Natural Woman

 

Pregnancy,

while joyous, can be the most uncomfortable time of a woman’s life.

One of the major changes most women will experience will be the change in their skin. While some women claim that their skin has never looked better and that they have ‘glowing skin’; others experience changes such as acne, skin discoloration, itchiness, and stretch marks not only in the tummy area but also on the face, breasts, and other areas on the body.

 

Which essential oils do you recommend for use during pregnancy? Here’s a list of essential oils and their benefits; they are traditionally recommended, safe and perfect for use anytime!:

• Peppermint - Relieves nausea, works as a natural antiseptic, fights colds, and cools the body when suffering from a fever.

• Roman Chamomile - Eases stomach distress, inflammation, helps to soothe dry and tight skin, and relaxes the senses.

• Tangerine - Helps the circulatory system, a natural soother for stomachaches, and helps to promote a sense of calm.

• Lemon - Dispels sluggishness, stimulates the central nervous system, and is a natural bactericidal.

 

I’m a little nervous, what changes can I expect? Although temporary, during pregnancy, you can expect:

• Itchiness: During pregnancy, a woman’s body typically increases to about 40% more blood and she will naturally carry more water, which may result in swelling that makes the skin tight and itchy. Most of the discomfort occurs during the last trimester of pregnancy. (Be sure to rub oil on belly every night to help relieve itchiness and ease the stretch marks).

• Acne: Women who are prone to premenstrual breakouts may experience acne caused by the hormonal changes during pregnancy. There are also positive results from these hormone fluctuations! Some women will notice that their complexion clears up while pregnant. (To keep that complexion clear, cleanse with our non-stripping washes; I love the Super Sensitive™ Shampoo & Bodywash!)

 

I‘m really worried about stretch marks, what can I do to avoid them? Stretch marks develop in 90% of women in their sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. Stretch marks are caused when the skin is being pulled in all kinds of directions to make space for baby! Not having enough collagen in the skin to support this growth also causes stretch marks to appear. I suggest rubbing your body from chin to toes with one of our intensive massag oils.

 

Last thoughts… When people tell you that you are “glowing,” they mean it. During pregnancy, blood flow increases causing the tiny vessels just under your skin to increase as well as prompting the skin to release oil. Hormonal changes may also cause the skin glands to release oil leaving the skin with a dewy glow.

Daddies don’t forget!

Mommy’s body will be sore and tired from lugging around extra weight from baby, so right about now a nice massage, focusing on the lower back and using one of our Intensive massage oils, will do wonders to keep mommy-to-be on balance. Massage has been known to bring a safe and comforting connection between people and what better way for daddy to share the experience of pregnancy than with this “hands-on” interaction with baby and mom.

Avoid

Here’s a list of things moms-to-be should avoid:

Smoking

Alcoholic beverages

Illegal drugs

Aspirin – consult your physician before taking any over-the-counter medications

Retin-A (skin ointment used for Acne)

Certain types of fish (ask your physician for a list of safe fish)

Undercooked meat, raw eggs

Hotdogs… yes hotdogs!….(children under the age of 5 should avoid them as well)

Unpasteurized dairy products

Aspartame (artificial sweetener)

Waterbeds

Electric blankets

Cleaning the cat box

Very important!

Sun protection tip for mommy!!! During pregnancy, the skin’s pigment is very sensitive and hyper pigmentation or the Pregnancy Mask may occur (patches of discolored brown spots on any exposed skin, especially the face). Make sure every time you are exposed to the rays of the sun that you are protected with sunscreen…we recommend our California Baby® SPF 30+ and SPF 18 Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion. It’s perfect for everyday and will keep your skin in tiptop shape.