Woman Shares Shocking Facial Transformation She Experienced During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a process where hormones influence nearly every part of the body, not merely limited to the growth of the belly. Numerous changes, from skin tone to facial features, can sometimes be as attention-grabbing for expectant mothers as the movements of the baby. So, what exactly does pregnancy alter on the face?

Content creator Dorcas Ibeh answered this question through a video showcasing her own face. Ibeh first displayed her smooth skin and nose 'pre-pregnancy', then contrasted it with the darkening of the skin, spots, and noticeably plumper nose 'during pregnancy'. Despite the images potentially alarming many people, the young woman expressed gratitude for the process, stating, 'In the end, it was all worth it.'

The most commonly known cause of skin darkening during pregnancy is melasma (chloasma), colloquially referred to as the 'pregnancy mask'. The increased levels of estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone boost the skin's pigment production. As a result, dark brown spots can appear on areas such as the forehead, nose, upper lip, and cheekbones. These spots are seen in approximately 50% of pregnant women and sunlight tends to make them more pronounced. They generally fade on their own after childbirth, although in some cases, this can take up to a year.

As for the fullness in the nose, it's the increase in blood volume that plays a part. While blood volume increases by 30 to 50 percent during pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone can cause the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa to dilate and swell. The fluid retained in the body also creates a slight fullness in the face and nose. Accompanied by nasal congestion and discharge, pregnancy rhinitis is seen in one out of every five pregnant women. Most of these changes naturally recede after childbirth. However, expectant mothers who notice sudden and significant facial swelling or new spots are advised to consult a doctor.