Aesthetic Wellness During Pregnancy

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When you’re carrying new life, your body becomes a magnificent vessel of transformation… a living masterpiece painted with the brush strokes of creation itself. There’s something undeniably magical about pregnancy that’s understood: this is not merely a time of physical change, but a sacred période of blossoming into your most luminous self.

Your body during pregnancy is nothing short of miraculous. With blood volume increasing by an extraordinary 30%, your circulation reaches its peak performance; delivering a symphony of nutrients and vitamins throughout your body and skin. This natural enhancement creates what we lovingly call “pregnancy glow” - that enviable radiance that seems to emanate from within.

This increased circulation acts like nature’s own facial treatment, bringing oxygen and essential nutrients to every cell, creating a canvas that glows with health and vitality. It’s as if your body has turned itself into the most sophisticated beauty treatment, working around the clock to nourish and illuminate your skin.

Differing Perspectives

As an expectant parent, you may find yourself receiving different advice depending on where you are in the world, which practitioner you consult, or even which generation of doctors you speak with. This diversity of perspectives reminds us that pregnancy care, like beauty itself, is deeply personal and varies across traditions, medical practices, and cultural approaches. What remains constant is the importance of open communication with your trusted healthcare providers. 

Nature’s Liquid Gold: The Beauty of PRP

One of the most remarkable treatments available during pregnancy is PRP, (Platelet-Rich Plasma) your body’s own liquid gold. This extraordinary substance, drawn from your own blood, is concentrated with stem cells, growth factors, and remarkable regenerative powers. Think of it as nature’s most potent super serum, designed specifically by your body to heal, restore, and rejuvenate.

But here’s where the magic truly begins: your liquid gold during pregnancy becomes something extraordinarily powerful. When we draw your blood, spin it in the centrifuge, and separate the components, what remains is liquid gold that surpasses anything your non-pregnant body could produce. Pregnancy bestows you with what can only be described as healing superpowers - an abundance of nutrients and regenerative abilities that transform your PRP into something miraculous. 

We’ve witnessed this enchantment firsthand: a patient struggling with severe cystic acne found herself pregnant during treatment. While we paused her laser sessions and medication-based injections, we decided to go the PRP route - allowing her body’s own wisdom to take the lead. The transformation was nothing short of poetic; her skin became stunning - luminous and clear. Whether you believe her body healed itself or that her growing baby gifted her this restoration, the result was breathtaking. 

PRP awakens your body’s natural therapeutic responses, using its own healing mechanisms to address skin concerns naturally and safely. However, like all treatments during pregnancy, PRP requires careful, individualized consideration and proper medical clearance. Each expectant mother’s journey is unique, and what’s right for one may not be appropriate for another.

Le Bébé Facial: A Gentle Embrace for Your Radiance

For expectant mothers seeking a serene moment of self-care, Le Bébé Facial offers a pregnancy-safe sanctuary for both skin and spirit. As delicate and soothing as a lullaby, this gentle treatment is designed to nourish and revitalize your skin while providing deep relaxation. It promotes enhanced circulation and lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling and puffiness, leaving your complexion visibly brighter and refreshed. This soothing experience helps clear impurities, renew skin cells, and boost hydration, resulting in soft, supple, and radiant skin—just like a newborn’s. Beyond the physical benefits, Le Bébé Facial offers a calming escape that nurtures your spirit, making it a perfect way to honor your body’s beautiful transformation during this special time.

Treatments to Consider Caution

While pregnancy brings its own natural glow, there are certain aesthetic treatments that require pause during this precious time. Out of an abundance of care for both you and your growing bébé, we recommend avoiding:

• Laser treatments of all kinds, as the heat and energy may not be suitable for your changing body.

• Botox and dermal fillers, along with other aesthetic injectables containing medications, should be postponed until after delivery and nursing.

• Hydroquinone-based products are best set aside during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Retinol remains a topic of gentle debate among experts.

  - While many studies haven’t definitively proven harm, the consensus leans toward caution during pregnancy. The absence of extensive research, (considered unethical to conduct on expecting mothers) means we err on the side of loving protection.

  - Understanding what Retinol actually is can help ease some anxiety around this decision. Retinol is simply vitamin A - the same vitamin found in carrots and other foods you eat daily. While no one suggests avoiding carrots during pregnancy, Vitamin A can potentially cause toxicity if consumed in very large quantities (unlike water soluble vitamins like C and B12, which your body naturally eliminates). 

  - The question becomes: is it possible to reach toxic levels from a pump of retinol when applied topically? This is a decision best made in consultation with your Obgyn and dermatologist, keeping in mind that you’re considering a vitamin A product.

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There exists a beautiful spectrum of comfort levels when it comes to aesthetic choices during pregnancy - what feels right for one mother may not feel right for another, and that’s perfectly natural. The most important consideration is determining what allows you to maintain inner peace and tranquility.

High anxiety and elevated stress can impact your pregnancy far more than many aesthetic decisions ever could. When your mind is calm and your spirit is at ease, you create the most nurturing environment for both yourself and your growing baby. Your body’s wisdom, combined with your healthcare team’s guidance, will always lead you toward what’s right for your unique journey.

Most importantly, dear mothers-to-be, remember that this is your sacred time. Nothing in the realm of aesthetics is urgent or necessary during these precious months. Your pregnancy glow isn’t just a beauty phenomenon - it’s a testament to the incredible work your body is doing. Embrace this natural luminosity, honor your changing form, and remember that the most beautiful thing you can do during pregnancy is to nurture yourself with gentleness and grace.

At The French NP, we celebrate the beauty of motherhood in all its forms. Our French-inspired approach honors both safety and radiance, ensuring that every treatment decision is made with love, wisdom, and the utmost care for you and your growing family, and know that we will always be here to welcome you back after your precious bébé arrives!

Prenez soin de vous, belle maman. Take care of yourself, beautiful mama.

This chapter of your life is already perfect exactly as it is!