By Fedhealth
Pregnancy is a period of profound physical and emotional transformation. While many women anticipate changes such as a growing abdomen, weight gain, and breast enlargement, fewer expect noticeable alterations to their facial features. Yet for a significant number of expectant mothers, pregnancy brings visible changes to the face, skin, and hair. These shifts are usually temporary and medically normal, but they can be surprising and, at times, emotionally challenging. Motherhood is steeped in mythology and understanding why these changes occur, can help reduce anxiety and promote a more informed and confident pregnancy experience.
The Reality Behind the “Pregnancy Glow”
The concept of the “pregnancy glow” is deeply embedded in popular culture and pregnancy narratives. A more luminous appearance during pregnancy can be as real as the inevitable baby bump – and according to Cleveland Clinicthere are clear medical reasons as to why.
This glow is often described as radiant skin, fuller hair, and a healthy complexion. Scientifically, when it does occur, it can be attributed to increased blood circulation, higher blood volume, and hormonal fluctuations that stimulate oil production in the skin. However, medical experts emphasise that this glow is not universal. Hormonal responses to pregnancy vary widely, influenced by genetics, pre-existing skin conditions, lifestyle factors, and overall health.
As a result, while some women experience clearer skin and enhanced hair growth, others may notice acne, pigmentation changes, or facial swelling instead.
6 Common Facial and Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy-related changes to facial features are largely driven by hormonal shifts, increased blood volume, and fluid retention. The following are some of the most commonly reported changes:
1.Facial swelling and puffiness
One of the most noticeable changes during pregnancy is facial swelling, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, and jawline. Increased blood volume and fluid retention can cause tissues to hold more fluid, making the face appear rounder or fuller. This is especially common in the second and third trimesters and typically resolves after childbirth. However, persistent or severe swelling may indicate an underlying condition like chronic venous insufficiency or preeclampsia.
2. Changes in nose size and shape
Enhanced blood flow to the mucous membranes can cause the nasal tissues to swell, making the nose appear broader or more prominent. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as pregnancy rhinitis, affects approximately 20% of women. The good news is that it is usually temporary and there are safe, effective treatments available.
3. Skin tone changes and broken capillaries
Pregnancy increases total blood volume by up to 50%, placing additional pressure on small blood vessels. This may result in facial redness, flushing, or broken capillaries—often appearing as fine red or purple lines on the cheeks or forehead. These spider veins or rosacea are generally benign and often fade postpartum. According to Medical News Today, some rosacea medications are not safe to use during pregnancy, so be sure to contact your medical practitioner before any topical applications for this condition.
4. Pregnancy-related acne
Acne is a common skin concern during pregnancy and is primarily linked to increased progesterone levels, which stimulate oil glands and can clog pores. Contrary to popular belief, acne during pregnancy has no scientific link to the baby’s gender. Women with a history of acne may be more susceptible, although breakouts can occur even in those with previously clear skin. TheAmerican Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends managing it with safe, targeted treatments. Topicals like azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and clindamycin are generally safe, while oral isotretinoin and topical retinoids must be avoided due to birth defect risks.
5. Melasma (the “pregnancy mask”)
Melasma affects a large percentage of pregnant women and presents as brown or grey-brown patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or nose. Rising levels of oestrogen and progesterone stimulate excess melanin production, while sun exposure can worsen the condition. Although melasma often fades after delivery, some pigmentation may persist.
6. Changes in eyelashes and eyebrows
Hormonal fluctuations, increased nutritional demands, and underlying thyroid changes can affect hair growth cycles. In some cases, women may notice thinning or loss of eyelashes and eyebrows, particularly if protein, iron, or vitamin intake is inadequate. Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy may also contribute to these changes.
The Emotional Impact of Facial Changes
While these physical changes are medically normal, they can still affect emotional wellbeing and self-esteem. Facial changes are particularly confronting because they alter how individuals recognise themselves. Is it possible to love your body during pregnancy, especially if yourbody image was not great to start with? Research suggests that realistic expectations, education, and emotional support play an important role in maintaining positive mental health during pregnancy. It is important to acknowledge these feelings without guilt. Experiencing discomfort or concern about appearance does not diminish appreciation for pregnancy; it simply reflects the complex emotional journey of this life stage.
Supporting Facial and Skin Health During Pregnancy
Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent pregnancy-related changes, certain lifestyle and self-care strategies can support overall skin and facial health:
- Maintaining a balanced dietrich in protein, iron, vitamins, and essential fatty acids
- Staying well hydrated to support circulation and skin elasticity
- Using gentle, pregnancy-safe skincare products
- Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to reduce pigmentation
- Prioritising adequate rest and stress management
- Attending regular antenatal check-ups to monitor blood pressure and thyroid function
Self-care during pregnancyis not cosmetic vanity; it is an essential component of maternal health.
Watching your body and face change can be challenging, particularly in a social media environment that often promotes unrealistic standards. However, it is important to maintain perspective. Pregnancy requires extraordinary physiological adaptation, and most facial changes gradually resolve after birth as hormone levels stabilise and fluid retention decreases.
For many women, skin tone evens out, swelling subsides, and hair growth patterns normalise within months postpartum. Your body has done something amazing, recognise it, and love it, all of it. Where concerns persist, medical or dermatological support can offer effective, evidence-based solutions.
Conclusion
Your body will change in interesting ways during pregnancy, but these changes are a natural part of the body’s response to supporting new life. Hormonal shifts, increased blood volume, and nutritional demands all contribute to alterations in facial appearance, skin condition, and hair growth.
By understanding these changes and practising informed self-care, expectant mothers can navigate pregnancy with reassurance, confidence, and compassion for their bodies.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Is acne treatment safe to use during pregnancy?
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/pregnancy - Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Is pregnancy glow a real thing?
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/pregnancy-glow - Eating Disorder Hope. (2021). How to love your body if you’re struggling with body image during pregnancy.
https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/blog/how-to-love-your-body-if-youre-struggling-with-body-image-during-pregnancy - Fedhealth. (2017). New mommy myths.
https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/new-mommy-myths/ - Fedhealth. (2018).Your body after baby. Fedhealth. https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/your-body-after-baby/
- Mayo Clinic. (2025). Pregnancy diet: Focus on these essential nutrients.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20045082 - Mediclinic. (2025). Your complete guide to self-care during pregnancy.
https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/infohub-corporate/family-life/pregnancy/your-complete-guide-to-self-care-during-pregnancy.html - Schoenfeld, B. (n.d.). Is face puffiness normal during pregnancy?
https://www.veintreatmentclinic.com/blog/face-puffiness-in-pregnancy/ - UT Southwestern Medical Center. (2020). Baby (and tissues!) on board: Tips for managing pregnancy rhinitis.
https://utswmed.org/medblog/pregnancy-stuffy-nose-rhinitis/ - West, M. (2024). Can pregnancy cause rosacea? What to know. Medical News Today.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pregnancy-rosacea
