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During pregnancy, you will face a number of changes, and at one point, you may receive compliments from
people saying that you’re “glowing”. This particular state actually refers to a phenomenon that can often be
visible on pregnant women’s faces. Even though the term itself might sound unreal, “pregnancy glow” comes
with several medical explanations. Therefore, let’s dive deeper into its definition, as well as the reasons that
can cause it.
How Does Pregnancy Glow Manifest Itself?
Some women really look like they’re glowing during pregnancy. Their skin looks more vibrant and their cheeks
grow rosier, giving them a healthy and attractive appearance.
Like all other common conditions that happen during pregnancy, this one is also individual, and it can manifest in different ways. Women typically notice this change in the second trimester, but some report it happening throughout the pregnancy. Also, it does not necessarily happen to everyone.
Scientific Reasons Behind Pregnancy Glow
Although pregnancy glow might seem like a wonder, the radiant appearance is caused by some of the following
physiological changes:
Increased Blood Circulation
Within the initial weeks of pregnancy, there is a dramatic increase in the volume of blood in your body.
Namely, your body is likely to produce between 30% and 50% more blood and plasma than it normally would.
This additional blood flow directly contributes to a more glowing appearance. More blood can make your face
and cheeks look plumper and flushed, while also boosting circulation and making your skin look brighter.
Hormonal Fluctuations
In the first trimester, your body is flooded with the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen helps with
organ development, allows the uterus to grow with the baby, and also maintains the levels of other important pregnancy-related hormones. Progesterone, on the other hand, enables the body to hold on to the egg, which reduces the risk of a miscarriage. However, both are controlled by an even more specific hormone known as HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) which is only produced during pregnancy. So when it comes to glowing skin, you should know that estrogen can make your skin look flushed, giving you a nice, rosy-cheeked look. Progesterone makes the skin look more radiant by increasing its natural oil production. And finally, HCG is known for its role in increasing the body’s blood volume, which we already mentioned.
Boosted Skin Oil Production
Again, due to hormonal fluctuations, some women experience increased oil production from their sebum
glands. Also, the section of oil can be boosted by more blood volume. The whole thing is much more likely
for women with combination or oily skin. Once it happens, more oil can make the face look shinier. However,
it can also cause some unwanted side effects like pregnancy acne.
Heat Rashes
It is very common for pregnant women to feel hotter than usual. This is normal because they are dealing both
with hormones, and the extra weight they’re carrying in order to support the baby. Altogether, this can increase
the body temperature and then result in hot flashes or heat rashes that can create a glowing effect on one’s skin.
Clearly, hot flashes do not sound like real beauty boosters, but consider how added rosiness in your cheeks can
really make your skin look healthier.
Other Beauty Perks of Pregnancy
Glowing skin is only one example of a beauty benefit caused by pregnancy. So besides all the challenges,
there are also some interesting perks you can look forward to. For example, some ladies get stronger nails.
Thanks to the increased hormones that boost the skin’s oil production, it is possible that your nails will start growing faster and stronger. Unfortunately, a certain number of pregnant women experience just the opposite, having to deal with softer and more brittle nails. Next, you may experience the pleasure of having thicker hair. During pregnancy, your hair may grow longer and stronger, and once again, this is related to hormone production. What’s more, the hair quality often sticks around for a few months after the birth.
Pregnancy glow is not a myth, and standing next to all the challenges that expecting moms face, it is a
comforting condition that can at least make pregnant ladies feel nicer in their skin. It is caused by actual
physiological changes, and if you get it, enjoy the radiance while it lasts.