Pregnancy is Beautiful: An Exposé
Growing a whole human being is a beautiful thing, but sometimes beauty takes sacrifice. While the maternity era is often marketed with a tint of goddess-like glamour, don’t let the expectation of a perfectly pretty pregnancy overshadow the true beauty of your reality. Pregnancy is hard work, and it can also be hard on mom’s body. Let’s keep it real and check out some pregnancy beauty myths.
- The Pregnancy Glow. Some women may legitimately get the glow! Other women may look like they have it… but it is actually just a thin layer of ever-present sweat. Pregnancy hot flashes can turn women into blazing furnaces. Maybe that’s why so many clammy women crave that crunchy “good ice” during pregnancy?
- Clear Skin. Lucky mommas may look like pregnancy models. But hormones associated with healthy pregnancies can also wreak havoc on a gal’s complexion. An increase in oil production can have moms-to-be donning a pizza face. Thankfully Ob/Gyns can recommend OTC (or rX) topical treatments. In extreme cases, antibiotics can be prescribed.
- Long Hair. Increased blood flow and heightened hormone levels both promote hair growth. Hirsutism is increased hair growth that many women experience during pregnancy. Unfortunately, this growth is not just limited to head hair. Don’t feel alone during pregnancy if you suddenly feel as hairy as a yeti. The increased body hair growth during pregnancy is harmless and good news: temporary.
- Lustrous Hair. Another myth about maternity locks is that pregnancy hair is bouncy and beautiful. Just like with skin, hair can be victim to the increase of oil production associated with pregnancy. Instead of appearing voluminous, hair can end up looking oil slicked, leaving mom feeling less than lovely. Simply switch to a clarifying shampoo, use less conditioner, and consider using dry shampoo to help with oil levels.
- Big, Beautiful Smiles. During pregnancy, a woman’s total blood volume increases by 30–50 percent. This can lead to inflamed gums and bright red spit during flossing sessions. And, ow! Pregnant women are also at a higher risk for cavities due to a myriad of reasons, so be sure to check in with a dentist and pay close attention to oral hygiene during pregnancy.
The good news about these somewhat ugly pregnancy truths is that they are all temporary and totally normal. These less-than ideal skin-deep symptoms all have the same culprit: haywire hormones that are helping baby grow. Once baby is born, many of momma’s random pregnancy beauty side-effects reverse themselves and let’s face it: Baby is worth looking wonky for a few months!
