Pregnancy has always been a time when I have been so thankful for my knowledge of essential oils and aromatherapy. I am not one of those women who carry pregnancy beautifully. I gain tons of weight, have heartburn and gas, swell up and sleep all of the time. Even though I am not the perfect pregnancy specimen, I still feel like one with aromatherapy.

When I lived with midwives as a teen, I first saw the results of aromatherapy on pregnancy. For my own pregnancy, I expanded upon this knowledge. I discovered that a wonderful thing about aromatherapy when pregnant and after the babies are born is that it gives you a reason to take the time to heal and pamper yourself. What could be better than pampering “medicine”?

I originally formulated the following blends for myself in 1996. Pregnant women,midwives and doulas in the United States have since used them.

Leg Cramp Oil
This oil is so soothing and relaxing on tired muscles. It is not only great for leg cramps, but also for varicose veins, varicosities and sore backs. Put the following ingredients into a container and shake well before using:

• 2 ounces St. John’s Wort oil
• 5 drops neroli essential oil
• 5 drops grapefruit essential oil

Belly Balm or Stretch Mark Prevention Oil
This oil feels wonderful going on. It is smooth and moisturizing and can help with the itching that so often happens when the skin starts stretching. In a double boiler, melt the carrier oils listed below. Carrier oils are nut or seed oils, like almond oil, shea butter, coconut butter and olive oil, for example. These are pressed and not distilled.

• 1 cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup cocoa butter
• 1/8 cup apricot, almond or grapeseed oil
• 1/8 cup Kukui nut oil, shea butter or mango butter (I love using mango butter.)

When these oils have melted completely, remove the mixture from the heat. Allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes, then add the essential oils listed below. Essential oils are distilled from leaves, seeds, roots and flowers that are very concentrated and fragrant. Transfer the blend to a container and allow it to cool completely before using.

• 10-20 drops sandalwood (try to purchase from an ethical source*)
• 15 drops patchouli
• 15 drops sweet orange essential oil

There are additional options for essential oils. Use what you like and/or can find locally. You can also try rosewood, rose, lavender, tangerine and neroli. If you blend your own mixture, be sure to keep the amount of essential oils used at less than 50 drops total.

Massage the balm all over thighs, breasts, stomach and anywhere else that needs nourishing and moisturizing. I have also used this on my face. Living in the Green Mountains, I often need a protector from the frigid winds for my fair skin.

Nausea Spray
Add the following to four ounces of distilled water and use in a spray bottle:

• 20 drops spearmint essential oil
• 15 drops lemon essential oil
• 5 drops sweet orange essential oil

Shake the mixture well and mist the air with it when a woman feels nauseous. You may find that different women prefer other types of scents, so you can also try ginger, neroli and rosewood. Experiment to find the mixture that works best. When making an alternative blend, keep the amount of essential oils used at less than 60 drops.

Labor Mists
The point of using mists during labor is to be as noninvasive as possible. Every person is different and has individual needs. Make sure that you understand and know the person you are making a blend for because the wrong blend can assault the senses. In our need to help, we do not want to create something not so beautiful for a mother.

Relax and Focus
This is a relaxing blend to promote clarity and focus. Fill a four-ounce spray bottle almost full with distilled water and add:

• 20 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 15 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 10 drops spearmint essential oil

Shake well and mist labor room. You can also make a compress by misting a wet cloth with the blend and applying it to the laboring mother’s forehead or back. This mist is great for fathers, too.

Uplift
Transition can be a trying and tiring time for the mother. We want to support her and use a mist blend that will ground and calm her and help lift her spirits. Add water to spray bottle as
above and add:

• 15 drops mandarin essential oil
• 10 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops Clary sage essential oil

This is a strong blend and it should be used away from the mother. Never spray the mother directly. Always remember to use essential oils with education and care. Research each oil before use, especially in regard to pregnancy and labor.

* Companies that are ethical sources try to use plants that are sown and harvested for essential oil use specifically. When plants are taken from the wild, these companies insist that they be taken from a sustainable source only.

