Many women do look good during pregnancy, perhaps because they are more aware of the importance of eating well.
It is probably also because they are resting properly and because of the hormonal activities in their bodies.
Skin changes and problems Skin changes are an inevitable part of pregnancy.
Darkening of the skin is obvious in the nipples and in a line down the middle of the abdomen.
Sometimes your face darkens also.
This is called "chloasma", or the 'mask of pregnancy'.
Your skin can look rather blotchy.
Apart from applying makeup to cover it, nothing can be done to treat it.
But it does fade and disappear soon after the baby is born.
Sometimes stretch marks occur on the breasts, abdomen, thighs and buttocks.
They are caused by hormonal changes but do tend to be seen more when there is great stress on the skin, especially when the women is overweight or her weight gain is too rapid.
There is no magic way of preventing stretch marks.
Just keep within your normal weight limits and wear a lightweight maternity support belt and bra.
Skin Care After every shower you should pamper yourself with body creams, moisturisers and skin foods.
They will help you to feel fresh and they will seem to take away the feeling of tightness of stretched skin.
The preparations you use need not be expensive.
Use only gentle soaps (e.
g.
baby soaps) or soap-free preparations designed to help retain the skin's natural moisture.
Oils rich in vitamin E can aid the elasticity of the skin.
Having your shower just before going to bed can help you to relax and may make sleeping easier, especially at the end of pregnancy when it's often hard to feel settled.
Your face and hands You will probably find that keeping to your usual routine of skin care will be sufficient.
Your skin tone may change slightly so you might need to reassess the colours you wear.
You will want your hands to be in the best possible condition for handling your baby when he is born.
This means having reasonably short mails, which is important; long nails can harbour infection and scratch your baby's delicate skin.
Dry your hands well and use a hand cream.
Maternity wear Some lovely, comfortable and not too-expensive maternity clothes are easily available these days.
Choose clothes that are lightweight and free-flowing - that you feel good in, and are 'easy care'.
Be fitted for maternity bras at about fifth month unless your breasts enlarge rapidly earlier in the pregnancy, in which case you will need to be fitted earlier.
These bras are comfortable and will serve you until your breasts return to normal size after you have weaned your baby.
Whey you buy bras, check that you can easily open the hooks with one hand, you will holding the baby with the other hand.
Bras with under wires are not recommended.
Shoes Shoes should be comfortable and safe, preferably with low heels.
As pregnancy is a time when your spine is under increased pressure and the weight of your growing baby can alter your posture, you don't need extra strains.
It is probably also because they are resting properly and because of the hormonal activities in their bodies.
Skin changes and problems Skin changes are an inevitable part of pregnancy.
Darkening of the skin is obvious in the nipples and in a line down the middle of the abdomen.
Sometimes your face darkens also.
This is called "chloasma", or the 'mask of pregnancy'.
Your skin can look rather blotchy.
Apart from applying makeup to cover it, nothing can be done to treat it.
But it does fade and disappear soon after the baby is born.
Sometimes stretch marks occur on the breasts, abdomen, thighs and buttocks.
They are caused by hormonal changes but do tend to be seen more when there is great stress on the skin, especially when the women is overweight or her weight gain is too rapid.
There is no magic way of preventing stretch marks.
Just keep within your normal weight limits and wear a lightweight maternity support belt and bra.
Skin Care After every shower you should pamper yourself with body creams, moisturisers and skin foods.
They will help you to feel fresh and they will seem to take away the feeling of tightness of stretched skin.
The preparations you use need not be expensive.
Use only gentle soaps (e.
g.
baby soaps) or soap-free preparations designed to help retain the skin's natural moisture.
Oils rich in vitamin E can aid the elasticity of the skin.
Having your shower just before going to bed can help you to relax and may make sleeping easier, especially at the end of pregnancy when it's often hard to feel settled.
Your face and hands You will probably find that keeping to your usual routine of skin care will be sufficient.
Your skin tone may change slightly so you might need to reassess the colours you wear.
You will want your hands to be in the best possible condition for handling your baby when he is born.
This means having reasonably short mails, which is important; long nails can harbour infection and scratch your baby's delicate skin.
Dry your hands well and use a hand cream.
Maternity wear Some lovely, comfortable and not too-expensive maternity clothes are easily available these days.
Choose clothes that are lightweight and free-flowing - that you feel good in, and are 'easy care'.
Be fitted for maternity bras at about fifth month unless your breasts enlarge rapidly earlier in the pregnancy, in which case you will need to be fitted earlier.
These bras are comfortable and will serve you until your breasts return to normal size after you have weaned your baby.
Whey you buy bras, check that you can easily open the hooks with one hand, you will holding the baby with the other hand.
Bras with under wires are not recommended.
Shoes Shoes should be comfortable and safe, preferably with low heels.
As pregnancy is a time when your spine is under increased pressure and the weight of your growing baby can alter your posture, you don't need extra strains.