Introduction:
If you are pregnant and are overwhelmed with compliments for your appearance (in a positive way) from your near and dear ones, count it as a blessing and enjoy your pregnancy. No doubt, pregnancy glow has made you look more pretty. It is not an age-old framed accolade that people use to describe pregnant women. It is a real phenomenon, and we have the legit medical facts for you elaborated in this article supporting why women glow during pregnancy.
What Is Pregnancy Glow?
Pregnancy does come with a lot of hardships for women, both physically and mentally. But the feeling of bearing life within and the thoughts of having the little bundle of joy in your hands at the end of nine months definitely makes the hardships pleasurable. A lot of mental and physical changes take place in pregnant women to support the growth and development of the little one. Such changes affect the pregnant woman’s appearance, and one such thing is pregnancy glow. It is indeed an upside of pregnancy. Some women experience this phenomenon during pregnancy, where their skin glows naturally and becomes more luminous.
It is not wrong if you heard others say or have considered that your overwhelming happiness caused you to have a pregnancy glow. But apart from that, there are a couple of other causes too.
What Causes Pregnancy Glow?
As said before, your happiness as a mom-to-be definitely makes you glow. But the following factors also contribute to your radiant skin,
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Fluctuated Hormones - During pregnancy, hormones like progesterone surge to make changes in a woman's body so as to support the baby’s growth and well-being. This, in turn, causes skin changes. Such hormonal shifts can give your skin a brighter look.
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Increased Oil Secretion - A surge in hormone levels also causes the oil glands in the skin to secrete more oil. This excess oil adds to your shinier-looking face. But mind you, this excessive oil production can also invite pregnancy acne.
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Increased Blood Flow - To meet the demands of the growing baby within the womb, the pregnant woman’s body automatically increases blood production and volume. This increased blood flow causes flushing and a rosier look to the skin of the face. Increased blood flow improves the skin tone and gives the skin a brighter look.
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Increased Body Temperature - Pregnant women feel hotter, and this is due to a slight rise in the body temperature caused due to increased blood flow. This causes hot flashes, which also is responsible for your glowing skin.
Do All Pregnant Women Experience Glowing Skin?
No. Not all women experience pregnancy glow. And this is unfortunate for women who experience skin conditions (in contrast to pregnancy glow) such as acne, pigmentation, itching, irritation, etc. Also, if you have any pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, pregnancy can worsen your symptoms.
Is It Concerning If You Do Not Have Pregnancy Glow?
Definitely not. Pregnancy causes a surge in hormone levels, oil production, and circulating blood volume in all women. But that does not mean all pregnant women’s bodies react to these changes the same way. Every woman is unique, and every pregnancy too! So the same changes causing you the pregnancy glow would not necessarily cause the same in other women.
In contrast, some women experience a decline in their level of prettiness while others appear the same as before. Hence, if you do not experience pregnancy glow, it is not a matter of concern. You are absolutely normal with a healthy pregnancy even if pregnancy glow does not occur to you. For those who do have glowing skin during pregnancy, it is an added feather in your cap.
How Long Will Your Pregnancy Glow Last?
There is no specific time period to experience the desired skin changes during pregnancy. But most commonly, women are known to acquire good-looking shimmering skin during their second trimester when a majority of bodily changes take place. And we would like to keep you informed that the skin changes (whether desirable or undesirable) you have during pregnancy does not last long. Yes, it should revert to your original state soon after childbirth. If you have a glow, you are going to miss it, but if you have a worsening skin condition, it is a sigh of relief.
Does Pregnancy Glow Rely on Baby’s Gender?
There is no scientific basis or evidence to support the claim that skin changes during pregnancy can determine the baby’s gender. You would be excited to guess your developing baby’s gender based on various external factors, but the truth is that only a prenatal ultrasound scan can determine your baby’s gender for you. Wait until 16 weeks, and if it is legal in your place, you can get to know your baby’s gender.
What Other Changes Can Pregnancy Bring to You?
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Breasts - To produce milk for your baby, your breasts start to enlarge as early as the first trimester. The growth of milk ducts causes the breast to enlarge. Eventually, your breast may feel sore and sensitive.
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Stretch Marks - With pregnancy, your belly and breasts start to expand, and so does your skin, resulting in stretch marks.
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Hair - The pregnancy hormones and vitamin and mineral supplements you take during pregnancy reduce your hair fall tendencies and promote hair health and growth. Stay informed about the shedding of these excess hairs after childbirth.
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Other Skin Conditions - Due to weight gain during pregnancy, some women develop spider veins and varicose veins. If you already have some moles, birthmarks, or blemishes, they tend to get darker with the influence of hormones. Even your nipples can get darker. All these are entirely normal and will gradually revert to their usual state once your baby gets delivered.
Conclusion:
To all the moms-to-be, whether you glow or not, your and your baby’s health has nothing to do with it. But if your skin condition is worrying you, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist to manage it. Though it does not affect your pregnancy, it might be adding stress to your current mood fluctuations. Whether you have glowing or dull-looking skin, in the end, your little one is ultimately going to bring you joy.
