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No one likes to have dark circles. It makes you look dull and even old. Dark circles have been a common problem that has always been around and over the years, there have been a lot of solutions that people have come up with to combat this issue. During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes. With a whole lot of hormonal fluctuations, your skin, hair, and mood change. People often say that women have a glow during pregnancy but dark circles diminish that glow and make you look tired and more importantly, alter the way you feel. So let’s look at some of the reasons why dark circles occur in pregnant women and what you can do to get rid of them.
Reasons For Dark Circles
There are several reasons why women suffer from dark circles which mostly revolve around lifestyle habits. But when it comes to pregnancy, the reasons can be slightly different. Here are some reasons why pregnant women have dark circles and puffy eyes:
Morning Sickness And Nausea
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It is a commonly known fact that pregnant women suffer from morning sickness. Because they throw up regularly, there is a constant loss of fluids and nutrients which can be quite tiring. This also drains them from the energy to eat which results in loss of appetite. Therefore, this results in the puffiness of skin and dark circles around the eyes.
Lack Of Exercise
Some people believe that exercise is not needed during pregnancy. But it is important to keep your body active and keep the blood flowing even during pregnancy. Exercise improves mood and sleep. Lack of physical activity and increased lethargy lead to restricted blood flow which causes puffiness in the skin. However, be sure to consult your medical professional before you start working out.
Hormonal Changes
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During pregnancy, women go through a rollercoaster of changes in their hormone levels. This not only affects their skin, hair, and moods but also increases the blood vessel volume. This is believed to cause puffiness around the eyes which makes it appear darker.
Inflammation
Fluid retention is another reason that causes swelling and puffiness of the skin. When a woman is not hydrated enough, it leads to swelling of her feet, skin, and hands (1).
Sleep Deprivation
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Pregnant women find it hard to get a good night’s sleep. With the baby growing inside you, resting and getting an adequate amount of sleep is necessary but it is difficult nevertheless. Lack of hydration may also result in acid reflux and heartburn which can affect your sleep cycle. And lack of sleep results in dark circles and puffy eyes.
How To Deal With Dark Circles
There are many reasons why pregnant women have dark circles and puffy skin but to pinpoint a particular reason is not possible. It could be one reason or a combination of many. Therefore, here are a few remedies that can help you deal with dark circles and puffy eyes so you can enjoy that mommy glow overall:
Sleep
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Getting adequate amounts of sleep is vital for a pregnant woman. The baby and you need to rest as much as possible. Therefore sound sleep can help keep the dark circles in control. No wonder it’s called beauty sleep!
Balanced Diet
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You know how careful you have to be about the food you consume when you’re pregnant. You are not just feeding yourself but your unborn baby too. A balanced diet helps promote good health and assures you good sleep too.
Hydration
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Consuming sufficient and more water is good for your health. Water helps keep you hydrated, works wonders on your skin and hair, and even boosts your digestive process. You can also consume milk, tender coconut water, soups, and juices, apart from the plain old water.
Exercise
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There are several exercises that women who are pregnant can do. It helps keep your blood flowing and prepares you for labor. You could also join prenatal classes so you have company. Besides, it’s a great way to make friends too! Please consult your medical professional before starting your exercise.
Pregnancy glow is a real thing so why compromise on enjoying that freshness and glow with your dark circles? While it’s not easy being pregnant, it’s the best time for you women to rest and be pampered. You might not get this sort of freedom again. So ladies, don’t hold back and rest your heart out while you grow that little human inside you!
