Your skin is likely to change during pregnancy. Some women find that they develop pimples or acne, due to the high levels of progesterone. Conversely, you may get dry skin, also due to pregnancy hormones. The dryness may become worse over your abdomen as your belly grows and the skin is stretched.
Freckles and moles may get darker. You may also notice tiny red lines on your chest or legs: these are called spider nevi and are due to the increased blood supply to the skin which makes the vessels dilate and become more visible.
Other women find that the high levels of estrogen mean that their skin is in a better condition than before they were pregnant. The "glow" of pregnancy is due to the increased blood supply that occurs in pregnancy, which gives you a rosy healthy looking complexion.
Your skin may become dry and flaky, on your face, as well as elsewhere on your body. Using a good moisturizer should help.
Your partner is now realizing his responsibilities and affection for the baby, and is showing these feelings by taking care of you. If you're finding that his pampering of you is a little too much, you might want to discuss other ways he can feel involved in the pregnancy and prepare for the baby. Try to embrace his involvement and enthusiasm-it's a great way for you to strengthen your relationship and prepare for parenthood together.
As soon as your employer knows you're pregnant, you should be protected by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which says that pregnant employees must be treated the same as other employees with disabilities or limitations. Most parents-to-be wait until 12 weeks when the risk of miscarriage is lower. Some wait longer.
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