The skin is often seen as a mirror of internal health. during pregnancy, it reflects how the mother adapts to her changing circumstances. For some women, it can be like a second puberty - due to hormones - with acne, oily skin and greasy hair.

The advice is to intensify cleaning and skin care, after all, medication is inappropriate during pregnancy.
Hormones are also what make freckles darker or cause chloasma - the mask of pregnancy - in some women. To avoid this, wear adequate sunscreen. Hyperpigmentation of the nipples and genitals can be reversed, as can the black line (pregnancy line), a dark line that runs from your belly button to below your belly button. Moles, however, should be monitored regularly, especially if they change color, size or shape.

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Varicose veins during pregnancy often cause swollen legs. Varicose veins or varicose veins may form. Ask your doctor about it and wear special socks, which your doctor may prescribe. Wearing support socks regularly – especially during long car journeys, air travel or at work if you have to sit or stand for long periods – can help prevent varicose veins and blood clots. Although they may not be comfortable, especially in the summer, they are worth it in the long run – for aesthetic reasons, sure, but mostly for health reasons.

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Like varicose veins, stretch marks rarely disappear. Rapid fluctuations in weight – not only during pregnancy – become too much for the subcutaneous tissue, which tears under the strain.
The resultant stretch marks are purple at first and then turn into permanent white marks. It is believed that skin moisturized with plant-based oils or lotions is more resistant to developing stretch marks.
Many women find „pinch massage“ helpful from about the 12 weeks of pregnancy. Twice a day, pinch up skin between the thumb and index finger, raise slightly and let go.

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You should omit the area over the pubic bone as massage in this area may cause uterine contractions. Pinching relaxes and softens the skin and may help it to stretch more easily. Late in pregnancy, your skin over the abdomen is too tight and engorged to grip or pinch. Gentle massage with a dry brush or the fingertips is a good alternative to pinching. The movements stimulate the circulation and help the skin to withstand the strain.

 

Bathing or showering? – is a question many women ask themselves during pregnancy. In theory, you can do either. However, bathing withdraws more oil and moisture from the skin than showering. Moreover, bathing in water that‘s too hot can affect your circulation and indirectly harm your unborn child. In the final weeks of pregnancy, hot bathing may even induce preterm contractions. Therefore, brief showering is recommended especially toward the end of pregnancy.
Your hair and skin need more intense care all round during pregnancy. Soap-free cleansing followed by suitable moisturizing are recommended in view of the increased sweating and dry skin typical of pregnancy. This helps the mother-to-be to experience pregnancy as a harmonious and relaxing event.