The elusive “pregnancy glow” is enshrined in the mythology of motherhood. For some, it’s a glow that seems to come naturally when carrying a little one, but for others that glow can be a little harder to achieve.
I remember being surprised when a friend complimented me on how I was “glowing” during my pregnancy. Inside I was glowing with excitement as I counted down to meet my baby, but on the outside I thought I looked more like a sleepless zombie walking around with candles and a sore back.
Clearly my friend could see something I couldn’t – and it turns out she might have something. There was something biologically magical at play, and science agrees.
According to experts, some women glow during pregnancy (even if they don’t feel like it). And for those days when you’re feeling distinctly less than radiant, there are ways to literally fake it until you make it.
What is the pregnancy glow?
The pregnancy glow usually refers to that beautiful, lit-from-within glow characterized by rosy cheeks, fuller lips and brighter skin. While many may appear to be beaming with joy at holding a baby — and it can be seen on both the face and body — we can largely thank biology for this pregnancy privilege.
Catherine Caponero, DOobstetrician at the Cleveland Clinic, says that while everyone responds to pregnancy differently, a hot flash can be one of its most pleasant side effects.
“Some patients really seem to ‘glow’ — and many of those patients are the same patients who love being pregnant,” she says. “Not everyone enjoys pregnancy, and it’s perfectly normal not to feel ‘prettier’ while you’re pregnant. There are many skin changes that occur during pregnancy and almost all women will notice skin pigmentation changes in many areas of their body, including their face.’
Other areas that may contribute to a person’s glow include stronger nails and luscious hair, but again, this varies from person to person.
“Nails may grow faster in pregnancy, but while some pregnant patients report stronger nails, other patients may experience softer or more brittle nails,” explains Dr. Caponero, adding that many patients will also report thicker or thicker nails. hair.
“While nail changes vary from person to person (and from pregnancy to pregnancy), it is well-studied that in pregnancy hair growth remains in the growth phase for longer than in non-pregnant patients.”
Dr. Caponero suggests that the pregnancy glow is often emphasized by society because people love to celebrate pregnancy. That’s probably why we see and hear so much about the glow in movies and on social media—because it’s touted as ideal for pregnancy, even if it’s part of a bigger picture.
Sarah Lyonlicensed massage therapist, childbirth educator and doula and owner Shining Birth & Body defines the pregnancy glow as “the perceived vitality of pregnancy.” However, he warns that the so-called glow is not always guaranteed.
“While these specific features are based on physiological realities—increased blood volume and prolonged follicular retention—the term ‘pregnancy glow’ is really colloquial and not experienced by all people,” she says.
What causes the pregnancy glow?
It is estimated that the strong majority of more than 90% of women have significant and complex skin changes during pregnancy. With the various changes that affect the body in each trimester, it’s no wonder we pay more attention to our changing appearance and look for signs of that transforming glow.
So what’s behind the glow and why does it affect some pregnancies and not others?
The glow during pregnancy is due to hormones and increased blood flow, says Dr. Caponero. But she adds that these same factors can also contribute to some of the less desirable skin changes in pregnancy, such as increased oiliness that can sometimes lead to pregnancy acne.
“It’s also normal to see changes in skin color, changes in the appearance of blood vessels, and stretch marks,” explains Dr. Caponero.
Lyon agrees.
“On average, blood volume increases by 50% in pregnancy, filling all body tissue and flushing the cheeks,” she says.
“However, skin improvement is not ubiquitous and should not be expected. Due to the increase in estrogen and progesterone, we often see stretch marks, melasma (skin discoloration) and vascular changes such as spider veins.”
This may also extend to other conditions, says Dr. Caponero.
“Some women may also feel itchy and experience different rashes associated with pregnancy. Also, if you have a pre-existing skin condition, pregnancy can make it worse.”
All these changes, positive and negative, can come at any point in pregnancy.
When does pregnancy glow start?
As early as the first trimester, pregnancy bodies could be setting the stage for a pregnancy glow. That means if you’re feeling a little bogged down by early pregnancy symptoms like nausea, bloating, and fatigue, know that there might be something a little brighter just around the corner.
“Blood volume starts to increase in the first trimester and peaks in the third, so the pregnancy glow is usually present in the second and especially the third trimester,” says Lyon.
And despite the rumors, there is no medical truth to a glow being associated with early indications of the baby’s sex. For example, you may have heard suggestions about baby girls “stealing” their mother’s beauty. However, this is not the case, says Dr. Caponero.
“No, there are no physical changes in the pregnant patient that will indicate the sex of the baby. The best ways to determine the baby’s gender are through an ultrasound or blood,” she says.
How to make your own pregnancy glow at home
Now we know a pregnancy glow is possible, but what can you do if you look but don’t glow?
Lyon says there are beauty tips you can try today to fake a pregnancy glow at home, starting with dry body brushing.
“Try dry brushing the body before you shower, moving toward the heart, but note that deep pressure or vigorous brushing is not necessary to reap the wellness benefits of this ancient practice,” she says.
“The fibers of the glove or brush will move fluid back toward the heart to reduce swelling while also toning and softening the skin. Don’t brush inflamed skin or stretch marks and treat these areas with body butter or oil.”
Meanwhile, Lyon advises that bronzer and blush are easy ways to mimic that renewed glow we often associate with pregnancy.
In pursuit of your pregnancy glow, it’s tempting to reach for all kinds of lotions and potions to boost the hard work your body is already doing. Keep in mind, however, that not all skin care products on the market today are safe for pregnancy. Products you may already have in your dressing table or bathroom cabinet such as retinoids better avoided while others like it favorite for fighting acne Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid should be used sparingly.
Diet and nutrition also play an important role. Remember that eating well during pregnancy is important for your and your baby’s health (and doing so can have an added bonus of glowing!).
What happens after giving birth?
Whether you’ve found your pregnancy glow or not, you can expect further changes to your skin after giving birth.
After birth, the skin will usually return to its pre-pregnancy state—but it can take up to two years, says Dr. Caponero.
“These changes often occur as hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels,” she says.
“Some changes in a patient’s skin, such as stretch marks, may fade but never disappear. While pregnancy is a relatively short time in a patient’s life, it does have a lasting impact.”
Lyons notes that once a baby is born, the new parent can usually expect changes in their skin that could require some attention.
“A rapid drop in blood volume and pregnancy hormones can lead to dry skin, itching and increased acne, which can be helped by applying lotions or oils that suit the condition,” she says.
“The skin is a reflection of what’s going on inside the body, so focusing on postpartum nutrition will go a long way toward maintaining health inside and out.”
A note from Motherly on the pregnancy glow
A pregnancy glow is definitely possible, but if you feel like you missed out this time, there are other ways to nourish your mind, body and skin. Not everything about pregnancy is comfortable – or even enjoyable – but the biggest glow will always come from within.
Featured experts
Catherine Caponero, DO is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist at the Cleveland Clinic in Beechwood.
Sarah Lyon is a childbirth educator, doula and perinatal massage therapist. She is the owner and manager of the massage therapy company, Shining Birth & Body and teaches birth education through The Birth Deck app and through her books, The Birth Deck and You’ve Got This.
Sources
Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician. 2011, 57(6):665-667.
Vora RV, Gupta R, Mehta MJ, Chaudhari AH, Pilani AP, Patel N. Pregnancy and skin. J Family Med Prim Care. 2014? 3(4): 318-324. doi: 10.4103/2249-4863.148099
