Pregnancy is a time of true wonderment: your body is changing in ways that you just can’t keep up with, there is a little miracle going on right inside your tummy tum and the world is full of promise! But what’s with the great big pimple right in the middle of your face? What’s going on with your brittle nails? And where did this hair come from?!
Treating these issues can be tricky because of chemicals found in beauty products that can be harmful to baby. The most common to avoid are retinoid, salicylic acid and phthalates, all of which have been found dangerous to a developing fetus.
Not to fear, we’ve rounded up a list of the most common pregnancy side effects ans simple homemade solutions.
Acne
What is it?
Teenage years flashbacks? Unfortunately acne might make a re-appearance while pregnant.
Why is this happening to me?
Puberty hormones kick into high gear again during pregnancy. Often that “glow” is just oily acne-causing skin. However the acne will clear up after the baby is born. More good news : for women who suffer from adult acne, pregnancy could possibly clear up your skin.
What to do?
Wash your face morning and night with a gentle cleanser. Avoid oil-based makeup products. Avoid accutane during pregnancy.
Buy it
Kiss My Face, Clean for a Day (pack of 3) $33  –  This fragrance free gentle cleanser leaves no soapy residue.
DIY it
Use 2 parts raw honey to one part sugar for a natural exfoliating face wash. You can add more sugar to when exfoliating your body, be gentle on your face. Wash with warm water and pat dry.
Skin Darkening
What is it?
Skin darkening can occur around your nose eyes, forehead and chin. Known as Cholasma or “pregnancy mask”, this is most visible in women with darker skin.
Why is this happening to me?Â
Your body produces more melanin that can cause certain areas of your body to get darker or hyper pigmented. Once again, this usually goes away once the baby is born.
What to do?Â
Avoid the sun as this makes Cholasma worse. Always use SPF protection like a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects from both UVA and UVB rays, preferably SPF 30 or more.
Buy it
Tinted face all natural sunscreen SPF 30. This sunscreen is light enough to use under makeup daily.
DIY itÂ
Make your own sunscreen: Combine 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of bee’s oil, 2 tablespoons of zinc oxide, and 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil in a tin can (like an empty can of beans). Bring a saucepan of water to boil, then place the tin can in boiling water. Bring tin can contents to a boil, stirring until smooth. Pour the mixture into a glass container and let cool.
Hair Growth
What is it?
Bad hair be gone! One perk of being preggers is the fab head of hair you will be showing off. But there is always a balance – while your gorgeous locks are envious, the hair on your upper lip, legs, arms and face can be down right scary!
Why is this happening to me?
Increase of hormones called androgens are responsible for your excessive hair growth. The higher levels of estrogen slow your hairs shedding process so in essence your body is busy making a baby and forgets to shed the hair. Postpartum, some women experience a mass exodus of hair follicles, but don’t fear… it’s all part of the experience and everything will return back to normal in due time.
What to do?
Wash your hair with regular shampoo and conditioner; and talk to your Dr. before using any medicinal hair products. Waxing is a safe method to rid hair in unwanted areas. But remember – just say no to bleach!
Buy it
MOOM organic hair removal with TeaTree oil, $13.39. This organic hair remover that is smooth on the skin and does not leave red irritations behind.
DIY it
Stretch Marks
What is it?
Also known as Mama Tiger Stripes, stretch marks are one of the unglamorous effects of pregnancy. Stretch marks typically show up during the last stages of pregnancy in the form of shiny red lines on the arms, breasts, hips and thighs.
Why is this happening to me?
During pregnancy your hips and belly expand to embrace the baby. This happens so rapidly that your skin doesn’t have enough elasticity to keep up with the growth, causing the connective tissues to break up and tear. This in turn causes you tiger stripes… stretch marks.
What to do?
Ultimately stretch marks are genetic, but there are a few things you can do to try to get ahead of the issue. Hydrate. Exercise frequently; toning your muscles helps keep skin firm and healthy. Moisturize. Products with Vitamin E, shea, cocoa butter and collagen are most effective.
Buy itÂ
Bella B Tummy Cream Stretch Mark Fading, $16.49. This cream isn’t greasy, so you won’t be left with stains on your clothing.
DIY itÂ
Moisturize with vitamin E or olive oil. You can even put in a couple drops of an essential oil like lavender or rosemary to give it a safe, beautiful fragrance.
Brittle Nails
What is it?Â
Weak brittle chipped nails.  What’s to blame? Let’s say this one together girls… hormones! Some women experience the opposite with strong nails that grow faster than usual.
Why is this happening to me?
Your hormones are the number one cause for your nail weakness but other factors that may be at work are water and dishwashing liquid. Your nails get dry much like your skin and need constant hydration.
What to do?
Keep nails short, remembering to moisturize your hands regularly. Paint your nails with a strengthener that contains Vitamin B or protein. Visits to the nail salon for simple manicures are also safe during pregnancy, as long as the salon is well ventilated and you are not having any ‘tips’ or gels applied. You can also take calcium supplements — the baby will deplete a lot of your calcium in your body, which means there may not be enough for you.
Buy itÂ
Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, $7.65. Sweet Almond Oil and Cocoa Seed Butter combine to moisturize and nourish brittle nails.
DIY it
Soak your nails in olive oil or almond oil for 15 — 20 minutes. Preferably after a shower or washing the dishes. Vegetable oil can also be used in a pinch.
