Pregnancy is a time of dramatic change. While you’re anticipating the changes in your life that will come with having a baby, you’re seeing your body change at the same time. Your beauty routine should adjust to these transformations accordingly, so here are four tips on how to take care of yourself during your pregnancy.
Stay Hydrated
As a pregnant woman, you’ll want to pay special attention to the amount of water that you drink in a given day. While everyone should be drinking water and staying hydrated, it’s especially important for pregnant women, as they are more prone to dehydration. This is, in part, due to the production of amniotic fluid in your body as well as a significant increase in blood volume.
Drinking lots of water will also help your body filter out toxins, build new tissue, and transport nutrients to your baby. Of course, this is all in addition to the important benefits that everyone gets from staying hydrated, which include increased physical and mental performance, more energy, improved digestive health, healthy temperature regulation, and more.
As far as how staying hydrated affects your appearance, it can soften your skin, help to prevent blemishes, and facilitate healthy circulation and blood flow, which can lead to glowing skin.
So how much water should you be drinking every day? Most experts recommend that you consume at least two liters of water per day. Using a convenient, large-capacity water bottle can help you make sure you hit your water-drinking goals for the day. You can also supplement your daily water intake by eating fruits and vegetables.
Protect yourself from the sun
Shielding yourself from harmful UV rays is an essential part of keeping your skin looking healthy and vibrant. Sun protection is especially important during the warmer months, when the sun stays out and the UV rays are most intense.
There are a few different ways you can maintain the health of your skin in the sunlight. First, make sure to always apply a pregnancy safe sunscreen whenever you plan on being outdoors for a prolonged period of time. You should get one that’s at least SPF 30 for optimal protection.
You might also wear light, breathable clothing that covers up your skin and protects it from the sun without smothering you. Cotton, linen, nylon, and polyester are all fabrics that typically offer generous degrees of both breathability and comfort.
Wearing a hat is another option that can help keep your skin safe from the sun. Pick up a wide-brimmed sun hat to provide yourself with some shade no matter where you go.
Moisturize daily
Pregnancy puts a lot of stress on your body. You have to deal with sudden bursts of hormones and bodily changes that can result in acne, rashes, stretch marks, varicose veins, and other skin conditions.
With all of the pressures facing your body, it’s not unusual for a pregnant woman’s skin to receive an insufficient amount of moisture, resulting in itchiness and irritation. So, if you want to take care of your skin and achieve that well-known pregnancy glow, you should moisturize every day. A moisturizer will hydrate your skin and provide it with the nutrients it needs to stay soft and clear. Regularly moisturizing can also provide your skin with more elasticity, which can help prevent lasting stretch marks.
As far as what kind of moisturizer you should use during your pregnancy, look for ones that are fragrance-free and contain glycerin or shea butter. For the best results, apply moisturizer as soon as you finish bathing, in order to trap that moisture and keep your skin feeling refreshed.
Get plenty of sleep
Getting a sufficient amount of rest is essential during your pregnancy. When you sleep, your body actually increases blood flow to the skin, resulting in its being better and brighter after a good night’s rest!
Plus you don’t want to walk around looking disheveled with bags under your eyes. So take regular breaks throughout the day and get the beauty sleep you need.
Also, if you’re experiencing some swelling or discomfort in your legs, as so many pregnant women do, try elevating your legs six to twelve inches above your heart when you lay down in order to improve blood circulation and treat varicose veins.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy affect every woman differently. As you adjust your beauty routine, make sure to always check the ingredients on new products to make sure they’re safe for pregnant women. When in doubt, consult with your doctor.