When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I FaceTimed with an old friend, and he immediately said, “Wow! You have that pregnancy glow!” The compliment took me aback because I hadn’t noticed it yet, and I was also excited because it was another positive perk of my happy pregnancy.
While no pregnancy is the same, the pregnancy glow is a symptom that many welcome. The dewy look can make a woman look radiant, hydrated, and nurtured. Pregnant moms may be tired and sore with little sleep, but at least some have an undeniable glow to their beauty!
Although looking hydrated and youthful while pregnant is a perk, it’s hard not to wonder why women get this so-called glow during pregnancy. Even more interesting, what happens to the pregnancy glow after the baby arrives?
Experts weigh in on a pregnant woman’s pregnancy glow, where it goes, and if women only “glow” when pregnant with a specific gender.
What Is Pregnancy Glow? (And Why Does It Happen?)
First things first, what exactly is the pregnancy glow that onsets a brighter tone, smoother texture, and dewy finish in pregnant women? Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Catherine Caponero told The Cleveland Clinic that the physical changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy can trigger a natural glow.
According to Caponero, there are two main reasons why women get a pregnancy glow:
An Increase of Hormones: Pregnancy can introduce new hormones. The surge of hormones can sometimes produce more oils on the skin, making it look plump, dewy, and glow-y.
- Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and hCG are the main culprits behind a pregnancy glow, according to experts at BabyCenter.
Increased Blood Flow: Blood vessels expand during pregnancy, leading to a rosier complexion.
Caponero shared that women tend to be happier when pregnant, which can lead to a happier, calmer, and overall healthier appearance.
What Experts Say: Experts at Flo backed the increase of hormones and circulation as the culprits for a woman’s stunning pregnancy glow. “Pregnancy causes most women to have improved circulation, which can give them clearer skin. Increased blood flow means more blood in your blood vessels, which makes many women appear flushed.”
Where Does The Glow Go After Women Give Birth?
A woman’s body goes through countless changes after she gives birth. Aside from healing from delivering a baby, she’s also dealing with breastfeeding (or pumping, bottle-feeding, etc), sleep deprivation, and a rollercoaster of hormones. After having a gorgeous pregnancy glow for months, it can be frustrating when that glow fades after birth.
When Does Pregnancy Glow Kick In and Leave?: Experts at HealthLine shared that the pregnancy glow typically becomes noticeable in the second trimester and can last throughout the remainder of the pregnancy. Sadly, the pregnancy glow can leave a few weeks after giving birth because of hormones shifting back to their new normal.
Your pregnancy glow may disappear after giving birth, but the excitement of having a newborn and partaking in all of the firsts with your little one balances the demise of your former glow.
What Experts Say: “The glow of pregnancy — as well as its underlying causes — goes away soon after you give birth. This isn’t a permanent change to your skin.”
Does Every Woman Glow?
As with most side effects and symptoms of pregnancy, the natural glow that creeps in during the second trimester doesn’t affect every woman. Dr. Caponero explained that your body’s reaction to your ever-changing hormones is unique to you.
While one woman may have glossy and smooth skin, another may not. Just like some pregnant women notice stronger nails and hair, while others may have the opposite.
In fact, some women report that the extra oils on their skin caused more breakouts rather than a lush glow.
What Experts Say: “Bodies respond differently to pregnancy … So, just as it’s completely normal to experience pregnancy glow, it’s completely normal to not see it, too.”
Pregnancy Glow And The Sex Of Your Baby
Old wives’ tales are fun to research when you’re pregnant, especially when it comes to the sex of your baby. One sneaky old wives’ tale is that if you have that gorgeous pregnancy glow, you’re most likely having a boy. If your skin is dry and discolored, you’re having a girl.
Popular Old Wives’ Tales:
- If a woman has heartburn throughout her pregnancy, her baby will have a lot of hair.
- A full moon will put a woman into labor.
- Particular cravings equate to a certain gender.
Lo and behold, experts claim that glowing while pregnant doesn’t result in the sex of your child. The increase in blood and rush of hormones is the purpose of that glowing skin, not because your child is a boy.
On a personal note, I had an amazing pregnancy glow during both my girls’ pregnancies, which goes against what the old wives’ tales preach.
What Experts Say: Calla Women’s Health in New York’s Kameelah Phillips, MD, IBCLC, an OB-GYN, told Parents that a pregnancy glow is not linked to having a boy or a girl.
