Pregnancy Skin, Hair & Body Changes: What’s Normal, What Works, & What Truly Helps

Estimated Reading Time: 21 minutes

Pregnancy is often romanticized as being all about pregnancy glow, beautiful skin, thick hair, and beautiful appearance. Many women do actually get what is popularly referred to as a pregnancy glow; however, the truth is far more complicated than that.

Table of Content:  Skin Changes During Pregnancy Hair Changes During Pregnancy Body Changes During Pregnancy Ingredients to Use & Avoid During Pregnancy Tips for Managing Skin, Hair, and Body Changes Conclusion

Beneath that glow lies a storm of hormonal fluctuations with oestrogen levels rising, progesterone levels fluctuating, blood volume levels increasing, immune system changes being altered, and metabolic climb keeping pace with all this surprising addition of hormones. Each one of these changes will affect all levels of the body including skin, hair follicles, nails, blood vessels, pigment production, oil gland production, connective tissue, and even the skin microbiome.

Some women develop acne for the first time during their pregnancy; others will find dry patches of skin, as well as increased pigmentation on the skin, melasma, itching, stretch marks, thinning hair, and changes in body odour. While the beauty industry attempts to sell their products as “pregnancy-friendly”, few of them take the time to explain what it is that will actually occur physiologically.

Let’s separate myth from mechanism, and focus on what truly works.

Skin Changes During Pregnancy

Basically, pregnancy changes your skin in four main ways (hormonal, vascular, immunological and structural), but hormonal and the resulting breakouts, and increased oil production, tend to be one of the greatest concerns. 

In some cases women will have beautiful, glowing skin during pregnancy. This same pregnancy can cause an outbreak of acne in a woman who has never previously suffered from acne. This is why this occurs.

Increased Oil Production & Acne During Pregnancy

When talking about acne during pregnancy, it is not random, rather, there are multiple biological pathways involved (involving many different biological systems, and their associated hormones) that all work together to create acne during pregnancy:

1. Hormonal fluctuations (Androgens and Progesterone) 

During pregnancy:

Androgen levels may rise, progesterone increases significantly, and estrogen continues to fluctuate. These shifts directly affect the skin. Androgens, in particular, stimulate the sebaceous glands, which are attached to each hair follicle. These glands produce sebum, the natural oil that keeps skin protected, but when sebum production increases, the skin can become oilier and more prone to clogged pores and breakouts.

When stimulated excessively:

• The sebaceous gland will get larger in size.

• The amount of sebum produced from the gland will increase.

• The consistency of sebum will become more viscous.

• The pores will become more easily clogged.

These changes will contribute to the development of acne.

2. Altered Keratinization (Clogged Pores)

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can interfere with the natural shedding of skin cells inside the hair follicle. Normally, dead skin cells shed smoothly and allow sebum (skin oil) to flow out of the pore. When this process is disrupted, dead skin cells can build up, trapping oil inside the follicle and increasing the chances of clogged pores and breakouts.

When a woman is pregnant, the dead skin cells stick to each other and stick to too much oil, thus creating the microcomedo, which is an early stage in the development of acne.
Over time, these microcomedones will develop into:

• Whiteheads,

• Blackheads,

• Inflamed papules,

• Pus filled pustules,

• Sometimes even larger cystic lesions.

3.Inflammatory & Immune Changes

During a pregnancy, your body creates a supportive environment for the developing fetus. This change to your immune system can also change how your body reacts to:

• Cutibacterium acnes (acne-causing bacteria)

• Indicators of inflammation in your body

• Oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants).

The immune system's changes can have following effects:

• Increased redness in the skin

• Increased swelling in the skin

• Slowed wound healing

• An increased risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Women with medium to darker skin tones are at a greater risk for developing pigmentation after an inflammatory event.

 

4. Increased Blood Flow & Vascular Sensitivity

During pregnancy, your body redistributes blood flow to support the growing baby. While overall circulation patterns change, blood flow to the skin can increase significantly. This extra blood supply makes acne lesions appear more noticeable.

As a result, pimples may look redder and more inflamed than usual, and even small breakouts can seem larger or more prominent. It’s not always that acne is worsening, it’s often that increased circulation makes existing lesions stand out more.

How Common Is Pregnancy Acne?

An estimated 1 in 3 women will have some degree of acne or will have their existing acne worsen while pregnant.

