 Pregnancy
can be a time of surprising changes-not just for your body, your
life and your relationship, but for your looks, as well.
You're
likely to notice differences (some great, some not-so) in your hair,
your skin - even your fingernails. Knowing what to expect - and
how to handle the changes - can help you look and feel your best
during this exciting time.
Hair Hints: Your hormones profoundly
affect your hair, during and right after pregnancy. If you're one
of the lucky ones, your hair will grow thicker and shinier during
your pregnancy - but don't be surprised if it thins or becomes brittle,
instead. To look your best whether you've got more or less hair
while you are pregnant, get frequent haircuts (no more than six
weeks apart) and experiment with different shampoos until you find
one that is compatible with your hair's new personality. Once you've
found that shampoo, be sure to use it every day. Your hair and scalp
will likely be oilier during pregnancy, and because cells all over
your body turn over more quickly when you are pregnant, you're likely
to have a flaky scalp even if dandruff has never been a problem
for you before. Frequent shampoos will keep grease and flakes at
bay, and will keep your hair looking its best throughout your pregnancy.
Face It: Like your hair, your
skin can react in several different ways to the hormones that course
through your bloodstream during pregnancy. Even if you haven't had
a zit since junior high school, you may find that you are suddenly
prone to breakouts. No matter how bad they become, stay away from
medications like Acutane, which can cause severe birth defects,
and antibiotics, which are not recommended by most doctors during
pregnancy. Even topical acne antidotes may have some risks, so ask
your healthcare professional - and be sure that in your zeal to
banish zits you don't over-dry your skin. Instead, shop for a concealer
that covers blemishes while they heal. And, - just as your dermatologist
told you in junior high school - resist the urge to squeeze, pick
or pop your pimples; once you reach adulthood, your skin scars more
easily and scars last longer than they did back when you were younger.
Of course you may luck out and find that your skin clears up during
pregnancy - some women find their acne less troublesome when they
are expecting. If you are lucky enough so sport that mythic pregnant
"glow" make the most of it by wearing natural, minimal makeup. You
may even want to skip the foundation and use a sheer liquid blush
for a casual, outdoorsy look.
You've Got it Nailed: Most women
find that their nails grow thicker and stronger when there's a baby
on board, so if you're a nail-biter, this rapid growth spurt may
give you just the incentive you need to quit, once and for all.
If you like to wear your nails short and professional looking, be
prepared to cut or file more frequently… but this is also a great
time to enjoy long nails (before you have to start worrying about
accidentally scratching your newborn's eyes out). Experiment with
brighter or darker colors than you're used to - just remember that
chips show up more easily on dark polish; be prepared to do frequent
touch ups and maintenance.
The Eyes Have It: Are you a
contact lens wearer? Your hard lenses may not fit you during your
pregnancy, because increased blood flow and water retention can
actually change the shape of your eyes. If you haven't gotten a
chic new pair of eyeglasses since aviators were in style, this is
the time to splurge on a fabulous pair of frames. Then, wear them
while you try out new eye-makeup looks; what worked when you wore
lenses may look quite right when you're wearing your new glasses.
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You Aren't Fat, You're Pregnant:
The best thing you can do for your self-esteem (and for your baby's
health) is to stop thinking of your growing belly as a figure flaw.
Dieting during pregnancy is a major no-no, and doing ab crunches
to keep your belly flat can be downright dangerous. Instead, give
yourself a break from a lifetime of self-criticism and learn to
love the lump. If you are otherwise slender, choose figure-revealing
clothes that show the world the beauty of your growing baby. If
you're more comfortable with looser tops, be sure to keep them properly
sized so that they look slouchy but not sloppy.
Clothes Clues: Much has been
said and written about how much prettier maternity clothes are than
they used to be. Then again, much has been said and written about
UFO sightings - but don't believe everything you read. The truth
is that most maternity clothes are either ugly, expensive, or both.
And while you don't want to waddle around in dowdy duds for the
better part of a year, neither do you want to burn your unborn baby's
college fund on a suit you will only wear five times. The best solution:
beg borrow and steal maternity clothes from friends whose taste
you admire, and resign yourself to doing laundry more often as you
struggle to keep the four things you actually like looking fresh
and clean.
Instead of splurging on extra outfits that you don't really love
and won't wear next season, consider pouring nine months' worth
of clothing cash into accessories you can wear now AND enjoy for
years to come: Treat yourself to that hand-painted silk scarf you'd
never allow yourself, the earrings you've been drooling over for
years.
There's just one area in which it's never wise to economize, and
that's your underwear. Around the 4th or 5th month, the elastic
from your regular panties and hose will start digging into your
flesh like some medieval torture implement, and your growing breasts
will give new meaning to the phrase "my cup runneth over." Bite
the bullet, head to the maternity store, and stock up on understuff
that will make you feel comfortable and look well put together.
Remember: the better you feel when you are pregnant, the better
you'll look - and the more you will enjoy this very special time
in your life!
Lamas Beauty Magazine Contributor Susan Kleinman writes about health and women's
issues, contributing to leading publications including Redbook,
Metropolitan and Woman's Day.
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