Pregnancy is linked with numerous uncomfortable symptoms such as morning sickness, heartburn, constipation, cramps, and stretch marks. However, there are many incredible things associated with this important part of a woman’s life, and these positive things make uncomfortable symptoms meaningless and very tolerable.
For example, all pregnant women are usually complimented for their picture-perfect skin due to pregnancy glow. We all know what it is, but most women don’t know where it comes from or whether it’s real or just a myth.
What Is Pregnancy Glow?
“You’re glowing,” “Your skin looks amazing” are just some of many compliments you get during pregnancy. The truth is; pregnancy glow is frequently mentioned but a poorly understood part of this magical time in your life. It doesn’t indicate one part of pregnancy or one symptom, but a combination of multiple things such as:
Pregnancy glow includes various symptoms; which is why women experience it differently during their pregnancy. For example, increased amount of oil can make one woman’s skin shiny and soft while some other women have to deal with oily skin that is prone to acne. That is also the reason why some women complain about acne breakouts during pregnancy.
The exact cause of pregnancy glow is still relatively unknown and what scientists can confirm is that it’s the set of multiple physiological changes that influences this pregnancy symptom.
However, just like with other symptoms of pregnancy, this one is also propelled by hormonal changes. These hormones stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum or oil thus making your face shiny. On the other hand, increased blood flow is regarded as yet another contributing factor to the pregnancy glow.
During pregnancy, your body increases the production of blood by 50%, and it’s a well-known fact that blood circulation plays an important role in skin health and appearance.
Furthermore, women develop this glow at different points of their pregnancy. For instance, some women experience it at the beginning of the pregnancy, while others develop it during the second trimester. There are also some women who don’t experience this glow at all. Why?
It’s because the appearance of pregnancy glow depends on your body, hormones, pregnancy side effects, and many other factors.
How Does Pregnancy Glow Work?
Your skin is more capable of retaining moisture during pregnancy, and you already know how important regular moisture and hydration are for smooth and supple skin. In turn, your skin plumps up, and even those fine lines and wrinkles that already formed around your eyes become less visible.
Just like there’s a downside with increased production of oil in some women (oily skin); some women might look puffy due to water retention. If this happens to you, make sure you stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Most women make a mistake by avoiding drinking water when they retain fluid, but believe it or not, it’s quite helpful for pregnancy.
Scientific Approach To Pregnancy Glow
According to the research published in the Fertility and Sterility, the glow you experience during pregnancy is the real physical process, not a myth. What most women don’t even know is that their pregnancy could help slow down the aging process as well as to boost the regeneration process.
This is particularly important if we bear in mind that although pregnancy symbolizes a start of a brand new life, it can be very tough on a woman’s body and organs or tissues in it. The study was conducted by a group of scientists at the Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem, Israel. The researchers used MRI to examine the physiological effects on the body of a liver transplant on pregnant and non-pregnant mice.
Findings show that in pregnant mice 96% of the liver had regenerated itself after only two days, while in non-pregnant mice only 46% of the liver managed to regenerate in the same timeframe. Although the regeneration in women and rejuvenating effect are still examined in ongoing studies, it is assumed that blood- sharing between mother and her baby could be the main cause.
Scientists concluded the study explaining that because pregnancy is a unique biological model of partially shared blood system which has a rejuvenating effect on the mother.
Skincare During Pregnancy
Even when you’re pregnant, it’s still important to care for your skin properly. Adequate skin care will also help you retain your pregnancy glow and improve the overall quality of your skin. Ideally, you should consult your doctor about skincare or if you’re in doubt about products that you should use. Here are some tips that will help you maintain your glowing skin:
Conclusion
Although we all know about pregnancy glow, the truth is – most of us don’t understand it quite entirely. Pregnancy glow doesn’t only refer to radiant skin, but a series of rejuvenating symptoms that occur in a woman’s body and influence her skin as well. It is necessary to take care of your skin during pregnancy to keep it smooth, nourished, radiant, and hydrated.