The majority of cases occur during:

• The first trimester of pregnancy (due to hormonal fluctuations).

• Can Improve for some women in the second trimester.

• Can experience a flare-up in the third trimester.

However, every pregnancy is unique and there may be no relationship between each individual case of acne or the specific hormonal changes associated with each pregnancy.

Hair Changes During Pregnancy

The effects of pregnancy on your hair will be hormonal, nutritional, vascular and cyclical. For many women, hair is fuller and thicker at the time of pregnancy; for some, however, the changes can be associated with oiliness, dryness (in their hair), tenderness of the scalp, and suddenly becoming bald. These changes to your hair during pregnancy are typically a result of factors inside (internal) your body rather than due to cosmetic problems (outside) your body.

Knowing what goes on internally will help you take care of your hair properly during this period.

How Pregnancy Hormones Affect Hair Growth

Hair grows in cycles, not in a straight line. There are 3 main stages of the hair growth cycle:

• Anagen (the growing stage of hair)

• Catagen (the resting/transitioning stage of hair)

• Telogen (the shedded stage of hair)

The way our bodies produce hormones during pregnancy can cause these cycles to get out of balance; one very important hormone being estrogen which will increase in level during your pregnancy.

Higher levels of estrogen during pregnancy:

• Prolong the growth (anagen) phase 

• Few hair will enter the resting/shedding cycle 

• Daily hair loss decreases
  

As a result:

• Hair appears thicker and fuller

• Hair loss significantly decreases 

• Ponytails feel heavier than normal 

• Volume is increased significantly in the 2nd & 3rd trimesters.

This is generally known as "pregnancy hair," however, it is temporary.

Post-Pregnancy Shedding Starts Before Birth, Not After

Although postpartum hair shedding is well known, the groundwork begins during pregnancy.

Because hair shedding is suppressed for months:

• More hair accumulates on the scalp

• When there is a change in hormone levels (late in your pregnancy and postpartum), many of your hairs will enter the telogen phase at the same time.
  

This sudden and alarming change seems out of place, but rather than experiencing actual hair loss or baldness, this is a delayed and synchronized loss of hair.

Common Pregnancy Related Changes to Hair

1. Hair May Feel Thicker or Heavier and Oilier

Sebum production is stimulated by progesterone and androgens, which increases:

• Greasiness on the scalp

• Rapid accumulation of oil

• Flat roots in spite of thickness

Some women report needing to wash their hair more often due to greasy hair, while others benefit from spacing washes to protect the scalp barrier.

2. Change In Hair Texture (Straight To Wavy, Curly To Dry)

Pregnancy has a profound impact on the following:

• Texture of the hair

• Pattern of curling

• Frizziness level 
  

All these changes occur as a result of:

• Changes in the shape of your follicles because of hormones. 

• Variance of how well hydrated the scalp is

• Differences in the structure of keratin

• Changes may be temporary or return back to normal after birth. 

3. Scalp Sensitivity and Itching

Due to the increased blood flow to the scalp and the effect pregnancy has on your immune system, you may also experience:

• Scalp tenderness

• Itching

• Flaking

• Being more sensitive to products that you have used in the past without sensitivity.

This does not always indicate dandruff or infection. Often, it reflects heightened vascular and inflammatory sensitivity.

4. The Increase in Hair Breakage

Even if there is less shedding, many women may still notice things like:

• Snapping hair at the mid-length.

• Dryness of hair at the ends.

• Split ends.

This can be due to:

• Nutrient and water being redistributed to the fetus.

• Less iron and protein for hair.

• Over-styling and excessive heat.

Your hair's length may not change, but the quality of your hair may be different.

Nutritional Factors Impacting Hair during Pregnancy

The health of your hair during pregnancy relates to the amount of nutrition you receive internally. Nutritional factors that are essential for healthy hair development include:

• Protein (because hair is made up of keratin)

• Iron

• Zinc

• Biotin

• Omega 3 fatty acids

Low levels of iron can be linked with:

• More breakage of hair

• Lack of shine in hair

• Discomfort on your scalp

This is why changes in hair can often mirror the fatigue or weakness experienced during pregnancy.

Body Changes During Pregnancy

A woman’s body changes throughout her entire pregnancy to allow for the growth of a baby. Almost all systems in a woman’s body adjust to help with this process (musculoskeletal, circulatory, digestive, hormonal and nervous).

