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Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman's life.
Most women enjoy being
pregnant and are happy with the changes
motherhood brings. But for some, the physical
changes caused by pregnancy can detract from the
joy. In this article we will explain how your
body changes during and after pregnancy, and
ways to counteract these changes that won't
interrupt your busy life as a new mother.
What you can expect:
SKIN/FACE: Many women experience a "glow" during
pregnancy but some may
develop changes in skin pigmentation, called
chloasma, which is common in the facial area.
Studies suggest that up to three in four women
may develop these changes which are
characterized by a blotchy brown increase in
pigment. Since sun exposure can make these areas
darker, it is important to a wear sunscreen with
an SPF of at least 15. These dark spots can
usually be helped by bleaching agents such a
hydroquinone.
Good News: hair may grow thicker, nails grow
stronger, and blemishes may improve!
BREASTS: One choice that mothers-to-be must make
is whether or not to breastfeed. Breastfeeding
offers woman and their babies numerous health
and bonding benefits. But many woman worry that
breastfeeding will ruin the shape of their
breasts. The truth is breastfeeding is not the
culprit, changes in the breasts actually occur
during pregnancy.
As the body prepares to nurture a child, milk
glands in the breasts swell and replace fatty
tissue. Many women may enjoy the fullness these
changes bring. After childbirth and/or
breastfeeding, these glands shrink, leaving
behind a looser "skin envelope" and often
smaller breasts. This loss of fatty tissue and
stretching of the skin can cause the breasts to
sag and look less full.
Tip: Wear good support bras during and after
pregnancy.
Breast Augmentation, using safe, natural-looking
implants, can return the breasts to their
youthful contour. This procedure can be
performed on an outpatient basis, with either
local or general anesthesia. Also, breast
implants should not prevent your ability to
breastfeed in the future, since the implant is
placed beneath the breast tissue and away from
the ducts.
If a woman has developed a lot of looseness in
the skin a "mastopexy" or breast
lift can remove excess skin and reduce sagging.
An implant may be used at the same time to give
breasts a fuller appearance.
BODY CONTOURS: Nowhere else is pregnancy more
evident than a woman's abdomen. It was the
nine-month home to an infant. It is also the
place where stretch
marks, C-section scars and loose skin may linger
long after childbirth.
Abdominoplasty or a "tummy tuck" is a procedure
that removes excess skin and
fat from the abdomen and tightens muscles of the
abdominal wall, reducing the
appearance of a protruding abdomen.
If the loose skin is limited to the area below
the belly-button a procedure called a partial
abdominoplasty, or "mini tuck" can be performed.
This procedure usually requires a smaller
incision and less time in surgery and recovery.
Small fat deposits that appear during pregnancy
are often difficult to get rid of in the months
following delivery. If a sensible diet and
exercise don't do the trick, a procedure called
liposuction can re-sculpt the body, removing fat
deposits from the thighs, buttocks, stomach and
hips. Liposuction is an outpatient procedure,
and depending on the areas suctioned, may be
performed under local or general anesthesia.
While not a substitute for weight loss,
liposuction can be an incentive to a healthy
weight loss program. When larger amounts of fat
are involved, ultrasonic liposuction can be
performed.
Most women can avoid significant permanent
changes in their body contours
during pregnancy by paying attention to a
nutritious diet and following a physician
prescribed exercise program. Be patient...it may
take six months to a year to reach your goals.
You and your baby will reap the benefits of a
healthier lifestyle!
Back to Latest
Articles by Dr. Gibby
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Diane Gibby, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S Licensed in Texas, Dr. Diane Gibby is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the founder of The Women's Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. She is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), American Medical Association (AMA), Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons (TSPS), Dallas County Medical Society (DCMS) and the Board Certified Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons of Dallas. She is also a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.). Dr. Gibby's office is located at Medical City Dallas, Building C, Suite 820, (972) 566-6323. Individuals interested in brochures or names of qualified plastic surgeons in their area may call the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at 1-800-635-0635.
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