During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant changes, even before a positive pregnancy test. In my case, I was already experiencing morning sickness, or rather, all-day nausea, before I even knew I was pregnant.
I will now reveal the role of vegetable oils during pregnancy to take care of your skin. They should be an integral part of your daily routine if they are not already.
Many pregnancy signs appear quickly, such as:
- Increased sensitivity and vascularity of the breasts
- Bloating
- Heightened sense of smell
- Changes in facial skin, sometimes accompanied by acne
- Facial pigmentation (pregnancy mask)
- Weight gain
However, some signs may be absent, very mild, or appear later in pregnancy. When planning to start a family, begin taking care of yourself before pregnancy.
Preparation for Pregnancy
Opt for a healthier lifestyle and, especially, increase your Omega-3 intake to build reserves for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also, take a folic acid supplement for the prevention of Spina Bifida (a congenital malformation).
Issues Alleviated by carrier oils
- Stretch marks prevention
- Pregnancy mask
- Improved venous return (heavy legs)
- Perineal massage
Stretch Marks Prevention with Vegetable Oils
I recommend starting to prepare your skin as soon as you start trying to conceive or as early as possible. Dry skin needs time to regain its elasticity and proper hydration. It may take a month or more for skin cells to renew.
Stretch marks can appear on the hips, belly, breasts, and thighs. Recommended vegetable oils to improve skin elasticity include shea butter, evening primrose, borage, baobab, rosehip, jojoba, coconut, avocado, apricot, and hemp. Apply a mixture of these oils (up to 4) daily all over the body. Combined with a diet rich in Omega-3, this skincare routine will provide your skin with the best resources to adapt to changes.
Remember not to massage your belly to avoid stimulating the uterus. Instead, apply the oils until they are well absorbed by the skin. Keep in mind that genetics and baby size significantly influence the appearance of stretch marks. Even with appropriate care and good intentions, stretch marks may still appear.
Breast Care During Pregnancy
Choose a bra that fits your breasts well and check frequently for proper sizing. Avoid underwire bras. Apply oils all over the breast, avoiding excessive pressure on the nipple, which can also stimulate the uterus. During breastfeeding, you can use coconut oil in case of cracks.
Natural Solutions to diminish and prevent the Pregnancy Mask
The pregnancy mask is caused by pregnancy hormones, and sun exposure can accentuate it.
- Apply sunscreen when exposed to the sun, choosing a mineral sunscreen without endocrine disruptors and nanoparticles.
- Avoid foundations with included SPF, as they mostly contain silicones and sun filters known as endocrine disruptors. Choose mineral foundations with a mechanical protection (reflects the sun like a mirror) of about 15 SPF.
- After pregnancy, the mask will gradually disappear. You can use the Alpha-lift serum during and after pregnancy to treat spots. The Bee Mine mask can also help reduce hyperpigmentation. It is advisable to undertake this treatment during winter, as essential oils are photosensitizing.
Improving Venous Return in the Legs
During pregnancy, the circulating blood volume increases to meet the growing needs of the fetus, putting pressure on the veins. This can lead to edema (water retention) and varicose veins.
Prevention
- Avoid crossing your legs and sitting still for too long. Perform ankle exercises by contracting the calf to aid venous return.
- Walk regularly.
- Wear support stockings if you often stand for long periods.
- During your shower, use cold water with the showerhead moving from the feet to the top of the thighs.
- After the shower, also massage your legs with ankle movements from the bottom to the top of the thighs.
- Lymphatic drainage can also be beneficial.
Carrier Oils for Leg Massage
- Baobab oil
- Borage oil
- Safflower oil
- Tamanu oil
Perineal Massage
To prepare the perineum for childbirth, it is advisable to regularly massage it during the third trimester to reduce the risk of tears.
Oils Suitable for Perineal Massage
- Evening primrose oil
- Avocado oil
- Argan oil
- Wheat germ oil
Potentially Contraindicated carrier Oil
Black cumin oil (potentially contraindicated during pregnancy, but opinions differ).
Be careful not to confuse them with mineral oils.
Check the labels of anti-stretch oils for pregnancy. If terms like paraffinum liquidum, petrolatum, cera microcristallina, ozokerite, ceresin, mineral oil, or terms with -methicone or -siloxane appear, avoid them.
