An impending birth is a joy; however, pregnancy is not always a walk in the park, bringing its own special beauty and wellbeing concerns. We asked a team of experts to explain the key issues that can affect expectant mothers, and share their advice to overcome them.

Mum-to-be

Mask of pregnancy

“Pregnant women with darker skin are more prone to chloasma, and it is more likely to develop if it runs in the family. It can be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy that stimulate a temporary increase in the body’s production of melanin. I advise patients to protect their skin from the sun and to make an SPF product part of their routine, whether it’s sunny or not. Cover up outside, wear a sun hat and limit time in the sun between 10am and 12pm.”

Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai, Director, Perfect Eyes Ltd

Stretch marks and bump itch

“Stretch marks appear when the skin is being stretched faster than it is able to grow. If the skin is inelastic and less pliable, it creates scars within the dermis as the baby bump continues to grow and stretch the skin. Supple, elastic skin grows in sync with the baby bump and is less likely to have stretch marks.To help prevent their appearance, Science of Skin Stretch Mark Defence (RRP £24.99) is formulated to soothe and hydrate, helping to reduce the early signs of stretching such as dryness and tightness. If stretch marks do appear, Science of Skin Solution for Stretch Marks (RRP £39.99) can help minimise the appearance of stretch marks that are still symptomatic (red, sore and irritable). Our scientific formulation contains highly moisturising active ingredients and a special green tea extract called epigallocatechin gallate, which is scientifically proven to reduce the redness, thickness and appearance of scars.”

Dr Douglas McGeorge, Co-founder, Science of Skin

Swollen ankles

“Apply Payot Fresh Ultra Performance (RRP £28), a light, relaxing treatment that soothes fatigued, heavy legs, swollen ankles and tired feet. A little tip to try at night is to sit on side of the bed and lift your foot onto your knee, then massage for a minute or two to relieve swelling.”

Marie Therese Burke, National Educator, GA Distribution

 

New mums

Giving birth is a major achievement, but then the shock of broken sleep, endless feeding and constant nappy changing sets in – no wonder the first few weeks of motherhood can pass in a blur! However, as Alison Canavan, model and author of Minding Mum says: “As a new mum, it’s important to check in with yourself regularly as your wellbeing is paramount – especially in the early days. ‘Me time’ is something that you must
schedule in, even if it’s just for five to ten minutes a day. Trust me, it’s the most selfless thing you can do!”

Hair and childbirth

“We lose less hair than normal during pregnancy, which is why many women report hair becoming thicker than ever. Normally we lose 50-100 hairs a day – a couple of months after the pregnancy hormone surge, normal loss can drop by up to 75%. After giving birth, the sudden drop in hormones causes the hair that should have fallen out during pregnancy to suddenly enter the resting phase, which is why many women notice a rapid increase in hair lost in the brush and shower approximately two to three months later. If you breastfeed rather than bottle feed, the drop in hormone levels occurs more slowly so post-partum hair loss is more gradual. If your hair doesn’t return to its former state within 12-18 months of birth, it would be wise to investigate possible low iron, and ensure you raise your iron stores to an optimum level.”

Sally-Ann Tarver MIT.FTTS, Consultant Trichologist, The Cotswold Trichology Centre & Theradome GB

Change-bag must-haves for mum and baby

These staples are saviours for new mums and babies…

Water Wipes Baby Wipes (RRP £2.49): Made with water and grapefruit seed extract.
MOA The Green Balm (RRP £4.99): With yarrow and tea tree, it soothes bumps, bites, bruises, grazes; acts
as a cleanser; and soothes dry skin.
Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream (RRP £20): Beats the drying effect of constant hand washing.
Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm (RRP £12): Cracked nipples are agonising; improving breastfeeding technique can help, as can balms like this.

Baby love

Caring for your bundle of joy is made easier with a few simple steps and some chemical-light products.

Bathing baby

“There’s no ‘one size fits all’ advice as to what age to start bathing your baby. Parents decide to start bathing when they feel their baby is ready and upon the advice of their midwife. Every baby is different and some
parents bathe their child within days of being born, while others wait a few months. We advise parents to use our products when they are comfortable and feel they need to add a product into the bathing routine. We are a natural brand formulated without ‘nasties’, irritants or synthetic fragrances. The Bloom and Blossom Baby Sleep Bedtime Wash (RRP £9.50) and Milk (RRP £12) are 99% naturally-derived and gentle on a baby’s skin.”

Julia Yule, Founder, Bloom and Blossom

Newborn necessities

A few baby bag essentials can solve common newborn issues, helping babies feel more comfortable:

Nappy rash: A chafing nappy in contact with urine and possibly yeast or germs can combine to create a painful red rash. A barrier cream spray like Boots Baby Nappy Rash Spray (RRP £2.99) means there is no need to rub sensitive areas

Massage me: Babies love the special bond of a massage from mama. Childs Farm Baby Massage Oil (RRP £7.99) is made with organic coconut oil

Cradle Cap: Babies may retain some of their mother’s hormones for several weeks after birth, which may make their glands produce more sebum, resulting in a scaly scalp. It can be treated with oil and a Kostkamm Wooden Baby Comb (RRP £11.59), which gently loosens flakes. If it’s inflamed or has spread to other parts of the body, like skin folds or the bottom, a visit to the GP is advised

Gunky eyes: Usually the result of a blocked tear duct, any discharge can be wiped away with a damp cotton ball

Mini mani: Those teeny nails can be soft but sharp. When baby is sleeping, trim with baby nail clippers or blunt scissors – or nibble them off!