Pregnancy Glow: Is It a Real Thing?

“Girl… you are glowing.” 🤰

We’ve all seen it — pregnant mamas-to-be physically glowing when they’re carrying their child.

But, why does this happen?

And is it actually a real thing, or is it simply that post-morning-sickness-glow making their face look so dewy and radiant? 🙃

Turns out, it is a real, scientific-backed thing.

And we’re going to jump right into why this happens.

In this article: 📝

What is pregnancy glow?

Mostly, when people refer to a ‘pregnancy glow’, they’re talking about your skin — particularly the skin on your face.

It’s generally when you have rosy, luminous cheeks that give you that radiant — if not slightly flushed — look.

(Hence why you can totally confuse it with the aftermath of a bout of morning sickness. 😅 )

But actually, science is behind this…

During pregnancy, the amount of blood in your body increases by around 50%. [1]

This gives your overall skin the appearance of looking brighter and, by increasing circulation, can cause that flushed look, but also clearer, brighter skin.

Hormones also have a part to play here, too.

While you’re pregnant, your hormones change a lot — your body shifts around certain hormones, like progesterone, which can increase the amount of oil that your skin produces.

This also contributes to that dewy, brighter look. ✨

How long does pregnancy glow last?

As always, every woman, and every pregnancy, is different.

For some, the pregnancy glow could last the whole nine months.

But others might notice more of a change in the first or second trimester.

Although there’s no set rule for it, women mostly tend to see their most radiant, shiny, flushed skin during the second trimester (as this is where the body really ramps up on all those pregnancy changes).

How long your pregnancy glow lasts is mostly dictated by your hormone levels which, of course, are unique to you.

When does pregnancy glow start?

Again, it’s different for every mama. ✨

But, sometimes, your pregnancy glow can start as early as the first trimester.

Most women say they notice this more in their second trimester, though.

How to get a pregnancy glow?

That natural pregnancy glow look is something a lot of pregnant women look forward to.

I mean, after battling with the morning sickness, the weight changes, the constant need to pee… there’s got to be some positive changes, right?

Well, that’s the thing — not every pregnant woman gets ‘the glow’.

And, sorry to say mama-to-be, it’s not something you can ‘get’ on demand.

Alas, we’re always at the will of Mother Nature. 🍃

But, if you don’t get the pregnancy glow, don’t worry — it may be that your hormonal changes aren’t as intense as other people’s.

You certainly don’t need to pinch your cheeks to give yourself the ‘flushed look’ while pregnant. 🤣

Can a pregnancy glow indicate the gender of a baby? 💙💗

Some old wives’ tales say that a pregnancy glow could indicate that you might be carrying a girl…

While others say the exact opposite, and that it means you could be carrying a boy. 🙃

Like other old wives’ tales about gender, pregnancy glow gender myths are just that…. myths.

There’s no way to tell a baby’s sex from your pregnancy symptoms, whether you have a pregnancy glow or not.

Your best bet?

Wait until your gender reveal scan, or until the baby is born. 👶

What are other appearance perks of pregnancy?

As well as that desired pregnancy glow, pregnancy can actually do bits for your appearance in other ways, too…

💇‍♀️ Luscious locks: Longer, stronger and more radiant hair during pregnancy… sign me up!Again, hormone production is at play, and can even extend the lifespan of your new long locks for a few months after delivery.

💅 Strong nails: You might also be aware that pregnancy can strengthen your nails, too. With the increased hormones that enhance your skin’s oil production, this might make your nails grow faster and stronger. ✨

🥭 Peachy breasts: Sometimes a perk, sometimes a pain… breasts can also appear more swollen during pregnancy. They might also jump on the pregnancy glow hype, and you might notice the skin around your breasts actually is more radiant, too. [2]

So, there you have it — the 411 on all things pregnancy glow. ✨

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