Congratulations! You’re growing a human inside of you, and it can be a wonderful and beautiful experience. In addition to your growing baby bump, your body is going to go through a lot of changes from head to toe (thanks, hormones!). And every woman is different. Some women get the pregnancy glow, while others end up with acne and brown spots. SELF talked to two hair and skin pros to breakdown some of the beauty-related changes you might notice in the next nine months.
OK let’s talk about stretch marks. Whether or not you get them depends on genetics and your hormones.
Tough. “Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched rapidly by growth or weight changes. Basically the skin is overstretched,” Sejal Shah, M.D., a board certified dermatologist and RealSelf advisor, tells SELF. Some women are more prone to get these tiger stripes due to genetics and hormonal factors.
You can start to see them as early as four months into your pregnancy. Shah recommends using moisturizers to help improve the elasticity of skin. “There are number of topical creams and oils available on the market that claim to prevent or reduce stretch marks,” she explains. “However, there is no scientifically proven preventive.”
There are a few treatments you can consider postpartum to minimize the appearance like lasers and topical retinoids, but make sure to schedule your appointment as soon as you can to see real results.
You’ll have the best hair of your life…for now.
You’ll often hear moms-to-be brag about their amazing hair growth. And it’s true, hair can seem thicker and longer during pregnancy. “The increase in hormones, especially estrogen, causes scalp hair to remain in the growing phase so that it grows more and sheds less,” says Shah. “Some women may also notice more body hair, which is due to the increase in androgenic (male) hormones.”
However these effects only last for nine months. After the hormone boost subsides, hair completes the natural cycle and begins to shed. “Hair goes into the telogen phase of growth, which is a resting phase. So as hair falls out, it’s not replaced as fast,” says David Stoll, M.D., a board certified dermatologist and author of A Woman’s Skin. “This typically starts about three months after birth and lasts for about six months.” Some supplements can help, but it will all level out in time. However if you start to see bald patches, see your dermatologist to find out the real issue.
Your nipples will get HUGE, and you might see little pimple-like bumps.
Yes, your breasts will swell during pregnancy. But no one talks about how the nipples can change, too. Shah says it’s normal for the areolas and nipples to get bigger and darken. And those little tiny bumps that look like pimples? They’re called Montgomery’s tubercles. “[They] are actually sebaceous (oil) glands that can be an early sign of pregnancy,” says Shah.
Your sweat and oil glands can go into hyperdrive. Read: hot flashes and breakouts.
With the surge of hormones you experience during the first trimester, acne flareups are more likely to occur. If you typically get breakouts with your period, you can also get expect to see a few hormonal zits pop up during pregnancy. You’re also more likely to sweat—for no reason. This is because your sweat and oil glands are more active during pregnancy, says Shah.
Your veins will become more prominent.
“The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause blood vessels to dilate, proliferate, and become congested,” says Shah. This means you can see spider and varicose veins spread across your body from your legs to your face. The effects on your vascular system might also make your complexion appear flushed and palms look red. Stoll adds that the weight in the belly area can also increase the pressure on veins. Wearing support hose can help, but the swollen vessels tend to return to normal after birth.
Hyperpigmentation can happen—everywhere.
Seventy percent of pregnant women encounter melasma during pregnancy. “Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown blotchy patches most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip; but it can also affect the chin and nose,” explains Shah. Although melasma is often called the “mask of pregnancy,” it can happen in women who aren’t expecting as well.
While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause, it is linked to the increase in estrogen and progesterone in the body, which can affect melanin production. These splotches aren’t the only thing to get darker when you’re expecting. Skin tags, moles, and a line down your belly (called linea nigra) can also appear more prominent.
“As sun exposure can also play a role in triggering or darkening the pigment, the most important thing you can do during the pregnancy is use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that contains physicals blockers, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide,” says Shah. In most cases the brown spots disappear postpartum. However, some women may want to turn to peels and topical treatments if the hyperpigmentation persists.
And you may have to skip the spa, but you can keep your regular hair color appointment.
Both Stoll and Shah agree that research has shown hair dye is safe for moms-to-be. “Very small amounts of hair dye are absorbed into the body, making it unlikely to reach the baby,” explains Shah. “If you’re concerned, consider waiting until after the first trimester is over or after delivery.”
However, plan to cancel your other cosmetic procedures. During pregnancy your skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation and can be super sensitive. So, avoid retinoids and salicylic acid products. Also on the no-go list are saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, and hot tubs. “[They] prevent your body from losing heat effectively so your core temperature can rise,” says Shah. “If this rise is significant, it can affect your baby’s development, especially in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.”