Author: Demetria Clark
About the author: Demetria Clark is a childbirth doula and runs Heart of Herbs Herbal School in Vermont (see her Web site at Heart of Herbs ). She lives with her husband and two sons, and is currently writing an herbal sourcebook for mothers. Originally printed in BirthKit www.midwiferytoday.com

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By: Maia Pells

Nobody wants to go through life marred with permanent stretch marks and scars as a result of pregnancy. They also do not want to go through the painful surgical process of getting rid of stretch marks. For most people, prevention and home remedies are the best alternative.

Vitamin E
Many people will attest that applying Vitamin E on stretch marks scars is the best stretch mark remedy and prevention. All you have to do is to buy Vitamin E caplets, cut them open and apply the solution on the affected area of stretch mark. Although the method of application is somewhat questionable, it is a known fact that the Vitamin E called Alpha Tocopherol is an antioxidant needed to regenerate the skin and improve skin elasticity by promoting the growth of cells to replace scars.

Although caplets may be somewhat effective, Vitamin E in a natural skin care solution may prove to be a better alternative to a home remedy for stretch marks. This is because other ingredients such as Squalene enhance the effects of Vitamin E. Squalene oil in particular is a natural antioxidant that also promotes skin regeneration.

Vitamin E and Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera leaves can be mixed with ordinary, over-the-counter Vitamin E caplets to promote skin regeneration and rejuvenation. As a base, olive oil may also be used with the mixture to allow smoother and easier application on affected areas. If you are not sure as to the amount of ingredients that should be added in this home remedy for stretch marks, you can always opt to buy a natural cream that both contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. These are available in skin care shops.

Adequate Water
The simplest and least expensive home remedy for stretch marks is to drink plenty of water. Water is the most natural form of body hydration that can keep skin cells elastic and internally moisturized. This might mean that you may have to deal with a bloated tummy and frequent trips to the ladies room. Not everyone can stand more than eight glasses of water a day. Drinking more can make anyone feel a little queasy especially when not naturally thirsty.

Try to avoid packaged remedies for stretch marks. Many are loaded with dangerous chemicals that you should not put on your body when you are not pregnant, but it is even worse to apply it directly to your pregnant abdomen! Check out our review of personal care products that are safe for pregnancy.

Cut Nails and Apply Oil
Since pregnant women are likely to experience itchiness due to their expanding stomach skin, pregnant women are advised to cut short their nails to discourage scratching. Scratching will only worsen an already existing stretch mark condition since it tears at the dermis. A good remedy for the itch would be to apply a body oil and to gently rub the area with a cloth to relieve itching.

Some Reminders
Natural home treatment for stretch marks is almost always a better alternative than drugstore-bought chemical solutions especially for pregnant women. In order to be safe, though, always consult your doctor before you start using a home remedy for stretch marks especially when pregnant.

A natural home remedy for stretch marks would also be best applied after a warm shower while the pores are more receptive. Simply apply your home remedy for stretch marks generously on the affected area and let the solution sink into the skin.

Sheryl’s comment
Do what you can to prevent stretch marks but please do not stress overly much about it. Your genetics are already in place and you cannot change the other variables, such as how many babies you are carrying. Do the best you can with a healthy diet, tons of water and regular exercise for circulation and then focus on what is clearly more important than cosmetics - your baby.

Are you suffering from hideous stretch mark scars? Find out how you can remove them using a natural treatment for stretch mark from Maia Pells now. Don’t reprint the same version as everyone else. Get your own unique content stretch mark article here.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

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by Sheryl Lyon

Are you trying to go organic during your pregnancy? You might be eating organic but what about the products you put on your skin? Just because they say natural or even organic, it certainly does not mean they are safe for you, much less for your tiny fetus. Personal care products are not regulated the same way that food items are. Please do not be naive. These products contain ingredients linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, developmentive and reproductive toxicity, organ toxicity, allergies, endocrine disruption, biochemical and cellular changes and more. The Environmental Working Group has put together a database of cosmetics, skin, hair and nail products with scores based on the toxicity of the ingredients with zero being the safest and ten the most hazardous.