Many changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy are misinterpreted or simply pushed aside as “just part of pregnancy”. Understanding why this happens allows a woman to better handle and deal with it more effectively.

These body changes do not indicate weaknesses; they demonstrate an intelligent adaptational process happening in the body.

1. Weight Distribution & Postural Changes

As a woman progresses through her pregnancy, the body’s center of gravity shifts forward. Therefore, in order for her to stay upright, her lower back must curve more than usual (lumbar lordosis).

What this will typically Produce

• Lower back pain

• Hip/Pelvic distress

• Knee or Ankle issues

• Increase physical fatigue

Structural changes are coming into play along with muscular changes. Hormone relaxin loosens ligaments to prepare the pelvis for birth, but it also reduces joint stability throughout the body.

2. Edema (swelling) and Changes in Circulation

Mild edema of the feet, ankles, hands, and occasionally the face is a common occurrence, particularly during 14 - 40 weeks of pregnancy.

Reasons Why Edema Occurs

• Increased blood volume

• Fluid retention

• Compression from uterus on blood vessels

• Slower venous return from the legs

Edema represents an adaptation in the circulatory system, not a failure of the circulatory system.

What actually helps with Edema 

• Gentle daily movement (e.g. walking & stretching)

• Adequate hydration (dehydration increases fluid retention)

• Elevating legs above body level

• Loose fitting clothing

• Resting on the left side to support blood flow

While all edema should be medically evaluated if it is repetitive or recent, in many cases, mild edema can be treated effectively.

3. Changes to the Digestive System

Pregnancy hormones slow down your digestive system in order to absorb more nutrients for your baby. Although a slow digestive system is necessary for you and your child, it is sometimes uncomfortable.

Common changes to your digestive system:

• Bloating

• Constipation

• Acidity or heartburn

• Nausea

• Feeling full very quickly

Both slower motility in your gut as well as upward pressure from your uterus are factors that contribute to the above symptoms.

Ways to Support Your Digestive System:

• Eat smaller and frequent amounts

• Adequate fiber and fluid intake

• Eat slowly and mindfully

• Avoid lying down soon after eating your last meal

The digestive system impacts the following areas: skin clarity, energy levels, immunity, and mood.

4. Skin Stretching & Structural Adaptation

As the body expands, the skin stretches to accommodate growth. 

Common Changes

• Stretch marks (abdomen, thighs, breasts, hips)

• Itching from stretching skin

• Tightness or dryness
  

Stretch marks are influenced by genetics, hormones, and skin elasticity, not just moisturization.

What Actually Helps

• Consistent moisturization to reduce dryness and itching.

• Maintaining skin barrier health.

• Accepting that stretch marks reflect growth, not damage.

• They are a structural adaptation, not a skin failure.

5. Changes in Energy Levels & Temperature Regulation

Pregnancy increases metabolism requirements.

You may Experience:

• Exhaustion (particularly in first and third trimesters)

• Heat intolerance

• Increased perspiration

This reflects increased blood flow, oxygen use, and hormonal activity.

Supportive Habits

• Adequate rest

• Gentle physical activity

• Breathable clothing

• Balanced nutrition

A Gentle Reassurance 

Pregnancy isn't something to be "managed" or controlled; it is a process of transformation. The goal is not to resist these changes but to support the body gently as it does what it was biologically designed to do.

When care during pregnancy focuses on circulation, nourishment, rest & respect for the physiological limitations of the body, then the body will adapt much easier and with a greater ability to deal with stress.

Body changes during pregnancy are:

• Adaptive, not defective

• Temporary, not permanent

Skincare Ingredients to Focus On

During pregnancy, your skin goes through a variety of biological changes, including having an increased sensitivity of your skin barrier, increased inflammatory responses, and having greater ability to absorb ingredients than pre-pregnancy skin. Because of this, most typical 'effective' ingredients would likely be too intense or not yet researched enough to be safe for you to use during your pregnancy.

When it comes to developing your skincare; instead of finding highly active products, the goal should be to support the structure of your skin, reduce inflammation, enhance the integrity of your skin's barrier, and help protect your skin from environmental factors without you using any high-risk medications/therapies.

1. Hyaluronic Acid- Deep Hydration, No Irritation

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally abundant sugar-like molecule which has an ability to hold water. It can absorb as much as 1000 times its own weight in water. During pregnancy, your body may experience changes in hormones that lead to increased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Because of this, HA can help keep your skin properly hydrated without causing any kind of impairment to the barrier or irritation.

