Pregnancy Glow – What it Is and Why Does it Happen

Pregnancy glow is the brighter, more radiant-looking skin some women notice during pregnancy, mainly due to hormonal and circulation changes. During pregnancy, your body increases blood flow to support your growing baby, and research shows that plasma volume can rise by about 40% above baseline by around 24 weeks of pregnancy (1).

But why does this increased circulation sometimes make your skin look more luminous? And what role do pregnancy hormones play? In this article, we’ll explain what pregnancy glow is, why it happens, when you may notice it, and how to care for your skin safely during pregnancy.

What Is Pregnancy Glow?

Many lucky women go through an incredible phase during pregnancy when they are positively radiant. This is when their faces seem to brighten up, and their skin looks shinier, flawless and very healthy in general (2).

While some women are lucky enough to experience this, it may not be true for all women, as it is possible for some women to go through acne breakouts and other skin conditions during pregnancy.

Causes of Pregnancy Glow

There is no particular reason why the pregnancy glow comes about; however, there are certain convincing explanations that may very well be true. Some of the main reasons for pregnancy glow include:

1. Improved Blood Circulation

During pregnancy, the volume of blood in a woman’s body increases by a staggering 50% (3). This naturally means that more blood flows through the vessels helping the skin retain a whole lot of moisture, causing the skin to plump up and even out any wrinkles. Hence, the skin feels healthier and smoother.

2. Hormonal Changes

Women go through a lot of changes in their body during pregnancy; one among them is the increase in the level of hormones like Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) and progesterone (4). These hormones are known to aid the sebaceous glands in the face secrete oil, which in turn makes the skin look shiny and supple. However, during some occasions, excess oil may be the reason for increase pigmentation during pregnancy, as well as pregnancy acne.

3. Sweating

During pregnancy, the body temperature of a woman rises due to an increase in the volume of blood and an increase in body weight. There is also a greater demand on the body during this time, which causes the body to produce excess sweat. Sweat is known to clear out the impurities in the pores of the skin and make it look brighter and radiant (5).

4. Moisture Retention

The skin of a pregnant woman retains most of the moisture, which contributes to smoothening out any fine lines or wrinkles on the skin, effectively providing smooth skin.

5. Mental State

Many women as overjoyed with their pregnancy and appear cheerful and gracious in general, which tends to give them a radiant look.

6. Increased Skin Cell Turnover

Pregnancy-related hormonal changes may influence how quickly the skin renews itself. When old skin cells are naturally shed and replaced, the skin can appear smoother and fresher. This smoother surface reflects light more evenly, which may contribute to the bright, healthy-looking appearance commonly described as the pregnancy glow.

When Does the Pregnancy Glow Start?

Pregnancy skin glow may appear at different times in different women, as it is a result of a combination of factors. However, most women tend to notice it during the second trimester. This is because the influx of hormones that takes place at the start of pregnancy will have settled and they will begin to feel much better.

How Long Does Pregnancy Glow Last?

After childbirth, pregnancy glow up typically fades gradually over the first few weeks to months as pregnancy hormones settle and circulation returns toward its usual state (2) (6). Many women notice changes in their skin during the first few weeks postpartum, but there is no exact timeline because hormonal recovery varies from person to person.

Breastfeeding can also influence hormone levels and may affect how quickly the skin returns to its pre-pregnancy appearance. So, if your glow lingers for several months or fades sooner, both can be completely normal.

Tips to Maintain Pregnancy Glow

In order to maintain that gorgeous glowing skin in pregnancy, you can follow a few simple steps.

• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated will keep your skin moisturised and leave it feeling radiant all day. Moreover, it also helps lower water retention in the body during pregnancy, along with promoting a healthy pregnancy.
• Keep your skin clean. While secretion of oil can keep your skin feel moisturised, excess oil can lead to acne breakouts. Hence, it is important that you wash your face regularly.
• Use soaps with low pH value in order to protect your skin from dryness.
• Get a good amount of sleep. Adequate sleep can be the key to maintaining your pregnancy glow as it leaves you well-rested and fresh.
• Try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Excess sun exposure can increase the chances of hyperpigmentation. Use hats or take other protective measures, if you have to go out.
• Try your hand at yoga. Yoga is known to improve skin health and glow. So, a pregnancy yoga class may help you maintain that glow.
• Avoid or reduce the consumption of small soy, as it is known to increase the chances of hyperpigmentation.
• Speak to your doctor about engaging in some simple exercises. If your doctor recommends you to not strain yourself, you can always put your feet up and relax.

