Pregnancy Beauty Issues

Everyone loves a surprise – right? Well throughout the nine months of pregnancy there is an array of pregnancy problems including swollen feet and ankles (oedema), weight gain and fatigue that you may expect, then there are the pregnancy problems that can catch you totally by surprise, including bad breath (no!), hair loss (what?) and acne. As if weight gain wasn’t enough! So as you prepare yourself to embark on this wondrous journey and you’re not particularly partial to a surprise, prepare yourself for the possibility of the following beauty issues and discover the tips and products we’ve chosen specially for you to lessen their impact.

Callused Feet

Why: Throughout pregnancy the body’s need for fluids intensifies, this results in your skin drying out quickly. Even though the retention of fluid in various parts of the body can ensure a healthy glow, the bottom of the feet tend to miss out on the hydration which results in dry and callused heels and soles.

Treatment: The Scholl Velvet SmoothExpress Pedi Electronic Foot File is a completely safe foot treatment for pregnant women to use in the privacy of their own home. However, if you are so far along in the pregnancy that bending over to reach your feet is more like an army manoeuvre, it’s best to enlist help. If you need a professional pedicure make sure the salon is well ventilated so you and the baby are not over exposed to the fumes from acrylic nail treatments and polishes.

Hairy Nipples

Why?: Hair on the nipples and areola is quite common for a lot of women, but during pregnancy these hairs may grow longer, thicker and darker due to hormonal fluctuations.

Treatment: Unfortunately waxing or hair removal of any kind is not recommended during pregnancy, as removing the hair from the root can lead to irritation and sensitised skin. Obviously not ideal if you are planning to breastfeed. You can try trimming the hairs down to the skin level, so they don’t annoy you as much, we recommend using small nail scissors such as those included in the Micro Pedi 11 Piece Gift Set.

Chapped Lips

Why: As your baby grows, its need for water, fluids and blood volume increases. As a result these sources are taken from other areas of the body, including the lips!

Treatment: Experts recommend that women increase their daily water intake during pregnancy to ensure more fluid flows to the womb; this will also help to keep the skin and lips hydrated. But we all know there is nothing better or more relaxing than smoothing on a gorgeous hydrating lip balm like Clarins Extra Firming Lip & Contour Balm.

Acne

Why: Throughout pregnancy the hormones fluctuate, fluid levels change, blood volume increases, actually almost everything changes. And these changes can result in overly sensitive skin and breakouts. As your progress through your pregnancy, many women experience a visible lack of oil on the face which can be a contributing factor in the formation of adult acne.

Treatment: Improving your diet can be transformative when it comes to your skin. Try introducing foods like salmon, dark green vegetables, olives and berries that are enriched with powerful antioxidants that can clear the skin and congestion. Using organic rosehip oil such Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ will help to re-balance the skin and reduce congestion that results in breakouts. It also works a wonder on stretch marks!

Hair Loss

Why: Those hormonal changes have a lot to answer for, including an increase in hair loss. It is not uncommon and is likely to reverse once the baby is born, however it can persist for a few months after the baby arrives, which can prove distressing for some if not all women.

Treatment: Treating hair loss with chemically based hair loss solutions is not safe during pregnancy. Consult with your GP on this one, but it is generally thought naturally derived hair loss treatments are safe to use during and after pregnancy. Hair loss solutions such as Bioxsine are infused with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, while post birth choose from the highly effective Nioxin, Nourkrin and Viviscal ranges of hair loss treatments.

Bad Breath

Why: While pregnancy hormones alone can’t be blamed for bad breath, the pregnant body requires a higher level of calcium which may result in tooth decay and bad breath. Throughout pregnancy, calcium which is normally used for strengthening the teeth may be used elsewhere in the body.

Treatment: To avoid bad breath experts recommend that you take prenatal vitamins which feature calcium and brush your teeth 2-3 times daily. Try Pregnacare Max