Lynn Bluff, a leading childbirth educator and editor of The Expectant Mother's Guide, shares some advice:
The increase in hormones can make skin drier or oilier. Oilier skin, extra heat and sweat may aggravate breakouts, the 'cleanse, tone, and moisturise' routine is best. Should skin be drier, moisturising twice a day with a light oil like Bio-Oil will safely address the indication. Many prescribed products may be too strong for the skin and the ingredients may have not been tested for safety in pregnancy.
Pregnancy hormones may thin out the skin causing it to be prone to allergies, rashes and sensitivities. Lynn suggests avoiding ingredients like salycic acid, tea tree oil and AHA's; instead recommend products that contain chamomile and calendula which will soothe the skin.
Pregnancy hormones are also responsible for producing more melanin, the skin's pigment cells. Unfortunately this may happen unevenly causing a condition called cholasma / melasma (the pregnancy mask). Women suffering from this are advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight as the UVA/UVB rays which will make this worse and the use of sunscreen of SPF 30+ is crucial.
Usually this lasts for about three months, as hormones settle and return to pre-baby levels. Bio-Oil may help reduce the uneven skin tone when used twice a day, massaged gently into the skin. The most important aspect is to keep out of direct sunlight as one day of sun exposure can make it return.
Contrary to popular belief, it is pregnancy and not breastfeeding that causes a woman's breasts to stretch and sag. Breasts are made up of ligaments and connective tissue which naturally stretch over time but as they grow during pregnancy the ligaments and tissues stretch and will never retract back to what they were. Once a mom stops breastfeeding, a process known as breast involution occurs, as the milk producing tissue is gradually replaced with the original fatty tissues. This may take up to two years and until then the breasts lose their firm, full appearance and can sometimes seem empty or flat.
To decrease the effect of the ligaments and tissues being stretched during pregnancy, women should get their bra fitted regularly and wear something supportive. Foods with zinc, vitamin C and silica also increase the skin's elasticity. Bio-Oil and exercise help to build the pectoral muscles behind the breast also keep the skin firm.
About 90 percent of women are prone to pregnancy stretch marks. To prevent them, recommend that women massage Bio-Oil onto the breasts, tummy, hips and thighs twice daily from the first trimester until after baby is born. Starting Bio-Oil early will help increase the skin's elasticity and condition so it is able to adapt to the changes in size as the baby grows.
Often women stop using a stretch mark product once the baby is born, but it is crucial to keep using a product on the same areas to help the skin return to normal and maintain its elasticity and condition.
