How to take care of your body during pregnancy?

The "mask of pregnancy" is a form of hyperpigmentation that affects pregnant women. They are indeed more susceptible to this skin disorder, due to the high levels of estrogen and progesterone secreted, hormones that stimulate melanogenesis, that is, the production of melanin. Therefore, to avoid the appearance of brown spots, it is necessary to protect oneself from the sun by using a broad-spectrum sun protection daily. It is also recommended not to expose oneself between 12pm and 4pm, when UV rays are most intense, and to wear a hat and sunglasses.

Stretch marks are among the most common skin issues encountered during pregnancy. Forming as a result of rapid weight gain, they are the result of the rupture of collagen fibers, proteins in the dermis that support the skin. However, stretch marks are not inevitable, and certain measures can limit the risk of their appearance. We particularly recommend applying a nourishing and hydrating treatment twice a day, such as our stretch mark gel-to-oil. Enriched with baobab oil (INCI name: Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil) and shea olein (INCI name: Butyrospermum Parkii Oil), it visibly prevents and reduces the appearance of stretch marks, while providing flexibility and elasticity to the skin.

Pregnant women often experience issues with heavy legs, characterized by a sensation of pain in the lower limbs, particularly in the calves. This discomfort is due to a venous insufficiency. As a result of slowed microcirculation, blood pools in the legs, leading to cramps and tingling sensations. During pregnancy, physical activity often slows down and a natural weight gain is observed. These two factors are the root causes of the heavy legs phenomenon.

To alleviate discomfort, it is recommended for pregnant women to engage in gentle physical activity, such as walking or swimming. When done in cold water, the latter also has the advantage of providing a massaging effect on the legs. You can also perform self-massages on your calves, and apply treatments containing vein-toning active ingredients, such as horse chestnut or aloe vera. Another helpful tip is the use of compression stockings, which have a truly beneficial effect.

We often hear that you need to "eat twice as much" when you're pregnant. In reality, you should be "eating twice as well". Pregnancy is indeed a very tiring state, and a balanced diet along with good hydration allows you to replenish energy and nutrients for both the mother and child.

Therefore, it is recommended to consume five fruits and vegetables per day, legumes with every meal, dairy products three times a day, and proteins once a day. It is also important to limit the intake of fats, salt, and sugary products.

During pregnancy, certain foods can be your allies to best support you and your baby. This includes folic acid, or vitamin B9, which plays a significant role in the proper development of the embryo's nervous system. It can be found in foods such as spinach, watercress, lamb's lettuce, melon, nuts, chickpeas, and chestnuts.

A diet rich in calcium is also recommended, as this element is essential for the construction of the baby's skeleton. It is accompanied by foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, which promote the absorption of calcium. Finally, iron is indispensable, especially towards the end of pregnancy, to avoid any risk of deficiency that can lead to anemia. You can find it in legumes, fish, and meat.

Conversely, the consumption of certain foods is contraindicated during pregnancy, particularly those that could potentially cause a parasitic infection, such as toxoplasmosis or listeriosis. These are primarily raw foods, such as raw fish, seafood, raw meats, dairy products made from raw milk, or raw eggs.

Soybeans are also not recommended as they contain phytoestrogens, which some studies have shown to have adverse effects on animal fetuses, such as stunting growth. Even though this has not been directly demonstrated in humans, it is better to adopt a precautionary principle.

Finally, alcohol consumption should be avoided during pregnancy. It is toxic to the baby and can lead to various complications (growth delay, central nervous system damage, malformations...), of which fetal alcohol syndrome is the most severe form. According to the Regional Health Agency (ARS), alcohol consumption during pregnancy is the leading cause of non-genetic mental disability and social maladjustment in children in France.