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or lactating then go into your bathroom right now, grab every item that you use on your face, body or hair, bring them to your computer and go to www.cosmeticsdatabase.com Type in each and every brand name and you will see exactly what you are putting into your body and your baby through your skin. Unless you are using items that you are making in your own kitchen, then the results are sure to shock you.

So here it is, the winners and losers, safest and most hazardous. You can click on any ingredient name for full details of the dangers you are exposing yourself and your baby to. If you are interested in purchasing any of the top ten you can click the product name to go directly to Amazon or visit our Natural Pregnancy Store.

The winner: Zenmomma Belly and Body Oil Mist
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Almond, Jojoba and Sunflower Oils (all of which are zero concern). Also contains TOCOPHEROL

The loser: Vitabath Moisturizing Dry Oil
Score: 8 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Contains ingredients that are linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity and more. Ingredients of concern: FRAGRANCE, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), D & C VIOLET 2, and BHT

Make your own: Many women simply rub straight olive, almond, jojoba or other nut/seed oil directly on their growing tummy. You know you won’t be harming your precious baby and it is much less expensive than commercially prepared products.

The winner: There is no winner in this category, only losers. The lowest score in the entire category is a six and you should not expose your fetus to more than a zero or 1.

The biggest loser: Mustela Special Maternity Lotion, Stretch Marks Intensive Action
Score: 7 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, persistence and bioaccumulation, biochemical and cellular changes and more. Some of the ingredients of concern: CETEARETH-33, FRAGRANCE, TRIETHANOLAMINE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN and more.

Make your own: Many experts claim that there is absolutely nothing you can do about stretch marks. They happen from the inside due to stress on the skin and they are actually inside out scars. It does not hurt to try to battle these pregnancy war wounds (unless you are using commercially prepared stretch mark cream). Try unrefined cocoa butter, vitamin E capsules, shea butter and wheat germ oil. Keep your skin healthy from the inside by drinking tons of water and getting plenty of E, C and Zinc from your diet as well as your prenatal vitamin.

The winner: UV Natural Sport SPF 30+
Score: 0 (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Zinc Oxide, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Sesame, Safflower and Macadamia Nut Oils.

The loser: Coppertone Sunblock Lotion, UVA/UVB Protection, SPF15, Waterproof
Score: 7 - (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and non-reproductive organ system toxicity (among other things) OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), OXYBENZO (BENZOPHENONE-3) and FRAGRANCE

Make your own:
Many natural health advocates including Dr. Mercola and Mike Adams, are loud and adamant detractors of sunscreen. They believe (and I agree) that the entire market is fabricated on nonsense and rather than preventing cancer, the chemicals contained in sunscreen actually cause cancer. While pregnant, please avoid putting commercial sunscreens on your skin at all costs. Yes of course you want to avoid getting sunburned but there are plenty of non-chemical ways to do that. Try wearing hats and long sleeve shirts and seeking shade. Do not spend hours baking in the sun.

Still want to use sunscreen? Check out Environmental Working Groups Best and Worst Sunscreen Lists.

The winner: Crystal Body Deodorant Spray Mist
Score: Zero(Low Hazard)
What it contains: Potassium Alum and Water

The loser: Suave Silky Smooth Antiperspirant Deodorant Invisible Solid Silk Blossom
Score: 6 (Moderate Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients are linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, organ system toxicity and more. Ingredients of concern are: ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM TRICHLOROHYDREX GLY, FRAGRANCE, BHT, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-8 DISTEARATE

Make your own: Sweating is healthy and totally normal! Anything that blocks your sweat glands or inhibits this natural detoxing action is very unhealthy. Additionally, the aluminum contained in antiperspirants has been linked to Alzheimer’s and breast cancer among other things. Therefore please avoid anti persperspirants at all costs while pregnant. Being stinky does not bring a health benefit however, but there are much more natural ways to remain clean and fresh without the use of dangerous chemicals on your skin. Some people swear that a raw/vegan diet keeps them so clean they do not need deodorant or shampoo. Other people only use soap and water and never complain of body odor. In addition you can try baking soda or deodorant crystals. If you really want a stick or spray, then check out these sites for some homemade deodorant recipes. recipes 1 and recipes 2

