Beautiful Bump: Look Your Best During Pregnancy

 

Massage and Spa Treatments

A spa day can be a real treat during pregnancy. Massage relieves tension and soothes muscle aches and pains. Find a massage therapist certified in prenatal massage, and always check with your doctor first. Many spa treatments are safe, but avoid those that raise your body temperature, such as mud baths and sauna sessions. Your skin may be more sensitive than usual to other spa treatments, like facials.

Stretch and Relax

Yoga can relax your body and your mind. You'll have better balance as your center of gravity shifts. Look for a pregnancy yoga DVD or find a class for prenatal yoga. A certified instructor will know which poses you can do safely and will help you adapt poses as you get closer to your due date. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise, including yoga.

Makeup and Your Changing Skin

Your skin is changing and your makeup routine might need freshening up, too. If your skin feels dry, use liquid or cream foundation. If it gets oily, try powder foundation and blush. Dab on concealer to cover up dark circles and uneven skin tone. Use subtle shades and a light touch when applying makeup. Treat yourself to a makeover and get tips from a makeup pro. Read the label on your makeup and avoid products containing mercury.

Hydrate for a Healthy Pregnancy

Being properly hydrated will help keep your energy level up. It also helps prevent bladder infections and constipation. Drink plenty of water or fluids: The Institute of Medicine recommends 12 cups each day (you get about 20% of your daily water intake from food). Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Stick with water, juices, and non-caffeinated beverages. If your urine is pale yellow, you're probably drinking enough.

Medication? Ask Your Doctor First

Unless your doctor tells you to, don't take any medications while pregnant, even over-the-counter medicines like cold or allergy tablets, anti-inflammatory drugs, or pain relievers. Anything you take eventually makes its way to your baby, so it's best to be safe. If you took medication before you got pregnant, your doctor can tell you whether you need to keep taking it or adjust your medication.

First-Trimester Changes

As you look forward to that special day when your baby will be born, you're expecting your waistline to expand! But did you know that pregnancy affects your body in other ways? Early in your pregnancy, hormones cause your breasts to feel full and tender. Hormones can also cause bouts of morning sickness, especially in the first trimester. You might feel really tired and need to take frequent naps. Often these things get better in the second trimester.

You've Got That "Glow"

It's not a myth: Pregnant women often "glow" because of greater blood flow and more oil production in the skin. Some other changes to your skin can include melasma, a discoloration of facial skin, more breakouts, itchy skin, and stretch marks. Lotion or moisturizer can soothe itchy skin and stretch marks. Be sure to check with your doctor before using any acne medicines on your skin.

 

Stay Active During Pregnancy

Exercising during pregnancy gives you more energy and gets your body ready for childbirth. As long as your doctor says it's OK, healthy women should aim for at least two and a half hours of exercise each week. Choose low-impact workouts like walking or swimming. If you were active before your pregnancy, check with your doctor about continuing to run, do aerobics, or lift weights. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and stop exercising if you feel dizzy or faint.

Source:  http://www.webmd.com/baby/look-your-best-during-pregnancy-13/slideshow-pregnant-beauty