The "Pregnancy Glow" : Realty or Myth?
On two separate occasions, over the last two days, by two different people, I've been told that I have that "pregnancy glow" going on.
Perhaps coincidentally, over the last week, 1) I've also had a minor cluster of zits erupt on one half of my face (and my left eyelid); 2) small, dry scaly patches have erupted on the other; 3) my hair has decided to be frizzy and unmanageable; 4) my tummy has "popped" (in other words, I'm definitly showing); 5) my cheekbones appear (at least to me) to be less prominent than they used to, and 6) I have circles under my eyes from nights of interrupted sleep. And not in all of these little bathroom mirror self-assessments have I even once noticed a "glow" about me.
Now, I also generally have a fairly critical eye (as do most people) when it comes to assessing my own appearance, even on good days and even when I'm not pregnant. But the question is now raised - is the "pregnancy glow" rooted in scientific fact (and I'm just being unduly self critical or oblivious when I look in the mirror), is it a myth (and people just feel the need to say it anyway because - well - I'm pregnant and they think it is expected), or is it just a "polite" way for people to comment on one's obviously changed appearance without offending? :-)
I'm not one to just raise questions, and not try to find the answers. So I've been doing some thinking and some research - through my copious library of pregnancy books that are currently littering our living room and bedroom and office as well as on the internet (because if it's on the internet, it must be true, right?). And here is what I've come up with.
First, I will start with an analysis of my general sense of health and well being (because it is clear that an analysis of my face and skin has not resulted in any kind of rational explanation :-)). Despite the frizzy hair, circles, zits, dry patches, and increased girth, I have actually never FELT better emotionally, mentally, and physically since the start of my pregnancy. I'm not achy or feeling sick; I'm not tired, I've managed to get off the emotional roller coaster ride that was my first trimester (I even got Tim to agree last night that I've been pretty stable and normal over the course of the last week or so), I've got a tonne of energy, and in general have been in great spirits. It's like the half-way point came and *poof* I'm back to my old self (at least my old self mentally and emotionally. Physically, I am wearing pants with elasticized waists ;-)) . So - if any of that emotional and mental well being and stability is in any way manifesting itself in my physical appearance through my facial gestures, body language, and a general vibe of increased peace, energy and relaxation in my mood that is visible to others, then I guess I could see how that could be interpreted as a "glow". In which case "glow" is perhaps another way of referring to that "je ne sais quoi" quality; the "there's something different about you, and it's good, but I don't know quite what it is" kind of thing.
But setting that possible explanation aside, Are there actual physical, biological, or chemical explanations for the purported "pregnancy glow"?
In fact, there are.
According to Dr Sears: "The glow that others notice (though you may not) isn't just a sentimental old wives' term. This facial shine actually has a biological basis. The increased volume of blood causes the cheeks to take on an attractive blush, because of the many blood vessels just below the skin's surface. On top of this redness, the increased secretions of the oil glands give the skin a waxy sheen. The flushed face on many pregnant women is similar to the one non-pregnant people experience when they are excited, cry, or do anything that increases their heart rate (which pregnancy does constantly)."
My Analysis:
- It is true that my heart rate has increased
- I don't know about you but my non-pregnant flushed face when I've been crying or in the middle of an intensive cardio workout is anything but attractive.
- There is most definitely increased secretions of my oil glands happening. But all I see as a result are zits, not a "waxy sheen".
- The term "waxy sheen" makes me think of a red delicious apple sitting in the non-organic section of the local supermarket.
Still - it is an explanation that makes sense. Ok... moving on.
An article entitled "The Pregnancy Glow and Other Myths of Motherhood" by Barbara A. Eastom Bates on babiesonline.com appears to be more up my alley. An exerpt: "Although it's rumored there are actually women who sail through pregnancy untouchbed by any ills or discomfort, I was not one of them. If I'd ever experienced a pregnancy glow, I'm certain I could only have been radioactive".
Here here :-) Although I have to admit I've been fortunate enough to never have experienced morning sickness at any point during my pregnancy thus far! And as I've said - at this point I actually really feel great!
Pregnancy-info.net says that by week 12 (I am now just starting week 21, btw) I should start to feel less tired and my nausea (which I fortunately never had) will begin to subside. I should expect compliments on my "pregnancy glow" as the increased blood volume and pregnancy hormones work together to increase oil gland secretion, resulting in flushed, plumper and smoother skin appearance.
Now, I'll buy the plumper skin appearance and I'm sure that somewhere underneath the minor eruptions and dry patches there's smooth skin to be found. I'll let you know. But once again I'm left with the image of a red delicious apple. In particular one that has been coated with wax and genetically modified to make it bigger and plumper. Are we sensing a theme yet?
Finally, on BabyMabels.com I learned that if I want to "keep my pregnancy glow" going, Suzanne's Beauty Lounge has just the beauty booster products for me! Although from everything I've read, I'm not sure why I would need to boost my beauty with external products at all - my increased blood flow and oil gland secretion have me positively radiating gorgeousness everywhere I go. And it doesn't cost me a penny.
So in summary, the scientific explanation for the "glow" is the increased blood flow working in conjunction with the increased oil gland secretion. There you have it folks. Now if you'll excuse me, I must go and cast my glow upon my dear husband, kitties and dog and let them bask in my radiance.