For expectant mothers it’s not the pink or blue balloons tied to the front porch that announce the impending arrival, it’s a double blue line appearing on the drug store pregnancy test.
Thankfully, three trimesters of change help prepare new moms for their new roles. And along with the medically necessary prenatal care, taking care of Mom on the outside can go a long way toward caring for the little one inside.
Sure, Angelina Jolie looked as gorgeous as ever attending to diplomatic duties with her beach-ball bump draped in custom St. John suits. But for the rest of us, managing work, family and our sanity while pregnant isn’t so pretty. These fitness, beauty and fashion tips tailored for each trimester will help any mom-to-be have that famous maternity glow.
First trimester: It’s a secret
During those first 12 weeks of pregnancy most women find themselves bursting at the seams. Suddenly saddled with the biggest secret of their lives, many women wait until hearing a baby’s heartbeat before spreading the word. The challenge is keeping the news undercover without feeling frumpy.
Fashion: Once the belly starts growing, the waistline disappears. Regular pants might still fit, but releasing a button or two feels good. For those early days, try the Bella Band, a stretchy belt that will hide popped buttons or help hold up those first pair of maternity pants. The band is $26 at Belly, 3003 E. Third Ave., or Becoming Mothers, 2265 Arapahoe Ave., Suite H-12B in Boulder.
Beauty: The first trimester is when most pregnant women start a list of “no-nos.” No alcohol, no smoking, no lattes and no sushi. But along with these minor sacrifices comes a superficial upside – your nails will look fabulous.
Those hormones hard at work creating a baby tend to stimulate nail and hair growth, so it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to regular manicures and pedicures. We like Ananda Nail Salon & Day Spa, 215 St. Paul St. Besides, the prices are reasonable: $20 manicure; $43 pedicure.
Fitness: Most expectant moms would rather sacrifice their after-hours workout for a nap on the couch, but exercising during the first trimester starts the pregnancy off right.
Krista Nelson, a certified personal trainer at the Denver Athletic Club, recommends checking with your physician before beginning any exercise program. Then, meet with a personal trainer to create a workout plan. (Skipping workouts until energy levels increase in the second trimester will only make it harder to get in the exercise habit later.)
For women who worked out pre-pregnancy, most normal activities can continue, including running, aerobics, cycling and weight lifting. However, if dizziness occurs, decrease the intensity, length of workout or alter the type of exercise. A good guide for safe workouts is monitoring body temperature, says Nelson. Body temperature for pregnant exercisers should not rise above 100 degrees.
Second trimester: Changes
Now that the secret is out and the first-trimester fatigue is fading, the second trimester is when you start looking pregnant. But before you get that bump, you’ll probably get the blues. Second trimester is when the body starts growing in all directions and you want a shirt that exclaims to the world: “I’m not fat, I’m pregnant!”
Fashion: Now you must build a maternity wardrobe. Local fashion stylist and personal trainer Danielle Thomas suggests centering your look on three pairs of well-fitting trousers. Include one pair of jeans (she likes 7 For All Mankind for those looking to splurge); a pair of pants for the evening or office and in the summer a good pair of Capri pants. Once the pants are in place, mix and match with less expensive tops in colors and patterns.
Fitness: The benefits of prenatal yoga practice help bring body and mind into balance. After getting permission from your doctor, find a prenatal yoga class that fits your schedule, and plan to attend regularly. “Emotionally it soothes the spirit,” says Jan Bernstein, a yoga instructor at Denver’s Samadhi Center for Yoga 639 E. 19th Ave. “And physically it just makes you feel better. You can train your body to best carry that extra weight.”
Beauty: Hormonal changes during the second trimester also means skin troubles. Depending on the gender of your growing baby and your skin type, most women experience breakouts, dry patches, oily skin or even all of these maladies. Add to that pregnant women are discouraged from taking many prescription skin treatments.
Usually there are two issues in the second trimester, notes local beauty expert Michael Moore, founder of Simply Moore, 3000 E. Third Ave., Suite 4. “Skin breaks out, and you’ll see dark circles under the eyes because women have trouble sleeping.” In his experience, it takes about six months post-partum for skin to return to normal.
In the meantime invest in a custom-blend makeup that can help cover those problem areas. Moore creates custom-blended makeup in his studio in nine different formulations-including concealer, powder and liquids. Prices range from $22 to $50, and no appointment is necessary. Custom-blended coverage also is available at the Prescriptives counter at local department stores.
Third trimester: Almost there
That first-trimester fatigue has returned, and that adorable bump you showed off three months ago now makes you resemble a Volkswagen Beetle. Add to that a growing anxiety about the impending delivery.
Fashion: No one wants to spend more money on maternity clothes, and dressing room mirrors are especially cruel during these last weeks. Instead, treat your swollen toes to a new pair of shoes. A wedge heel, like those found in this season’s popular return of the espadrille sandal can give a little extra height and added style without causing an ankle turn for the sake of fashion.
Fitness: Although the idea of pulling on that maternity bathing suit is depressing, the third trimester is an excellent time to take your workout to the water.
“Pregnant women love the pool because the water helps relieve some of that weight,” says Meredith Smith, aquatics manager at the El Pomar Natatorium in the University of Denver’s Ritchie Center. Smith suggests prenatal aquatics workouts that offer low-impact programs or simply bringing a set of light water weights to the pool.
Beauty: Your growing baby has turned your belly into his or her own luxury condo. Unfortunately this tenant’s comfort likely means you’re suffering from minor aches and pains everywhere else.
If you haven’t treated yourself to a prenatal massage, be sure to indulge during these last few weeks. A trained therapist will relieve muscle aches, and time on the message table can help stimulate circulation.
Try La Fontaine Aesthetics, 2774 E. Second Ave., where Christina Chau, a registered nurse and massage therapist, specializes in prenatal massage, which costs $85 per hour.
