Body Care

 
The hormones that are present in the mother's body during pregnancy and her changing size are responsible for altering nearly every aspect of her body. The mother's skin, breasts, hair, teeth, abdomen, posture, gait, and gums all change during pregnancy. These changes likely necessitate that she change her hygiene routine in order to keep her body in good condition.

Typically, the most obvious bodily change the mother will endure is to her skin. Pregnancy hormones make her skin glow because they promote water retention. This causes skin to look fuller, supple, less oily, and less susceptible to blemishes. Unfortunately, in many women these hormones have the opposite effect. Pregnancy highlights blemishes, causes acne to worsen, pigmentation becomes deeper, and skin dries and flakes. Some women may experience both of these extreme during pregnancy depending on the trimester. If the mother is suffering from poor skin during pregnancy there are a number of things she can do to lessen the effects.

• If the mother's skin is dry, she should use soap sparingly. Soap strips away skin's natural oils making it drier. Using glycerine-based soaps is an alternative.
• Using bath oils when soaking in a hot bath can help minimize the moisture stripping effects of hot water.
• Makeup can be used to help hide blemishes but also helps keep skin hydrated by sealing in moisture.

Darker pigmentation is also a concern. Most women are affected by this during pregnancy - areola of the breasts, moles, freckles, genitalia, inner-thighs, under-eyes, and armpits all tend to get deeper pigmentation during pregnancy. In many darker complexioned and dark haired women a thin, dark line can form between the bellybutton and pelvic bone. This disappears soon after pregnancy. The cause of the line is unknown and there is no remedy other than birth. Many pregnant women find that during pregnancy they tan more easily, and are more susceptible to sunburns. The mother should take special care to use sun block when outside while pregnant. Using sun block or covering up highly pigmented areas such as moles, freckles and nipples is important. The affects of ultraviolet ray exposure on fetuses is unknown, which is all the more reason to protect skin.

Spider veins are also quite common among pregnant women. Because blood vessels are highly sensitive during pregnancy they will quickly dilate or constrict which can result in their rupture. These broken blood vessels appear on the face and look like spider webs. They are not a permanent blemish and will fade soon after birth.

Chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy, is common among women. It is evident by brown blotches that appear on the face, neck and back. There is no remedy for these patches other than to conceal them with makeup. They too will disappear shortly after labor.

The increased amount of progesterone and blood volume during pregnancy makes most women more susceptible to gum problems. Gums get softer and are more easily cut and infected. Infection, which can have detrimental effects to the mother and the baby, is best prevented through a healthy and balanced diet, high in calcium and vitamins B, C and D. Regular teeth cleaning and proper daily hygiene are essential as well.

Pregnancy hormones can also lead to outbreaks of pimples and acne. The skin often tends to secrete more oils, resulting in more blemishes. Diligently keeping skin clean by cleansing three times a day can do a great deal in preventing further outbreaks.

Pregnancy also makes vaginal infection and discharge more frequent. Keeping genitalia clean and changing underwear regularly can go a long ways in preventing infection and promoting health. Vaginal perfumes and douches should be avoided.

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