The winner: Aubrey Organics Evening Primrose and Lavender Skin Care Bar
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Lavender Oil, Palm Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Acid and Evening Primrose Oil

The loser: The Body Shop White Musk Bath and Shower Gel
Score: 9 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients that are linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity. Contains too many harmful ingredients to list, but some of top are: EUGENOL, FRAGRANCE, ISOEUGENOL, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), BENZYL ALCOHOL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, D&C VIOLET 2, LINALOOL, GERANIOL, LIMONENE, COUMARIN, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, BUTYLPARABEN

Make your own: Mix oatmeal and yogurt, apply and rinse off for a gentle cleanser. Mix oatmeal and brown sugar for a body scrub. Try just using plain water and a washcloth every other shower unless you are playing in the mud. Visit www.pioneerthinking.com for more recipes.

The Winner: Perfect Organics Hazelnut Coffee Shea Butter
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Organic Shea Butter, organic hazelnut and coffee extracts

The Loser: Neutrogena Skin Smoothing Body Lotion
Score: 10 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, persistence and bioaccumulation, organ system toxicity, biochemical or cellular level changes. To make matters worse, they test on animals and using this product increases your risk of sunburn. Ingredients of concern: ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE, FRAGRANCE, SALICYLIC ACID, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), BHT, MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE, OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), DISODIUM EDTA, and SODIUM HYDROXIDE (among others).

Make your own: Just like the belly oils and stretch mark cream, you can easily make your own with any combination of vegetable or nut oils and butters. If you are laying off the toxic cleansers and other personal care products then your body should retain its natural oils and you should not need as much moisturizer.

The Winner: Toms of Maine Natural Baking Soda Toothpaste with Propolis and Myrrh
Score: 1 (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Myrrh, Water, Propolis, a Calcium Carbonate Base and Glycerin (which bumped the score to a one)

The Loser: Rembrandt Dazzling White Mint
Score: 5 - (Moderate Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients have been linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, organ system toxicity, biochemical or cellular changes (among other things). Ingredients of concern: ALUMINA, METHYLPARABEN, PAPAIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL,

Make your own: Brush your teeth with a plain brush, or dip your brush in any combination of baking soda, salt and/or hydrogen peroxide. If you really need to use a paste you can easily make your own with items available at any drugstore.

8. SHAMPOO

The Winner: Molton Brown Cassia Energy Hair and Body Wash
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Calcium Oxide, Cassia (Cinnamon scent), Rosemary Oil, Lemon
Bonus: Its a combination product (shampoo and body cleanser) - so you also get to use a zero product on your body.

Winner #2: Korres Sunflower Extract and Vitamin F Shampoo
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
Bonus: Sunflower extract is a natural color protector
What it contains: Provitamin B5, Sunflower Extract, Vitamin F, Wheat Proteins

The loser: Redken Extreme Shampoo
Score: 9- (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, persisitence and bioaccumulation, biochemical or cellular level changes and they test on animals. Ingredients of concern: FRAGRANCE, SALICYLIC ACID, LECITHIN, COCAMIDE DEA, LACTIC ACID, OLETH-10, BUTYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL, BENZOIC ACID, TAURINE

Make your own: Believe it or not some people forego shampoo altogether. Seriously. Check it out by Googling “no poo”. Make a paste of baking soda and water and massage it into your scalp with your fingertips. Rinse with water then apple cider vinegar. You could also try rinsing with lemon juice or plain water. As with the deodorant, the closer to a raw/vegan diet you have, the less you will need chemicals to clean off the toxins that your body eliminates. You can also rinse your hair with beer or use a number of other items from your kitchen

9. CONDITIONER

The winner: Aubrey Organics- BGA Protein + Strengthening Creme Rinse
Score: 1 (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Vitamin A, TOCOPHEROL, Aloe Vera, Vitamin C, Lavender Oil, Milk Thistle Extract, Citrus Seed Extract, Coconut Acid, Almond Protein, Rosewater and Organic BlueGreen Algae.

