When I was pregnant with my first child, my Ob-gyne specifically advised me to stay away from using over-the-counter beauty products that may contain harmful ingredients and toxins. I was quite worried because at that time, I began to develop breakouts on my face.
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However, my doctor has assured me that I have nothing to be alarmed about. It is completely normal for expectant mothers to experience skin changes such as breakouts, pigmentation or skin darkening because of all the hormonal changes we’re going through.
She gave me some suggestions on how I can take care of my skin without compromising my baby’s health. I would like to share these tips on this post and hopefully, you would find them as helpful as I did.
Use a mild, hypoallergenic cleanser: Look for a brand that uses all-natural ingredients, mild, hypoallergenic and does not contain chemicals and toxins. It is ideal to wash your face at least twice day, in the morning and in the evening, especially if you had spent the day out.
Use a natural moisturizer: I found that virgin coconut oil is a wonderful and natural moisturizer that is safe to use. You can put a few drops of coconut oil in half a pail of water. After you have washed and rinsed, you can use the remaining water with oil for final rinsing for your face and body. I don’t even need to use lotion after that. You can also use other types of natural oils like olive oil, and lavender oil.
Exfoliate with natural scrubs: 
It’s good to exfoliate the skin at least once a week to get rid of dead cells and feel refreshed. The good news is that nature has provided us with a lot of choices. For example, a mixture of sugar with olive oil is a great skin scrub for both the face and body. So is a blend of honey and oatmeal. You can also try egg whites or a mix of milk and lemon as facial masks to remove deep-seated dirt and unclog pores from your face and rejuvenate the skin.
Hydrate your skin: In order to have supple skin, hydration is very important so be sure to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. Of course, you might have already heard this tip and it’s not just for pregnant ladies.
Do a low impact exercise routine: Non-strenuous physical activity is recommended during pregnancy. There are certain types of work-outs which are ideal for people recovering from illness and for women who are pregnant. Regular exercise strengthens the bones and muscles, stimulates blood circulation, lifts up the mood, and promotes healthy, glowing skin. However, consult your doctor first before engaging in any kind of exercise regiment to make sure that it’s safe for you and your baby.
Eat fruits and vegetables: Need I say more? I think the benefits are very obvious. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins and nutrients that do wonders for our body and for our skin.
Have enough rest and sleep: Some women may not have the luxury of spending the whole day at home to do as they please. Many women have to go to the office, work an 8-hour shift, and wait until their last trimester before they can take a leave. It is crucial to have sufficient rest and sleep during pregnancy. If you’re a working girl, what you can do is talk to your boss and perhaps request for a new arrangement at least during your pregnancy. You might be allowed to telecommute or work online from home on some days to ensure that you will not be overly-pressured.
Relax and be happy:
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Stress is the number one enemy of a youthful skin. Don’t worry so much about what will happen during the delivery, or after the childbirth. Just relax, be optimistic and enjoy each stage of your pregnancy as much as you can. Pregnant women might be prone to mood swings and bouts of sadness due to the hormonal changes but if you’re aware of this fact, it should be a lot easier for you to divert your attention to positive things and be happy.
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