Your Growing Body - Hang-ups Sorted

You knew the bump was coming, but what’s with the big nipples and extra fuzz?

- Hannah Ebelthite

When you’re expecting, one of the most thrilling discoveries is seeing that first glimmer of a bump – a sign your baby is growing inside you. But it can also cause other, more surprising, physical changes. Rather than spending the months leading up to your due date in panic mode, read our guide to the wonderful ways your body changes, and how to manage them.

I have brown marks on my face

Pigmentation marks on the cheeks, upper lip and forehead are often dubbed the ‘mask of pregnancy’. Known as chloasma, increased oestrogen levels cause pigment cells called melanocytes in your skin to become more sensitive to the sun’s rays.

To prevent marks from appearing, wear sunscreen all year. A facial exfoliator and a lightening product used at night may help minimise brown marks. If they don’t go away after birth, a dermatologist may be able to help with lightening creams, microdermabrasion, peels, intense pulsed-light treatments or lasers.

My legs look like road maps