized, add some vitamin E oil, lemongrass oil, or lavender oil to your lotion, mix well and use. This will enrich your lotion and make it more moisturizing. It is important to keep your whole body well moisturized, not just your belly.
4.Skin Pigmentation
Often, changes in pigmentation are among the most pronounced skin changes during pregnancy. Dark patches might develop on your face or other areas of your body such as your inner thighs.
Although these skin changes aren’t preventable, they can get worse with sun exposure. Stay in the shade when you can. And if you must be in the sun, use plenty of pregnancy-safe sunscreens.
5. Body Aches and Fatigue
To look and feel your best, ensure that you relax and rest whenever possible. Pregnant women need at least 8-10 hours of sleep every night. Rest is important to thwart eye bags and dark circles.
If you’re finding it hard to rest, use lavender essential oil to help you relax and lull you to sleep. Baths with Epsom salts and essential oils help to relieve aches and pains. If you can, continue with your pregnancy exercise routine as this will energize you and improve your skin’s appearance while at it.
Related: How to Cope With Pregnancy-Related Sleep Disorders
6. Skin Breakouts
If you do break out, remember that these skin changes will most likely resolve themselves within 3 months of giving birth. Wash your face with a mild pregnancy-safe cleanser twice a day and keep your hair off your face. Use an oil-free moisturizer and avoid oily makeup.
Get Personalized Pregnancy Care
Another major way to keep you confidence during pregnancy is to attend your antenatal care clinics religiously and as advised by your doctor or midwife. Besides the routine clinical assessments, you get to understand body changes that are normal during pregnancy and get expert advice on how to manage others, such as emotional shifts and cravings for unhealthy foods.
Malaica Maternity Hospital personalizes our antenatal care to your needs including mental health through a virtual psychologist, nutrition advise from maternal health specialists, and an online community of pregnant moms for community and reassurance.
Curious how we can empower your journey and support we can offer to reinvent your pregnant body? Call or send us a message at +254 746 610643 or visit us at 240 General Mathenge Gardens, Westlands for a walk-in consultation. You can also fill out our online booking form and we’ll call you back.