Benefits of HA:

• Multiple layers of hydration for skin

• Enhancement of the texture and suppleness of skin.

• Excellent compatibility for sensitive/reactive skin types.

Recommended Use:

• 0.5%–2% serums or gels

• Under lightweight moisturizer

• Morning and night
  

2. Niacinamide - Multi-Tasking Barrier Booster

Niacinamide (also referred to as Vitamin B3) is an incredibly adaptable pregnancy-safe active. This ingredient is effective in boosting the skin barrier's ability to retain moisture, calming inflammation and regulating sebum production as well as lightening post-acne scarring.

Benefits of Niacinamide Include:

• Suitable for use on acne-prone skin without causing harsh exfoliation.

• Calms redness and irritation

• Good choice to help repair barrier function (which is crucial for skin that is reactive).

Mechanism

Niacinamide helps with increased production of ceramides (which are key components of the skin barrier), maintaining normal function of the barrier and decreasing levels of IL-1 and TNF-α (two types of inflammatory mediators), which are beneficial when skin is reactive due to hormonal changes.

Best way to use Niacinamide

• 2% - 5% serum daily

• To be used with HA or a gentle moisturizer

3. Ceramides - Structural Support for the Skin Barrier

Lipid molecules known as ceramides have a function similar to "mortar" and therefore create a structure between skin cells, keeping them together and ensuring they do not lose moisture.

Benefits

Hormones from pregnancy may damage the skin's barrier which can cause skin to become dry or irritated. The use of ceramides can help restore this barrier without causing irritation.

Science Snapshot

According to a review article published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2020, the use of ceramides (in skin creams) can improve hydration and strengthen the barrier function of compromised skin by providing moisture; this is an important factor for the use of these products during pregnancy.

Best Use

• Ceramide-rich creams or lipid-repair formulas

• Use after hydrating serum

4. Azelaic Acid- Anti-Inflammatory and Pigment Corrector

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. Azelaic acid can help treat acne, calm and reduce rosacea-like irritation, and help diminish post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (which is very common in pregnant women).

Why It’s Useful

As azelaic acid treats both acne and pigmentation problems at the same time, it can be very useful for treating both acne breakouts and dark spots that are due to hormonal changes.

A review of azelaic acid’s effectiveness in treating both acne and hyper-pigmentation was published in a 2017 Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology journal followed by the review on azelaic acid’s safety, wide tolerability, and efficacy have all been proven in comparison to other stronger lightening agents.

Best Use

• 10% topical gel or cream

• Can be used twice daily if well tolerated

5. Zinc Oxide - Gentle and Protective UV Filter

Zinc oxide is a mineral UV filter that reflects both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, it stays on the skin's surface and isn't absorbed nearly as much.

How it Helps

Since melasma (a dark pigmented patch of skin due to UV exposure) is more likely to happen during pregnancy, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide can help prevent it while not causing much irritation.

Because mineral (zinc oxide) sunscreens don't absorb into the body and work by reflecting rays off the skin, they are often recommended by dermatologists for women with sensitive issues and those who are pregnant.

Best Use

• SPF 30+ daily

• Tinted mineral formulas help even tone
  

6. Aloe Vera (Topical Only, Mild Formulations)

Aloe vera gel and juice have a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect, helping relieve itching and dryness.

Aloe vera can provide relief from many of the same symptoms with mild topical formulations that do not contain aggressive active ingredients. Pregnant women should avoid high concentrations of aloe and should not ingest aloe internally.

Aloe vera has a soothing effect when applied topically and may improve barrier function when combined with other beneficial ingredients.

Best Use

• Limited to mild gels or moisturizers

• Avoid high-strength extracts

Quick Reference: Safe Ingredient Summary

Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

When pregnant, the skin is more porous and readily receives absorbed substances, reacts strongly to everything placed on it, and is greatly affected by hormone levels; therefore, the use of many ingredients, particularly those meant to penetrate deeply into the skin and/or to influence the turnover of skin cells (e.g., keratinocytes), can impose an unneeded risk.

Avoiding an ingredient while pregnant is not based solely on fear, but rather on the need to reduce risk, specifically during a period of significant importance regarding development.

