Skin care during pregnancy

The skin’s connective tissue starts to loosen in the first trimester of pregnancy due to hormonal changes taking place in the body. The skin stretches to give the baby ample room to grow. Still, it’s a real test of endurance. The elastic fibres of the subcutis can become overstretched or tear due to weight gain. This leads causes stretch marks, also called striae.

In the second trimester at the latest, when the growing “baby bump” is more prominent, many women begin to worry that their stretch marks will remain on their belly and buttocks after the birth. During this time, it is important to take regular care of your stretching skin, and to take care of yourself in general. Soothing touch can help draw your awareness to the changes taking place inside your body. Stretch marks usually cannot be avoided altogether, but regular oil massages can increase the skin’s elasticity to help prevent them from forming or diminish their appearance. From the beginning of pregnancy until the end of the breastfeeding period, massage in the oil every day with light, circular movements over the tummy, thighs, bottom and breasts. Regular oil massages can also measurably improve the condition of skin that already has stretch marks.

Our skin care products for expectant mothers are made from high-quality plant oils. A special time requires special care. The Weleda Mother range has been developed in collaboration with midwives and pharmacists, based on decades of experience and expertise in holistic medicine. It specifically addresses needs of the skin that arise during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Pure and natural, Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil with almond and organic jojoba oil preserves the moisture of the skin. The formula containing vitamin E rich wheat germ oil improves the elasticity and tone of the skin in combination with regular massages.

A mindful, loving body care ritual is more than skin-deep. It is a wonderful way to get in touch with your baby and prepare yourself for the birth:

• Take time to care for your body and be mindful to yourself.
• Oil massages can be wonderfully integrated into your daily skin care ritual. During the massage, draw your attention to your abdomen. You might feel your baby’s move and nudge against your hands.
• Massages with Weleda Perineum Massage Oil soften the skin of the birth area and improves its elasticity. This helps the perineum’s capacity to stretch more easily during birth. Massage also helps you to become more familiar with your body.
• In the first weeks of pregnancy the breasts already begin to change. A gentle massage with Weleda Nursing Oil helps to relieve tension in the breasts.
• Skin care during pregnancy is not only about preventing stretch marks and moisturising the skin but also about doing something good for yourself.
• What’s good for the mother-to-be is also good for the baby. If you take care of yourself with mindfulness and love, you will also do so when caring for your baby.

Carefully developed by midwives and pharmacists, our natural products meet the special needs of pregnancy and breastfeeding – for 20 years.