The Loser: Matrix Biolage Daily Leave in Tonic
Score: 8 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, persisitence and bioaccumulation, biochemical or cellular level changes and they test on animals. Ingredients of concern: DMDM HYDANTOIN, FRAGRANCE, POLYQUATERNIUM-11, TRIETHANOLAMINE, BUTYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, OLETH-5, OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), DISODIUM EDTA and more.

Make your own: Use any combination of raw egg, mayonnaise, avocado, olive oil, banana, coconut oil, honey, any vegetable or nut oil Visit www.pioneerthinking.com for more recipes.

The winner: Lyphazome Inside Tan
Score: 2 - (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Jojoba Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, and Shea Butter which pregnant skin loves, but it also contains a few items of concern such as LECITHIN, DIHYDROXYACETONE, DIMETHICONE,

The loser: Banana Boat Instant Sunless Tanning Lotion (Dark)
Score: 10-(High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, biochemical or cellular level changes. Ingredients of concern: FRAGRANCE, DIHYDROXYACETONE, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, PEG-100 STEARATE, BUTYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL, DISODIUM EDTA among others.

Make your own: Get 10-20 minutes of sun a day, you will feel better and get some crucial vitamin D. Pregnancy is the most important time to give up extraneous chemicals and sunless tanner is not necessary when you have that beautiful pregnancy glow. OK, maybe you don’t feel very glowy without your tanner, but is nine short months really that long to go without sunless tanner if it maintains optimal fetal development? Your baby is too precious to risk his or her health for a fake tan.

Thanks for reading! Drop a comment if you have your own recipe to recommend or a low hazard product that you just love! Maybe we will include it in the next list. Visit the Non-toxic personal care department of our Natural Pregnancy Store if you are interested in purchasing any of the items on the list.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/jpmatth/2626922668/

Other women aren’t so lucky and the added hormones in their blood stream can cause a myriad of skin problems. The pregnancy hormones racing through your body inevitably affect your skin, for some women this can mean problems with their complexion such as acne and chloasma or underlying conditions such as eczema may be exacerbated. As your body begins to take on its new shape your skin is stretched and other parts are put under more pressure, problems such as stretch marks, water retention, swelling, varicose veins, itchy skin and calf cramps may affect you. Pregnancy also makes its mark on your body with peculiar features such as the linea negra.

Suffering from skin problems can be stressful, and stress can make skin problems worse. You must keep in mind that these problems are pregnancy related only and will clear up as fast as they arrived once your pregnancy is over.

Always check the label of any product which you use on your skin during pregnancy, they should display a warning if they are not suitable for use during pregnancy. If you’re unsure, check with your midwife, GP or pharmacist.

Acne and Pregnancy
Some women find that their pregnancy hormones relieve them of acne, for others their pregnancy results in overactive sebaceous glands. These produce sebum which becomes blocked in the pores and results in inflammation in the form of red pimples, common acne (acne vulgaris). Acne can affect the chest and back areas as well as the face.

During pregnancy avoid acne products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid which have been linked to birth defects. Instead employ the tried and tested remedies of teenagers: drink plenty of water and keep your skin routine simple. There’s no need to overcomplicate things and risk an adverse reaction to a new product while your skin is so sensitive. Stick to a regular routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing and use an exfoliator twice a week to slough away the dead skin cells and freshen your pores. Tea tree oil and lavender oil are great for healing and calming irritations, but use sparingly early on in pregnancy.

Chloasma (Melasma) and Pregnancy
The pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone are thought to make the body secrete more melanin causing uneven skin pigmentation on the chin, cheeks, nose and forehead. This condition is chloasma or melasma also referred to as the mask of pregnancy. The condition is not caused by sunlight, but sunlight does affect the condition and so daily use of a facial sunscreen (SPF25 or higher) is recommended. Simple make-up can disguise the condition. Chloasma will fade in most women after pregnancy, but in some can continue after the birth. If it does and you are worried, seek the advice of your doctor.