1. Retinoids (Retinol, Retinal, Tretinoin, Adapalene)

Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A that have been widely used to treat acne, provide anti-aging effects, and lighten pigmentation.

Why they are avoided:

Excess Vitamin A intake during pregnancy has been associated with the incidence of congenital malformations (defects that occur during fetal development). While the amount of active retinoid compounds that are absorbed systemically vary depending on topical absorption, medical guidelines advise avoiding all use of topical retinoids during pregnancy because of their potential teratogenic potential.

Commonly found in:

• Anti-aging creams

• Acne treatments

• “Skin renewal” or “cell turnover” serums

2. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone can be used as an effective brightening and treatment for pigmentation. 

Why it’s avoided:

Hydroquinone absorbs considerably more quickly and easily into the skin than other topical agents (35-45%). It has also been linked with numerous safety concerns surrounding it's use by pregnant women. Because safer alternatives exist, it’s considered an unnecessary risk.

Common uses for Hydroquinone include:

• Brightening creams

• Pigment Removal Creams

• Dark spot lotions

3. High-Strength Salicylic Acid (Leave-On or Peels)

Salicylic Acid is classified as a beta-hydroxy acid as it is structurally similar to the pharmaceutical drug aspirin.

Reason for caution:

Rinsing off cleansers with low levels of salicylic acid, are seen as low risk; however using higher potency leave-on products or undergoing metabolic exfoliation via chemical peel could lead to increased absorption into the system.

Commonly found in:

• Acne spot treatments

• Chemical exfoliants

• Peeling solutions

4. High-Percentage Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) can be used effectively to treat acne. 

What Limits its Use: 

BPO demonstrates limited efficacy due to an absence of strong safety information during pregnancy for higher concentrations, nor do they appear safe for those who have already developed skin that is sensitive.

Commonly found in:

• Acne gels and creams

• Spot treatments

5. Certain Chemical Sunscreens

Many chemical UV filters are absorbed by the body and could cause chemical exposure.

What to Avoid

Oxybenzone has caused concern in observational studies for possible hormonal disruption/abnormalities at an early stage. 

While data is evolving, mineral sunscreens are the safer choice during pregnancy.

Commonly found in:

• Chemical sunscreens

• Day creams with SPF

6. Parabens (High or Multiple Forms in One Product)

Parabens are used as preservatives to help protect from microbial development.

A number of studies indicate that parabens may act like estrogen in our bodies. On the other hand, even though manufacturers can legally use them at low doses, many expectant mothers choose to avoid them altogether because of hormonal effects on their bodies.

Common types:

• Propylparaben

• Butylparaben
  

Managing Skin Problems During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, skin behaves differently than normal. Hormones and increased blood volume, changing immune systems and increased permeability/hydration all cause skin to react in ways that are unexpected when using products that have always been tried before. The most important thing to do while pregnant is to provide your body with what it needs to support the body (calm inflammation, strengthen "barrier" function of the skin and prevent any further damage), rather than just trying to fix any problems with your skin as quickly as possible.

1. Acne During Pregnancy: Calm First, Treat Second

Acne during pregnancy is mostly due to hormones and is inflamed rather than due to not taking care of your skin.

What helps most:

• Gentle cleansing helps to remove oil without stripping the skin. 

• Reduce inflammation as opposed to drying out the skin aggressively. 

• Support the barrier function of the skin to avoid developing any pigmentation or scarring post-acne.

Things to avoid: 

• Over-exfoliating your skin.

• Using strong active ingredients on a daily basis. 

• Adding multiple products to your routine. 

Pregnancy skin will take a longer time to heal than what is considered normal, therefore irritation can lead to pigmentation lasting longer than with non-pregnant skin.

2. Pigmentation & Melasma: Prevention Over Treatment

During pregnancy, hormones cause dark pigmented patches. Additionally, exposing yourself to sunlight can increase chances of developing these dark pigmented areas on your skin. 

What Does Work? 

• Daily broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen.

• Physical sun protection (scarves, hats, shade).

• Gentle brightening ingredients that don’t disrupt the barrier.

Trying to “erase” pigmentation during pregnancy usually backfires. Protection is more effective than correction.

3. Dryness, Itching, Sensitivity 

Many women experience dry, itchy, or suddenly reactive skin- even if they were oily before.

Reasons For Skin Reactivity: 

• Skin barrier becomes more permeable

• Increased water loss

• Heightened immune reactivity

Best Approach: 

• Use Cream-Based Moisturizers vs. Gel-Based 

• Limit the number of different products used .

