What Is ‘Pregnancy Glow’?

Yet another group of expecting mothers never experience the pregnancy glow at all. More often the pregnancy glow is found to appear during the second trimester when the initial flux of hormones has settled and you tend to eat and look better.

Why Do Women Glow When They Are Pregnant?

Though there have been no concrete studies that could specify the causes of pregnancy glow, there are some really good explanations that infer that pregnancy, indeed, causes some women’s skin to glow and shine. The main reasons behind pregnancy glow are:

Increase In Blood Circulation

When the pregnancy progresses, the blood volume increases. This increases blood circulation and more blood will be pumped through the blood vessels. The skin retains more moisture in the course of pregnancy, making it slightly plum and smoothing out fine wrinkles and lines. This makes the skin looks brighter and smoother

Hormonal Reasons and More Activated Skin Glands

Increased level of pregnancy hormones is the primary cause behind the pregnancy glow. This increased level of hormones, especially HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and progesterone makes the sebaceous glands of the face produce more sebum.

This increased amount of oil will keep the skin supple and radiant. However, excess oil production can also cause pregnancy acne and skin pigmentation during pregnancy as well.

Physiological Reasons

It’s true that what is in your mind will reflect on your face. During pregnancy, most women will experience increased happiness (after all enjoying the attention given by other family members alone is enough for always being in good spirits) and positive thoughts which make them more graceful and refined.

Excessive Sweating

As per increased body weight, increased blood volume, and increased demand on the body, in the course of pregnancy, the body temperature is found to elevate. This results in excessive sweating. Excessive sweating clears-out impurities from the skin, making it more radiant.

How Can I Maintain My Pregnancy Glow?

Who would not want to retain all that radiance and shine that pregnancy brings along? However, once the surge of hormones starts to decrease after delivery, you will have to ensure a good skincare regime to keep that glow. How long your skin glows after childbirth depends on how you maintain your pregnancy glow which you have achieved naturally.

Stay Hydrated

Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Drinking plenty of water is not only important for a healthy pregnancy and in reducing water retention but also do wonders for your skin. It sustains the elasticity of the skin, and retains more moisture in the skin, giving the skin a healthy look.

Keep the Skin Clean

As the pregnancy hormones stimulate the oil glands, there are chances that the extra oil blocks the pores thereby treating acne. To avoid this it is important to keep the skin clean. You can use cucumber paste, curd, besan or gram flour, etc. which cleans the skin naturally.

Sleep Well

Make sure you are getting a good night’s sleep. Taking enough rest is significant in maintaining the radiance of the skin.

Suncare

If possible, avoid going out on a sunny day. The chances of hyperpigmentation (the darkening patches) increase if the skin is exposed to the sun. If you have to go out, protect yourself from UV light. Wearing a protective hat and a suitable natural sun protection formula can help you to prolong the pregnancy glow to some extent

Click here to know how to keep the glow.

What If The Pregnancy Glow Doesn’t Kick In Naturally?

You might feel disappointed if the much-awaited pregnancy glow hasn’t quite started yet. Don’t worry if you are not lucky enough to get it naturally. Here are a few tips which can help you to attain your pregnancy charm:

Eat Well

Sticking to a well-nourished diet will help to kick-start your pregnancy glow. Include protein-rich food like eggs, fish, etc., in your diet. Food with lots of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals should also be included. Food enriched with folic acid like broccoli, seeds, nut, etc., will make your skin brighter and flawless. Including avocados, watermelon, pomegranate, etc. in the daily menu also improves your skin tone.

Apply Gentle Massage

A touch of pampering, like a gentle massage with cream or oil of your choice, will increase blood circulation which gives your skin the additional oxygen and nutrients which are vital to the appearance of pregnancy glow.

Relax

Pregnancy ought to be a period of bliss, however, we realize that lots of stress, strain, and fear also happen during this period. Don’t let the worries appear on your face. Practicing breathing exercises can help you to ease the fears and tensions associated with pregnancy and delivery

Remember that when pregnant, you should avoid getting chemical peels and the usage of certain make-up products so that the developing fetus does not get harmed in any way.

The sad news is that the pregnancy glow, more often than not, vanishes when your little bundle of joy arrives. What you can do is, take care of your skin and follow healthy skincare habits which help your skin to stay brighter even if you are no more pregnant. Now that is true, a tough bet after having a baby, isn’t it?

FAQ’s

At What Month Does Pregnancy Glow Start?

Pregnancy glow isn’t time-bound. During the second trimester, when your body is changing the most, you may notice this glow. Women and pregnancies vary. Some pregnant women “glow” throughout nine months, while others change more in the first or second trimester.

Which Gender Makes You Glow During Pregnancy?

Some individuals believe that pregnancy glow implies that you’re expecting a boy. Nevertheless, no scientific data supports these statements.