Stretch marks and Pregnancy
Stretch marks appear in up to 90% of all pregnant women. Some women are more susceptible to stretch marks than others: for example if you have a genetic pre-disposition to them, have experienced rapid weight gain or loss or are fair skinned. Women who keep their skin hydrated and moisturized shorten their chances of suffering from them. Stretch marks can appear on the stomach area, thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts and arms, in fact anywhere susceptible to stretching or growth in pregnancy. They appear as silvery, marble like lines of flesh caused by the tearing of the dermis tissues. Stretch marks are not painful but they can cause an itchy sensation if you do not regularly moisturize them during the period of stretching and growth.

Some women swear that moisturizing regularly day and night during and after pregnancy will keep stretch marks at bay. It’s certainly does not hurt to take the time to moisturize and massage your skin during pregnancy. Cocoa butter is a favorite of many moms-to-be.

Stretch marks will fade in time but won’t disappear completely, consider them a harmless reminder of your stretchier days.

Water retention and Pregnancy
Your pregnant body will probably retain 30% more water in its bloodstream during pregnancy. The basic force of gravity can force this water to collect into the tissues of the legs and feet, where it causes swelling. Sometimes this can be painful. Water retention may not be apparent early on in pregnancy, and is more common in the final trimester. Standing on your feet all day also exacerbates the problem.

To avoid the problems of water retention, do put your feet up as often as you can on a regular basis throughout the course of the day. Massage also helps and is great for relaxing too.

Persistent or severe water retention may be an early sign of pre-eclampsia, seek the immediate advice of your doctor or midwife if this happens.

Varicose veins and Pregnancy
Estrogen and progesterone are the culprits here again, affecting the walls of the veins making them more likely to swell and dilate. Varicose veins appear on the legs, mainly in the calf areas. They appear to be essentially exaggerated versions of normal veins: ranging from a small, spidery type appearance to raised, dark purple, thicker versions of your veins. They are usually painless but some women do suffer discomfort with them.

Prevention varicose veins is better than curing them. Leg massage and elevation of the legs is again helpful here. Its important to keep the blood circulating well also and so regular exercise will help to ward off varicose veins. When massaging legs, do so lightly and be careful not to massage directly over the vein itself which may bring about or dislodge a clot.

There are many treatments on the market for varicose veins once they have formed. Your doctor will be able to advise on the treatments available best suited to your circumstances, but these include laser treatment and surgical removal.

Itchy Skin and Pregnancy
All that stretching of the skin will cause a dry itchy feeling. In its most basic form, itching is completely preventable with a good moisturizing routine. We recommend using gentle products to cleanse your skin, a regular but gentle exfoliator, and daily moisturizing.

But beware, cholestasis is a condition affecting the liver which causes an increase in bile salts in the skin. Severe itching, particularly on the palms of the hands can be an early warning sign of the condition, so check with your doctor or midwife if you are worried.

Pregnancy will inevitably cause your skin to be more sensitive and you may find that conditions which you are predisposed to become more prominent in pregnancy, such as eczema, dermatitis and other common allergies. Always check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using products for these conditions when pregnant.

Calf cramps
The extra pressure which your body is put under during pregnancy can sometimes result in calf cramps during the second and third trimester. Light massage of the calf area will help to ease the condition as will gently rotating your foot in circles. Some women claim that eating a banana cures their pregnancy cramps.

Linea Negra
This is a truly magical phenomenon of pregnancy. A dark line starting at the pubic bone grows up the fundus throughout your pregnancy reflecting the growth of your uterus. The linea negra generally fades after pregnancy but can stay with women for many years after the birth of their child.

About the Author:
Hot Mama is Bump Magic’s style guru. Bump Magic is an online store, information center, and community for pregnant women in the UK. Visit us at maternity clothes

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Pregnancy brings with it many changes, emotionally, physically, and mentally. From a mental and emotional standpoint, you’re preparing to adopt a new role of parent, with all its accompanying responsibilities. Physically, of course, you’re dealing with changes in the shape, function, and movement of your body. While we have a society-wide belief that pregnant women are always glowing, that, unfortunately, is not always the case. No where is this more evident than when you experience skin problems while you should be enjoying your pregnancy.