• Avoid using fragrance, alcohol, & essential oils in skin care products.

When the barrier is supported, sensitivity often settles on its own.

4. Discomfort from Stretch Marks (Face and Body)

While it may be true that most stretch marks are caused by genetics, discomfort and itching can be relieved with the right treatment.

Some ways to provide Supportive Care include:

• Regularly moisturising the affected areas

• Gentle massage to promote blood circulation

• Avoiding the use of fragrant body products

During pregnancy, bodily image is important but comfort is equally as important.

A Simple Pregnancy-Friendly Skincare Routine

This routine is intentionally minimal, safe, and adaptable-suitable for most pregnant women and easy to maintain.

Morning Routine: 

1. Gentle Cleanser 

A foaming or low foam pH balanced non foaming cleanser will not disturb the skin barrier. 

2. Lightweight Hydration (Optional) 

A glycerine or niacinamide based serum without too many layers will support hydration and reduce the inflammation of the skin. 

3. Moisturizer 

Barrier supporting lipids in a cream or lotion will help reduce trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and sensitivity even on acne prone skin.

4. Mineral Sunscreen

• Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide

• Broad-spectrum

• Every single morning

Purpose: Prevent pigmentation and protect sensitive skin.

Evening Routine

1. Gentle Cleanser

• Same as Morning

• Double-Cleanse (only if wearing SPF & heavy make-up)

2. Targeted Treatment (If Needed)

• Azelaic acid (low to moderate strength)

• Niacinamide or zinc-based calming products

Purpose: Manage acne or redness gently.

3. Nourishing Moisturizer

• Slightly richer than daytime

• Focus on comfort and repair

What Matters Most During Pregnancy Skincare

• Less is more: Use a small number of products with good ingredient profiles.

• Use a consistent regimen instead of an intense regimen.

• Use products for protection instead of correction.

• Listen to your skin and not follow trends.

The focus of pregnancy skin care is not to achieve 'perfect skin'. The goal of pregnancy skin care is to keep the skin healthy, supple and protected while the body performs the amazing job of growing a new life.

Hair Care During Pregnancy - Do's & Don'ts 

As a result of the changes in hormones during pregnancy, women will notice differences in their hair texture and growth cycle, so hair care becomes a vital part of their personal care routine. While many will notice that their hair has become fuller and thicker, others have noted an increase in oiliness, dryness or sensitivity to their scalp. Following specific practices can help women protect their hair and scalp from unnecessary stress.

Do's -

1. Eat a Nutritionally Balanced Diet

A nutritionally balanced diet provides nourishment for your hair from the inside out. Biotin, iron, folic acid, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial to hair growth and strength.

Eat:

• Leafy greens and beans

• Dairy and eggs

• Nuts and seeds

• Antioxidant-rich fruits

• Fish or plant-based omega-3s

Healthy hair during pregnancy is very often attributed to the mother's overall nutritional health.

2. Stay Hydrated 

Proper hydration will help keep your scalp hydrated and help create proper circulation. A well-hydrated scalp is less likely to produce dry, itchy scalps or breaking hair and produces a smoother texture in hair.

3. Select Mild Hair Products Safe for Pregnancy

Pick hair products that are mild enough to cleanse your hair without stripping the scalp of its natural oils, like shampoos & conditioners typically contain. Look for products that contain soothing ingredients (like aloe, oat extract or panthenol) to help provide some comfort for your scalp during the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy.

4. Handle Hair Carefully

Pregnancy hair may be thicker but tends to be much more damaged than usual, so it is best to:

• Use a wide tooth comb or similar to detangle your hair.

• Do not wear tight hairstyles that place tension on your hair roots

• Pat your hair dry (not rub) to remove moisture from your hair

Taking care of your hair in this manner can minimize breakage and discomfort for your scalp.

Don'ts 

1.Overwash Your Hair

Washing hair too often can throw off your scalp's oil balance and cause your hair to become dry, or create too much oil on your scalp. The right way to wash your hair is as needed, letting the natural oils nourish and protect your hair from damage.

2. Rely on Harsh Chemical Treatments

During your pregnancy, you should avoid using hair coloring, straightening, perming and smoothing treatments as well as any type of harsh chemical. These products may irritate your scalp and expose you to more chemicals than necessary.

