What is pregnancy glow?
Have you ever wondered why pregnancy suddenly makes some women look beautiful and charming? It is not just the expectation for the arrival of the little one but the glow of pregnancy, which can be seen in many expectant mothers who attain a brighter complexion, glowy hair, and an added shine in their eyes.
When does the pregnancy glow start?
Most women get the pregnancy glow around the first trimester, between the 7th and 11th weeks. However, this may vary as some reported getting the glow as late as the 15th week, while a few may attain it within the 4th week, just after conception, sometimes even before they miss their period or realize they were pregnant.
Besides early pregnancy, some women have also shared their experience of getting the glow in the latter phase, just before labor, with their faces looking fuller and fairer.
Do all women glow when pregnant?
No! Many factors, like your skin condition, hormone secretion, and overall health, contribute to how bright you would look throughout your nine months. Hence while some of them would have glowy skin, others might pose a pale look.
Why do pregnant women glow?
Like most other weird pregnancy symptoms, this one has the same two possible causes:
Hormonal changes: The levels of the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone shoot up mostly between the 8th and 11th week, while the progesterone level (produced by the placenta) is also high around this time. The union of these hormones initiates the facial skin glands to secrete an increased amount of oil, resulting in smooth, shiny skin.
Increased blood flows: Your body’s blood production increases by 50% on average, so there is more blood transporting through the bloodstream, resulting in red cheeks and a brighter, fuller look.
The pregnancy glow myth: What does it mean
Yet another gender-related old wives’ tale, it is said that a clear, glowing complexion with shiny hair means you are having a boy. At the same time, a rough, patchy one with acne outbreaks indicates a girl, as a girl is believed to ‘steal away’ her mother’s beauty.
Maintaining glowing skin during pregnancy
Sadly, the beautiful glow is impermanent for most women, going away post-delivery. Those are even more unfortunate who experience skin problems like a mask of pregnancy and acne outbreaks due to excessive oil production. So, here are a few tips for everyone to ensure healthy skin during these nine months and beyond:
- Wash your face well using a cleanser in the morning and night and after any hectic physical.
- Use a moisturizer after cleansing to keep your skin well-toned.
- Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep, as your skin makes a higher amount of collagen at this time, resulting in a good and tight skin.
- For normal, dry, and oily skin, you can apply a botanical, mud, or avocado face mask during summer. A homemade mask suitable for all types of skin can be prepared by mixing oatmeal (half cup) with warm water and honey (one tablespoon) to be applied for 10 minutes to get a refreshing look.
- Include a lot of leafy greens, citrus fruits, and nuts in your diet to nourish your skin.
References:
- https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/changes-in-your-body/pregnancy-glow/
- https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a563009/why-pregnancy-makes-you-beautiful
- https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/1245546/women-really-do-glow-when-theyre-pregnant-and-this-is-the-reason-why/
Dr. Mashiach has completed his MD at the Sackler School of Medicine, TAU; specialization in gynecology at the Lis Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; fellowship in Endoscopy at the Polyclinique de I’Hotel-Dieu, Universite d’Auvergne, Clermont, France.
He is a Senior Physician, Director of the Department of Gynecology, which provides routine and preventative care services to its patients and a full range of gynecological surgical procedures for adequately managing its patients with benign gynecologic disorders.
He offers advanced care in all gynecological subspecialties such as Urogynecology, Colposcopy, Fetal Loss Clinic, and Post Menopausal Clinic.