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “the eyes are the window to the soul”. If this is true, your skin is the window to your current state of health and the changes taking place on the inside. During pregnancy, aside from all the other issues, you may also have to deal with a variety of skin changes, including rashes, acne, stretch marks, breaking nails, hair growth or loss, and dark blotches on the skin.

Most of these changes are directly linked to the enormous amount of hormonal fluctuations women experience during pregnancy. During pregnancy, there are all kinds of changes which can have impact on your skin, leading to new skin problems or worsening of existing ones. In some cases, pregnancy may actually help improve existing skin conditions. Let’s look at various skin conditions in more detail, defining the main ten skin problems of pregnancy.

1) Rashes.
Rashes appear due to irritation of the skin. One common pregnancy rash is called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). This is the most frequently seen condition specific to pregnancy. Women with PUPPP demonstrate a rash which starts on the abdomen and can spread to the breasts, arms, thighs, and buttocks.

2) Acne.
Acne is another skin condition that may get better or worse during pregnancy. Acne is, at least in part, driven by hormones, so the hormones of pregnancy can lead to more breakouts for some women, and clearer skin for others.

3) Oily skin.
Oily skin is third skin condition which may arise during pregnancy. This is related to increased levels of androgen, the male sex hormone, which causes an increase in sebum production. The more sebum produced, the oilier the skin. Many women report that their skin and hair becomes oilier during pregnancy. Most of the time, these issues can be addressed with over the counter oil controlling cleansers and products.

4) Stretch marks.
The fourth skin problem of pregnancy, stretch marks arise when the under layers of the skin is stretched, resulting in visible striations on the surface of the skin. Stretch marks can be treated after the fact, but the best treatment is always prevention. Keeping your skin well moisturized, especially on your tummy, breasts, thighs, can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

5) Spider angiomas.
These are another possible skin problem of pregnancy. Spider angiomas are groups of very tiny blood vessels which gather around a central point and radiate out like the legs of a spider. Pregnant women are likely to develop these on their chest, faces, arms, and sometimes on other places on the body. Most of these spider angiomas clear up after pregnancy.

6) Chloasma.
Chloasma, also called melasma, or the “mask of pregnancy” is another skin condition which is diagnosed when certain areas of the skin turn darker because of excess pigmentation. Most often, this condition affects places of the skin which are most often exposed to sun, like the upper lip, forehead, cheeks. This condition is likely to clear up after pregnancy. Again, you can lessen your chances of chloasma by using a good (baby safe) doctor recommended sunscreen throughout the course of your pregnancy.

7) Excess hair.
Changes in the hair are also common during pregnancy. Some women lose a lot of hair within a few months after delivery, while many are troubled with excess hair growth during pregnancy. Excess hair growth is most often seen on the lip and chin, and is triggered by an increase in androgen and other male hormones during pregnancy.

Brittle nails.
Many women experience breaking, splitting, or brittleness to their nails during pregnancy. Physicians aren’t quite sure why this occurs, but it may be managed with an over the counter nail hardening polish. Check with your doctor.

9) Skin tags.
Skin tags are little pieces of skin which over-grow and hang from the neck. These can increase in number during pregnancy. If you have skin tags before pregnancy, then pregnancy may cause them to increase.

10) Atopic dermatitis.
Also known as eczema, this skin condition may appear or worsen during pregnancy. Marked by extreme skin itchiness, too much scratching can lead to the skin become red, swollen, or cracked.

If you are pregnant, be sure to watch for these ten skin problems of pregnancy. If you begin to develop any of these conditions, seek appropriate medical advice; you don’t have to suffer through these conditions for the whole nine months. Chances are that your doctor will have recommendations which can address your skin problems so you can have healthy, beautiful skin, even while you’re pregnant.

About the author:
Ally McNeal loves learning and teaching about skin care. Learn more about taking care of pregnant skin

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/cosmic_bandita/2272821483/