Your hair and skin go through a lot of changes during and post pregnancy. Some women experience acne, pigmentation, stretch marks, puff eyes, dark circles and hair loss, while others have the pregnancy glow which stays with them throughout¹.

The estrogen boost during pregnancy can lead to various skin lesions. Some women may get a delicate, more vital complexion, firmer and smoother skin through the increased blood volume in the body. The fabric on the chest, stomach and legs stretches while the belly reduces in size.

Read on, know more about stretch marks and hair loss, which depends on the elasticity of your connective tissues and can be different for every woman.

Unfortunately, stretch marks cannot be completely excluded. But the chances of getting rid of it will increase if you start prevention early. 

Our advice for the prevention of stretch marks:

• Ensure that you supplement your body with sufficient liquid on a daily basis – this helps to regulate fluid balance.

• Eat a healthy diet: wholegrains, fresh fruits and vegetables, pasteurised or UHT treated dairy products, moderate amount of meat but plenty of fish.

• Proper skin care is essential to remain the elasticity of your skin. But do take note that the increased estrogen levels will cause some changes to your skin and it can be more sensitive to certain skin care ingredients from which you have used previously, before your pregnancy. Do consider lightweight moisturizers or creamy oils that are mostly free from perfumes and preservatives.

• Sports promote blood circulation and keep the connective tissue taut. However, you should prevent any vigorous sports during your pregnancy.

The visible symptoms during pregnancy include stretch marks. They can occur in the subcutaneous tissue from the increased expansion of the tissue. These stretch marks occur more frequently in places such as the abdomen, hips, breasts and buttocks. The severity of the stretch marks is dependent on your personal disposition.

However, you can maintain the elasticity of your skin tissue and promote its blood circulation with a few simple steps. Simply apply the skin of the abdomen, thighs, breasts and buttocks with high-quality pregnancy care oil and massage the areas two to three times a day. Brush your skin with a massage glove one to two times per week with a body scrub to strengthen the skin. Start these measures right at the beginning of your pregnancy for ideal skin care. 

Some women may experience hair loss after birth, this condition may be temporary due to the decrease in estrogen levels. But not to worry, hair growth will return back to normal after a few months.