Ways to Flaunt Your Glow

If you’re pregnant and glowing, it is only fair that you make use of the opportunity to flaunt it while it lasts. Here are a few things you could do to flaunt your pregnancy glow.

1. Focus on the Positives

Every woman has an idea about what looks best on her. It could be your eyes, your shoulders, your legs or anything. Wear appropriate clothing to highlight this. Wear a short dress to accentuate your long legs or a sleeveless top to flaunt your toned arms. However, remember not to wear heels as they could put unnecessary pressure on your feet and knees.

2. Pamper Yourself

Take a break and hit the spa. Good massage therapy and some pedicures and manicures should help you get that refined look to impress everyone.

3. Pick Colours That Suit Your Skin Tone

The best way to flaunt your looks is to dress fine. Know what goes well with your skin tone and wear them more often and enjoy as the compliments flow in.

What to Do if Pregnancy Glow Doesn’t Come Naturally?

If you haven’t been lucky enough to get the coveted pregnancy glow naturally, you can also try a few measures to attain that phase.

1. Pay Attention to Your Diet

A good diet is important for healthy skin. Protein-rich foods like eggs and fish, along with food rich in antioxidants and minerals can help set the foundation for radiant skin. The folic acid in nuts, broccoli and seeds can brighten up your skin. Adding a good amount of pomegranate, watermelon, etc. can help improve your skin tone.

2. Skin Massage

Gently massaging your skin every day with oil or moisturiser can improve blood circulation and brighten your skin. It is also advised to follow a good skincare regimen during pregnancy. 

3. Take Rest

Stress can be an adverse factor in the process of enhancing pregnancy glow. Get plenty of rest and sleep to relax.

FAQs

1. What does a pregnancy glow look like?

Pregnancy glow typically looks like skin that is brighter, smoother, and slightly more radiant than usual. You may notice a natural rosy or flushed appearance on the face, along with softer-looking skin and a healthy sheen. For some women, the glow is subtle, while others may have a more noticeable dewy appearance.

2. Does every pregnant woman get pregnancy glow?

No, not every woman experiences pregnancy glow. Pregnancy affects everyone differently, and factors such as hormones, skin type, circulation, and overall skin changes can influence how the complexion looks.

3. Can you maintain pregnancy glow after delivery?

You cannot control how long pregnancy glow lasts, but gentle skincare, adequate hydration, a balanced diet, sufficient rest, and sun protection can help support healthy-looking skin during pregnancy and after delivery.

4. Can you have pregnancy glow in the first trimester?

Yes, some women may notice pregnancy glow in the first trimester. Hormonal changes and increased blood circulation can begin early in pregnancy, although the glow may be subtle and is not experienced by everyone.

5. Can pregnancy glow predict baby’s sex?

No, pregnancy glow cannot reliably predict whether you are having a boy or girl. The glow is mainly linked to hormonal and circulation changes during pregnancy, not the baby’s sex (7).

Enjoy the radiance that comes with pregnancy and take proper care to prolong this phase. However, remember to stay clear of any chemical skin products to ensure that the baby is not adversely affected.

Also Read: 

Facial in Pregnancy
Mask of Pregnancy
Hair Growth during Pregnancy
10 Effective Pregnancy Sleep Tips

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Sources References

1. Heart, Lung and Circulation – Physiological Changes and Cardiovascular Investigations in Pregnancy

2. Cleveland Clinic – Is Pregnancy Glow a Real Thing?

3. PubMed – Blood volume changes in normal pregnancy

4. Cleveland Clinic – Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

5. Cleveland Clinic – Sweat

6. Medanta – How Hormonal Changes Affect Your Skin During Pregnancy

7. Nemours KidsHealth – 10 Things That Might Surprise You About Being Pregnant