Moisturising with pregnancy-safe oils can help reduce itching, maintain skin elasticity, and create a soothing ritual you actually look forward to. Try using: Coconut oil Sweet almond oil Rosehip oil Jojoba oil Apply in gentle circular motions after bathing, when your skin is still slightly damp.

Avoid Irritating Ingredients

Some skincare products contain ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin or disrupt hormonal balance, especially during pregnancy, when your skin may be more reactive than usual. Common ingredients to watch out for: 1. Parabens Used as preservatives, parabens can mimic estrogen in the body and are best avoided during pregnancy. Check for: Methylparaben Propylparaben Butylparaben Ethylparaben 2. Sulfates These are foaming agents found in cleansers, body washes, and shampoos that can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Check for: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) 3. Synthetic Fragrance or Parfum This catch-all term can include dozens of undisclosed ingredients, some of which may cause irritation or sensitivity. Check for: “Fragrance” or “Parfum” without clarification Products that don’t list all fragrance components Strong, artificial-smelling scents Ema’s note: When in doubt, less is more. Choose products with clear, simple ingredient lists, and look for labels that say fragrance-free , unscented , or suitable for sensitive skin .

Pregnancy Guide Week 14: Safe Skincare for Stretching Skin in Pregnancy

WELCOME TO WEEK 14

Supporting Your Skin as It Starts to Stretch

This week, Ema shares her pregnancy-safe routine to support stretching skin.

Let’s Talk About the Itch

That dry, tight sensation is incredibly common, especially across the stomach, hips, and breasts. It’s caused by the skin expanding to accommodate your growing uterus, rising hormone levels, and increased blood flow.

The goal isn’t to prevent change. It’s to help your skin feel as nourished and supported as the rest of you.

Moisturising with pregnancy-safe oils can help reduce itching, maintain skin elasticity, and create a soothing ritual you actually look forward to.

Try using:

Coconut oil
Sweet almond oil
Rosehip oil
Jojoba oil

Apply in gentle circular motions after bathing, when your skin is still slightly damp.

Some skincare products contain ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin or disrupt hormonal balance, especially during pregnancy, when your skin may be more reactive than usual.

Common ingredients to watch out for:

1. Parabens

Used as preservatives, parabens can mimic estrogen in the body and are best avoided during pregnancy.

Check for:

Methylparaben
Propylparaben
Butylparaben
Ethylparaben

2. Sulfates

These are foaming agents found in cleansers, body washes, and shampoos that can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

Check for:

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)

3. Synthetic Fragrance or Parfum

This catch-all term can include dozens of undisclosed ingredients, some of which may cause irritation or sensitivity.

Check for:

“Fragrance” or “Parfum” without clarification
Products that don’t list all fragrance components
Strong, artificial-smelling scents

Ema’s note:
When in doubt, less is more. Choose products with clear, simple ingredient lists, and look for labels that say fragrance-free, unscented, or suitable for sensitive skin.