Everywhere a mama-to-be goes, she is swamped with well-meaning advice. Unfortunately, a lot of what is commonly accepted as standard information is actually misinformation, at best just an old wives’ tale and at worst, suggestions more harmful than beneficial
There is definitely a “pregnancy glow.” Pregnant women have greater blood volume which can make their skin look rosy, and their high hormone levels can cause the skin glands on their face to secrete more oil, which makes their skin shinier.
The myth lies with the word “every” woman. Some women have that glow; some definitely don’t. “Everyone is different,” says Dr. Clara Surowitz, MD, FACOG, an OBGYN in Lakewood. “Some ladies feel great during pregnancy, some feel miserable for the entire duration. It also depends on the trimester: Almost no one feels great in the first trimester, and by the last trimester, people are feeling tired and heavy… but sometimes the second trimester will offer some relief, even for those who are miserable.”
Dr. Danielle Quittner, an OBGYN from Melbourne, Australia, says that some pregnancies are extremely challenging, either physically, emotionally, or both. “A portion of women don’t glow — for good reason. Everyone’s heard of postpartum depression, but antenatal depression is a real thing, too. It’s important to speak to your doctor if you’re suffering from low moods,” Dr. Quittner says. “That said, I personally think every woman is at her most beautiful when she’s delivering her baby. Hashem’s presence is right above her, and even though she may be exhausted and in pain, you really see her glowing then.”
Did you know?
“Glowing” isn’t the only physical change in pregnancy. Some women go up a shoe size!
Create a free account to keep reading.
