I'm pregnant! So exciting right!? So many incredible things to look forward to!
Since I am of advanced maternity age (35) I was able to do chromosomal testing to confirm that Bryan and I are having a healthy baby BOY due early January!!! We are thrilled!!! If I'm going to be honest though, I must say in the back of mind, I did begin to panic about my appearance. How fat will I get? Will I get stretch marks? Will my husband find me attractive? Will things go back to the way they were after or be completely ruined forever? Am I going to age at a rapid rate and look like a complete hag? As a more "mature" mother to be, I have been routinely using Botox, retin-A and other cosmetic helpers and preventatives for quite a while to keep a youthful appearance. All of which are now off the table and unsafe during pregnancy.
I truly believe you deserve to feel and look great while you are giving the most precious gift of all: life! Your little baby will be soooo worth all the changes, hardships and sacrifices, but there is nothing wrong with making an effort to look great while pregnant. You still get to be you! It's very important to treat yourself kindly at this time in your life. So pamper away!!!!!
Here are a few of my "must have" SAFE beauty interventions during pregnancy:
1- FROWNIES- the old school Botox. Frownies are cheap and easy to use. You wear them at home or while you sleep. They basically stick to your skin like a stamp and keep you from frowning and creating deep lines. They have been around for ages and have been the top go-to for women resisting Botox and fillers. Women have been swearing by them for decades. www.frownies.com or on Amazon
2- Revision Intellishade tinted sunblock and skincare. It's mineral based, goes with any skin tone, helps improve skin, protects from the sun (SPF 45) and wears like a light foundation. Pretty much an all in one product. It can be purchased locally at Dr. Mackenzie's office/ Pacific Plastic Surgery at 1722 State Street. 805-898-0700
3- Vitamin C Serum- to combat hormonal pigmentation and keep your complexion looking bright and beautiful. Apply after cleansing and before your cream.
4- Restorsea Restoring Night Cream- keep those lines from forming, and keep that skin plump and regenerating while you sleep. When I called my cosmetic derm Roberta Senglemann, I said "what can I do while pregnant!??" She said "honestly....sunblock AND Restorsea restoring night cream." She does NOT sell it, so it was quite an endorsement. And it's not cheap: $175 for a tiny container. But can you really put a price tag on beautiful skin? Especially when the morning sickness kicks in? NOPE! If you're feeling extra indulgent and self-generous- wear it day and night. Buy it at www.restorsea.com or at Bergdorfs
5- Eyelash Extensions- this is also a spendy indulgence but think of all the money you're saving by skipping out on Botox, fillers and COCKTAILS! Haha but so true. I see Shannon at Hello Gorgeous every 3 weeks to keep my lashes looking thick, long and sexy. What a difference it makes! Soon enough sleep will be futile with frequent potty urges. It hides tired eyes brilliantly and saves all that time you spend applying mascara and curling those lashes.
Shannon at Hello Gorgeous 805-689-9613
6- Burt's Bee's Mama Bee Belly Butter. It is easily found at any CVS/drugstore, is inexpensive, and can be used on the entire body! It will help keep your skin moist and able to stretch without the marks forming. It's also scent-free as many of us mamas-to-be can no longer tolerate certain fragrances.
7- Selsun Blue- yes that dandruff shampoo- as a face wash. This applies specifically to anyone who is experiencing breakouts. Antibiotics and harsh products for acne are a No-No while pregnant, but this shampoo has been touted to help for rosacea and acne. And it is also great if you have oily hair, which I do. The sulfur smell is not so fabulous, but I feel it's worth it considering it has really been helping my skin and scalp.
8- Fitness and mindful eating- now is not the time to "get into shape"... if you were not exercising before, please do not start running now. Start with light exercise and adjust as your energy levels go up or down. If you have been fit all along, you may continue to stay on your routine as long as you feel good and it's not potentially physically harmful (kickboxing, speed skiing, etc). Luckily I ran a half marathon a few days before I found out, so I was at the top of my fitness game. I have continued to run/weight train with supervision of my trainer and a heart rate monitor. However, EVERY BODY IS DIFFERENT. Please consult your doctor or trainer!!! And please do not consider this a green light to sit on the couch and eat nachos. It is sooo tempting. I know. Eating for two sounds so fabulous. But you don't want to have to think about dieting and exercising when your baby arrives and your entire world has changed: you will have no sleep and no free time!! You do not want to worry about losing weight.
A few guidelines: The first trimester you don't need any extra calories, the second trimester you need 200 extra, and the third trimester 300 more. That's basically a plain bagel, no cream cheese!!! So keep it in check. You also want to give your child the best possible foundation. Please eat organic whole foods. No cheetos, no Red Bull, diet sodas or artificially colored or flavored candies. No KFC or Taco Bell. Your future child and your future body will thank you.
UPDATE: here is a 39 week photo of my burgeoning belly- 3 days before baby B was born
Steve Madden over the knee boots in the box in the background- great for hiding swollen ankles!!!!