As you look forward to that special day when your intended parents hold their baby, you’re expecting a lot of body changes! Early in your pregnancy is often the hardest. Hormones cause breast tenderness, morning sickness, and fatigue. Yet often, these things get better in the second trimester, and there are plenty of things to look forward to.

The Glow

It’s not a myth: Pregnant women often “glow” because of more blood flow and more oil production in the skin. Some other changes to your skin can include discoloration of facial skin (melasma), some breakouts, itchy skin, and stretch marks. Just have a good bottle of moisturizer to soothe itchy skin and prevent stretch marks. And always check with your doctor before using any acne medicines on your skin.

Exercise

Staying active during pregnancy gives you more energy and gets your body ready for childbirth. This does not mean skipping any needed naps because your body needs extra rest too. 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 simple, 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.

Treat yourself; you deserve it

A spa day can be a real treat and sometimes necessary throughout your pregnancy. Massages are great for relieving tension and soothing muscle aches and pains. Be sure to find a massage therapist certified in prenatal massage, and always check with your doctor first. Many spa treatments are safe, but avoid those that can raise your body temperatures, such as mud baths and sauna sessions. Your skin may be more sensitive to other spa treatments, like facials. But you can find facial services for sensitive skin too. Don’t forget to add something like this to your wish list!

Stretch, relax, enjoy

Yoga can relax your body and your mind. You don’t even need to attend a class. Look for pregnancy yoga online or find a prenatal yoga class. 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.

Luscious locks

One benefit of pregnancy hormones is that you don’t lose as much hair as you usually do. Your hair might feel thicker and fuller. Ask your doctor before entering the salon for hair treatments like hair color or highlights. They are generally acceptable when pregnant, but your doctor may suggest waiting until after the first trimester. After delivery, you might lose more hair than usual, but your hair growth should be back to normal within six months of the birth.

Shared Conception looks forward to going through this journey with you. Your journey can begin by filling out an application request form. Visit www.deliveradream.com for more information.