Pregnancy can be a wonderful time; unless of course you are being sick, feeling moody and cursing the man who got you into this state! Let’s face it, some will bloom and 
glow while others will go through an emotional wringer, feel like a beached whale, and get spots! It’s all down to your hormones.
What is likely to happen to your body, and is there anything you can do to improve things? First of all: the Pregnancy Glow. When you are pregnant your body producees more blood resulting in more circulation through your body. This increase in blood circulation causes your face to look brighter. Your body is also producing more hormones that cause your glands to go into overdrive and your skin may be shiny. Both of these things will produce the ‘pregnancy glow’. Treatment: if your skin becomes oily, use an oil-free cleanser twice each day. If this doesn’t do the trick just smile and say you are enjoying it!
The Mask of Pregnancy can cause dark blotches to appear on your face, most likely on your forehead and cheeks. Again, it is the active hormones at work. Around 50% of women will experience the mask of pregnancy. You can prevent this, or at least reduce the effect, by wearing high-factor sunscreen whenever you go out. Your skin is extra sensitive and a good sunscreen will help protect it.
Acne and Pimples. If you already suffer from acne it will probably get worse during pregnancy. Wash your face thoroughly and use a stringent. However, do not use acne creams unless your doctor agrees. Most are not suitable for pregnant women.
Skin Pigmentation. Areas of dark pigmentation such as freeckles, moles, nipples, areolas and labia will get darker during your pregnancy. This is not a permanent change and you will just have to accept it.
Pregnancy and your Hair. Normally most of your hair is growing and some is resting. During pregnancy more will be in the resting phase resulting in thicker hair. Thicker hair on your head may be welcome, but be warned that hair on other parts of your body will also become thicker and more noticeable. Again, this is not permanent and your hair should return to normal about 3 months after the birth.
