How to get over the pregnancy bump

Enjoy some pregnancy pampering. Lisa Haynes looks at perfect beauty routines for mums-to-be.

PREGNANCY is a time for women to really pamper themselves and relax, but recent headlines may prompt some mums-to-be to empty their bathroom cabinet in a blind panic.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is recommending that pregnant women should be told about the various ways they might be exposed to chemicals, for example in household and cosmetic products, to cut the risk of harm to their unborn baby.

With no official antenatal advice in place, the report has drawn criticism for causing unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Tanya Mackay, co-founder of skincare range Mama Mio, says: “The issue is specific ingredients, not cosmetic or personal care products in general.

“Women should be led to educate themselves by understanding specifically what to avoid and reading the list of ingredients, not being terrified into not using anything.”

Your bump doesn’t have to come between you and your beauty — just adapt to a new baby-on-board routine.

Stork secret: first trimester

So you’ve just discovered you’re pregnant. There’s no need to re-stock your cosmetic haul entirely but take the time to scour ingredient lists on products and avoid spa treatments during the first trimester, to allow the baby to develop safely. Always discreetly alert a therapist if you’re unsure.

It’s best to avoid anything that’s on the questionable list for pregnant women – parabens, petrochemicals, xenoestrogens, phthalates SLS, and synthetic colours.

“You’re better off with a properly preserved product when pregnant, so don’t worry about seeking out skincare that is ’preservative-free’ — you want it to be stable,” explains Sian Sutherland, Mama Mio co-founder.

“However, pure oils don’t need a preservative system so if you’re keen to find something ‘unpreserved’, go for sweet almond oil, coconut oil, or olive oil.”

Your bump may be minimal at this stage, but other changes could be occurring with your skin, like imbalances, rashes, acne or discoloration. Any skin changes will return back to normal when your hormones regulate, so don’t panic.

Pregnant pamper: second trimester

Your bump will grow at a dramatic rate, so really invest in stretch mark prevention by keeping your skin smooth and supple with nourishing potions.

With the average woman gaining around 12.5kg (27.6lb) during pregnancy, you need to aim to increase the elasticity of your skin from your bust to your thighs.

“Tackle stretch marks before they appear by lavishing key areas, including your bump, with a stretch mark oil as frequently as possible,” advises skincare specialist Nichola Joss.

“Body oils are great straight after a bath or warm shower, massaging into the skin using small circular motions. Keep away from essential oils and try carrier oils, such as almond, coconut, grape seed or rice oil instead.”

If your boobs are growing faster than your bra can keep up with, invest in a bust cream to keep your chest firm and avoid sagging afterwards.

Bountiful bump: third trimester

When your bump is almost full-term, a professional massage may feel too intimate, so enlist your partner in regular relaxation rituals and take full advantage of the situation.

“Massage hydrates skin as well as relaxing muscles that are working extra hard throughout pregnancy,” says Joss.

“It will release happy endorphins, promote better circulation, and reduce water retention.”

As pregnancy progresses, legs and feet can become heavy and retain fluid, so work up and around the legs, ankles and knees for instant relief.