Pregnancy beauty secrets

Enjoy your body
Don’t feel inhibited by your growing body – celebrate it! Once you stop feeling fat and start looking rounded, it’s time to reveal all. Take the opportunity to flash some flesh – all the celebs are doing it so why not you? Treat yourself to a button-up shirt or smock in a floaty fabric that shows off just a hint of belly.

Moisturise
If you’re flashing your flesh make sure your skin is looking peachy. Moisturising is the way forward – take just five minutes twice a day to slather on a rich moisturiser and you could help prevent those dreaded stretchmarks. Your skin will also feel fantastically smooth. Massaging in cream regularly will help ease pregnancy aches and pains as well, so get rubbing!

Your hair in pregnancy
If you’ve dreamed of thick, glossy hair, you could be in luck now you’re pregnant. In the second trimester many women find their hair takes on a new and improved look as the hormones kick in. So take advantage by showing it off! Decorate with hair accessories, brush it until it shines and experiment with different styles. You’ll feel like a new woman.

Sleep in pregnancy
In the first few weeks of pregnancy you’ll probably find you crave sleep and take every opportunity to have a quick lie down. But as your energy levels return to normal in your second trimester, don’t be tempted to overdo it. Your body's working hard to give your growing baby everything he needs, and it’s important you feel your best too. So curtail those late nights and make sure you get your quota of zzz’s. You and your baby will both benefit.

Little things count
Don’t be tempted to let yourself go during pregnancy. You may not feel your best as hormones rage through your body, but dressing yourself in your partner’s jumpers and leaving your hair unwashed for several days won't make you feel any better.

Take five minutes in the morning just for you. A good concealer covers up any dark circles or hormonal spots, a light foundation evens out your skin tone and a dab of lip gloss will instantly bring colour to your face. You may not feel like making the effort when you're nauseous and wiped out, but spend just a few minutes on you and you’ll feel better for the rest of the day. Other people will notice too.

Pamper yourself
Your life's about to change irrevocably, so make sure you spend some time pampering yourself. At the end of a long day, fill your bathroom with scented candles, dim the lights and have a long, warm soak using your favourite bubble bath. Make sure you won’t get interrupted and enjoy spending time bonding with your bump.

If you’ve got some money going spare then treat yourself to a pregnancy pampering package, available in most health spas and beauty salons. Gentle massage and luxurious treatments will make you feel fantastic. If you don’t like the idea of your body being touched by a stranger then go for a manicure or pedicure for instant glamour.

Eat the right food during pregnancy
Whether you’re suffering from morning sickness or could eat for England, it’s likely food is never far from your thoughts now you’re pregnant. But remember whatever you eat goes straight to your baby so it’s doubly important you have those five portions of fruit and veg every day. Juices, smoothies and soups are all ways you can make it less of a chore. So get blending. You should also cut down on your fat content – avoid junk food and empty calories like cakes and sweets and fill up on food that’s packed with nutrients like jacket potato with salad or steamed fish with vegetables. It’s not just for you, it’s for baby too.

Drink lots of water
Drinking water is fantastic for you and even more so now you’re pregnant. You need at least eight glasses a day so put a bottle in the fridge and keep topping up that glass. If you keep it up every day, you’ll start to feel more energised and it’ll help detox your system as well. Sparkling water may even ease feelings of queasiness.

Exercise during pregnancy
Gone are the days when pregnancy was an excuse to stop everything and put your feet up for nine months. Health experts advocate regular exercise during pregnancy, making labour and birth easier and ensuring you get your pre-pregnancy figure back in a shorter space of time. You don’t have to do the London Marathon (in fact it’s probably wise not to) but even a 20 minute walk every day will fill your lungs with fresh air, keep you toned and re-energise you. You could also go to your local leisure centre and see if they offer antenatal swimming classes. Pregnancy yoga is great for toning you up in all the right places as well without putting undue stress on your body. Make pregnancy your excuse to exercise and you are sure to glow with health!