If you do decide to color your hair, do it as infrequently as possible, and, if you must do it, use colors that do not come in direct contact with your scalp.

3. Overuse Heat Styling Tools

Using heat on your hair for long periods of time can damage your hair and cause split ends. 

If you are going to use heat tools:

• Keep the temperature down

• Use a heat protectant

• Only use them occasionally

Air-drying whenever possible is gentler on pregnancy-affected hair.

4. Start Hair Supplements Without Medical Advice

Even though some hair supplements may have been labeled “natural,” you should be very cautious about taking hair-specific supplements while pregnant. Consult with your doctor before taking any hair-specific supplements in addition to your prenatal supplements.

Tips for Managing Body Changes During Pregnancy

The act of being pregnant causes the physical body to go through many visible and invisible alterations within the entire system. These are due in large part to hormonal activity, blood circulation, metabolism changes, postural changes, and increasing demands from the fetus (baby). Many of the changes that occur are normal and transient (temporary) type changes; however, how you provide support for your body will play a large role in how comfortable, energetic, and how quickly you recover after giving birth to your child.

Managing any change of your physical body during pregnancy is not about controlling and/or ‘fixing’ your body, but rather providing support for adaptation to the change.

1. Managing Weight Changes with Balance, Not Pressure

Gaining body weight while being pregnant is expected and necessary as it supports the baby’s growth, placental function, increased blood volume, and fluid retention.

Helpful Hints:

• Focus on steady, gradual weight gain rather than numbers on the scale.

• Eat balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.

• Avoid restrictive eating or “eating for two” extremes.

Maintaining a healthy weight during your pregnancy provides you with hormonal stability, skin elasticity, and healthy/joint support.

2. Digestive Comfort & Abdominal Changes

Hormonal changes slow digestion, leading to bloating, constipation, reflux, or abdominal discomfort.

Ways to support digestion:

• Eating smaller, frequent meals

• Including fiber-rich foods gradually

• Drinking warm fluids

• Avoiding lying down immediately after meals

• Practicing mindful eating

Digestive comfort often improves overall energy, mood, and skin health.

3. Caring for Stretching and Sensitive Skin

As the body grows, the skin expands quickly, particularly in our stomach, hip and thigh areas which may lead to dryness, itchiness, and tenderness in those areas.

Here are some tips for caring for your stretch marks and sensitive skin:

• Use barrier supporting lotion or emollient moisturizer daily.

• Apply lotion or oil onto damp/washed skin to lock in moisture.

• Use non-fragrance or irritating body products.

• Wear fabrics and/or clothing that breathe to help reduce friction.

Stretch marks are influenced by genetics and hormones; skincare supports comfort, not prevention guarantees.

4. Managing Back Pain, Posture & Joint Stress

Pregnancy hormones, including relaxin, cause ligaments to loosen, allowing for muscles to stretch and therefore adding strain to the joint and/or the muscles as the body prepares for birth

Methods of Supporting Your Body

• Properly maintaining posture when seated and standing.

• Supportive shoes

• Using a pillow between your knees while sleeping

• Gentle stretching/yoga while pregnant

• Avoiding heavy lifting / sudden twisting movements

Listening to your body will reduce the long-term stress on your musculoskeletal system.

Conclusion 

Changes in the body, skin and hair as a result of pregnancy and hormone fluctuations can be difficult to adjust to. Instead of focusing on “fixing” the changes, we should focus on gentle, safe, and effective care for our bodies to support well-being in the long term. Care routines should be kept simple and consistent while being patient and well-informed will allow your body to adapt, heal, and grow naturally during this time.

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

Niraa Cocoa Butter Stretch Mark Removal Cream Body Lotion for Skin Firming and Moisturization ( 12 herbs, 200ml)

Triphaladi Ayurvedic Fat Burning & Slimming Oil (11 herbs)

Saffron & Almond Body Stretch Mark Oil for Pregnancy (12 herbs)

Related Articles:

Hidden Skincare Myths During Pregnancy: Facts Every Expecting Mother Should Know

References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4928162/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/staying-healthy-during-pregnancy/pregnancy-and-skin-changes

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22743-keratin-plugs

https://unmhealth.org/stories/2022/06/pregnancy-acne-top-questions-answered.html

https://johnscreekdermatology.com/article/27-pregnancy-and-hair-changes-what-every-momtobe-needs-to-know