Baby Mama Beauty: Pampering Your Skin During Pregnancy

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

One of the women I know, and may I add one of the most petite and physical fit women I know also, showed us her ankles in her last few days of pregnancy before delivery, and I was stunned at how much they has swollen. Still, I’m told it’s all part of preparing one for the arrival of their little one and it’s only one of several symptoms that accompany pregnancy. Other symptoms include burgeoning baby bump, lower back pain, shortness of breath, and some significant skin changes, including stretch marks, choloasma (dark spot on the face), pimples and acne, and varicose veins.

Yet, while they may not be entirely preventable, woman can minimize their effects by dealing with them effectively.

· Get E-fficient: Moisturize with vitamin E oil to reduce the effects of stretch marks and decrease the itchiness you may experience around your belly.

· Add more fat to your diet…Omega 3 essential fats that is. Besides being essential to the growth and development of your baby, it’s also an ideal nutrient for your skin. In fact Omega-3 fatty acids can bolster elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

· C hits the spot: Foods rich in vitamin C help in collagen production, plus they protect skin from free radicals and its damage.

· Drink yourself pretty: Fill up not only on plenty of fluids but on water to help hydrate your skin and reduce the signs of aging. Adding a hint of fresh squeezed lemon can offer added benefits such as improving overall healthy, increasing energy by helping with digestion, and it (lemon) also serves as a natural astringent in the body.

· Walk it off: While all you may feel like doing is sitting down, its best for you and your baby if you keep moving. Walking is the activity pros recommend most especially if you want to lower your odds of varicose veins. Walking keeps the blood moving. At night place a pillow under your fees and lift legs helping alleviate any excess weight gain.

· Out with the old, in with the new: Last but not least, try to exfoliate at minimum once a week, using a natural scrub and following with a healthy coat of natural moisturizer or moisturizing cream.