How your body changes during pregnancy

Your body changes significantly during pregnancy, so it makes sense to take extra care of yourself during the months that lie ahead. Here is how your body can change during pregnancy...

Changes to your skin

Progesterone causes glands in the skin to produce more oil so you may find you break out in spots for the first time in years.

Equally, your skin can become dry and itchy. Avoid perfumed shower gels and bubble bath as these can dry your skin and use a skin care range appropriate for your type of skin and moisturise daily.

If facials are part of your regular beauty routine there is no reason to stop having them,  but you need to be aware that your skin is likely to be more sensitive than usual so you should use products that are suitable for sensitive skin.

You can develop stretch marks...

Stretch marks appear as reddish lines, often on the breasts, stomach and thighs.

These occur if the natural elasticity of the skin becomes over-stretched. They appear as reddish lines, often on the breasts, stomach and thighs.

There is little you can do to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy, although it helps not to put on too much weight and to wear a supportive bra. You can help to keep your skin supple and itch-free by massaging moisturising cream into your breasts and abdomen.

After the birth, the lines will fade and become a lot less noticeable.

Pigmentation

Some women develop a condition called chloasma, a butterfly-shaped mask that appears across the face which looks dark on fair skin and light on dark skin. This can be concealed with make-up and will disappear after the birth.

You may also notice a dark line running from your pubic bone up to your navel. Called the linea nigra, this is more prominent on darker skin.

Dental health is important

Dental care is free on the NHS during pregnancy and for one year after the birth, so book an appointment now. Bleeding gums are very common in pregnancy due to an increased blood flow, so you’ve got to take special care to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Clean below the gum line with a toothbrush twice a day and floss to remove food. If the bleeding persists see your dentist as you may need extra cleaning.  Gum disease if left untreated can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss, so it’s really important you don’t ignore it.*

Find out more about dental hygiene during pregnancy.

Your nails

Your nails are also likely to be affected by pregnancy hormones so you may find that your nails split and break more easily. The simplest idea is to keep them cut short and to protect them by wearing rubber gloves when doing household chores.

Gardening gloves will help to protect them when you are doing outside jobs. Apply hand cream regularly and choose one that contains a nail strengthener.

Changes to your hair

Your hair may be thicker and glossier, mainly because hair growth speeds up. Faster hair growth may also mean more hairs falling out – but don’t be alarmed, these are just being shed because new hair is replacing them.

You may experience some hair loss after the birth when hair growth returns to normal. Some women do experience greasy hair in pregnancy and this is due to progesterone stimulating more sebum (oil) on the scalp – wash your hair frequently using a mild shampoo.

You may be advised to wait until after the end of the first trimester before having any hair treatments to avoid any risk of chemicals reaching your baby at this crucial stage of development.

You also need to be aware that pregnancy hormones can make your hair react differently so the results of any treatment may be unpredictable.

Hair removal

Waxing and shaving are the safest way to remove unwanted hair when you are pregnant. Although there is no evidence to suggest that the use of depilatories and bleach will affect your baby, your skin may not react well to these products and there is a small chance of the chemicals used in them getting into your blood stream.

Headaches

An increase in hormones may cause headaches in early pregnancy. These usually improve after the first trimester. Although they can be uncomfortable it is best to avoid taking medication during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you have severe headaches later in pregnancy you should tell your midwife or GP as they could be a sign of high blood pressure and this could indicate pre-eclampsia.

Headlice

If you have to treat head lice during pregnancy you should avoid all chemical treatments unless recommended by your GP. Natural and herbal head lice treatments are also best avoided as they may not have been formally tested.

Wet combing, using conditioner and a special ‘nit’ comb, is the safest and most efficient method for removing both the lice and their eggs.

Your legs and feet

Tired, aching legs and feet are a common pregnancy health niggle. Try to spend some time with your feet up every evening.

Vaginal discharge and infections

Most women experience an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy. This is quite normal and nothing to worry about as long as the discharge is clear and white and doesn't smell strange. If the discharge is heavy wearing panty liners may make you feel more comfortable.

When to see your doctor

If you're feeling particularly unwell or have any concerns at all during your pregnancy journey, please do reach out to your Midwife or GP, who are there to support you.