If something like this has happened to you, you’re not alone, and it’s actually quite normal.  These skin changes did not happen overnight, although you may notice them all of the sudden on morning.  The American Academy of Dermatology says that about 70 percent of pregnant women develop these blotchy areas of darkened skin. It’s called chloasma or melasma, but is also known as “the mask of pregnancy” (sounds more romantic than it is!).

The blotchy areas usually appear around your nose, cheekbones, and forehead (hence the name Mask of Pregnancy). They may also show up on your upper lip, cheeks, and jawline.  Some women also develop dark patches on other body parts that are exposed to the sun. You may also notice areas of skin that are naturally darker (nipples, freckles, genitals) — becomes even darker during pregnancy. Some women notice a darkened line, called the linea nigra, running from their belly button downward.

Why does it happen?

You guessed it– it’s those lovely hormones at work again!  During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause a temporary increase in your body’s production of melanin, the chemical that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes.

Women with darker skin are more likely that lighter-skinned women to get melasma.  This “mask” may become more pronounced with each pregnancy.

Will it go away?

The good news is that these darkened areas will probably fade within a few months after delivery. In some cases it never completely disapears, but for many women their skin will return to its normal shade.

Can I prevent it?

Although this skin pigmentation  usually disappear on its own after delivery, there are some things you can do to minimize the splotchy factor:

• Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning salons. Cover up or use sunblock if you’ll be out in the sun. More pigment is created when skin is exposed to sunlight.
• Use gentle cleansers and lotions. Irritating products can worsen the condition.
• Use concealer! When all else fails, there’s always the make-up bag.
• After birth: Continue to protect sensitive areas from the sun. Certain contraceptives containing estrogen may also cause melasma.

feature image from The Daily Green

So what should you be looking for?  Here are some Spring 2010 fashion trends for the mom-to-be that won’t have you shuddering in horror!

Sugar Candy Shades: Silky, floating fabrics in soft, feminine colors will definitely breath a sense of spring-time into your wardrobe. Bring on the frills, ruffles, and pastels!

Candy Floss style via Made for Mums

Be Knotty! Knots, drapes, pleats, and other fun shapes reigned on the catwalks, says Made for Mums.

Drop-Waist Peasant Top by Old Navy; Tie Knot dress by Isabella Oliver

Cool T’s: When the weather starts to heat up, you’ll want some fun, comfy T-shirts to brighten up your outfit. The bright colors, draping, and graphics on these T’s keeps them from being boring!

T-shirts from the Gap

Eye-popping Prints: Dress your bump in flashy florals and bright geometric designs.  Let your wardrobe energize you this spring season!

James Jeans Maternity Bootcut Stretch Jeans at Nordstrom; Maternity Jeans by Gap

Here are some of the great maternity fashions of the season!

(image from clothing tutor)

Feminine Frills

A bow neck on top or some ruffles cascading down your belly add a lovely lady-like touch to any outfit. Add some slim pants and a cardigan for the office, or a slim skirt and heels if it’s time to party!

(Ribbon-trim textured-stripe shirt by Gap, Elbow Sleeve Ruffled Maternity Blouse by Pea in the Pod, Silk Ruffle Blouse by Gap)

Pretty Patterns

You’ll see lots of great patterns out there, from fresh florals to preppy plaids, to funky graphics. Have fun!

(Flora Tie Back Dress by Gap, Plaid Ruffle Blouse by Pea in the Pod, Cravings Maternity Boutique)

Bangin’ Boots

Choose your favorite… scrunchy boot, a mid-calf, or an over-the-knee boot, heels, flats, wedges, stilettos, rain boots, cowboy boots… They’re all great this season! Whatever your style preference is, get some great boots to complete every outfit!

(Pictures from myddnetwork)

Chunky Knits

Keep yourself toasty and trendy this fall with some super-cozy knit sweaters. To balance out the bulk on top, wear these sweaters with skinny pants or a shorter, tailored skirt.

(Short Sleeve Cable Knit Sweater by Pea in the Pod, Funnelneck cable cardigan by Gap, Butterfly Sweater by Isabella Oliver)

Maxi Dress

Perfectly glamorous! The Maxi dress is definitely made for the pregnant woman’s delicious curves. The beautiful dresses below are great for a special occasion, but you can find casual maxi dresses too that are perfect for a day at the mall.

(The Maxi Wrap by Isabella Oliver, Spaghetti Strap Ruched Dress by A Pea in the Pod)

Over-sized Accessories

Your curvier figure will lend balance to chunkier jewelry and larger accessories than you might be used to.  Try wearing a simple jersey dress with a huge tiered necklace, chunky bangles, dangly earrings, or a fabulous, fits-everything-in-it bag. (Note: Wearing ONE of those at a time may be enough of a statement!)

(Photos left to right: WorkChic, Flickr, Best Ever You 20s)

1. Shop Your Closet

Raid your existing wardrobe for pieces that can fit your new shape. Open cardigans, long stretchy tunics and tees will continue to work, at least in the beginning. Tent and empire-waist dresses are natural transition pieces too.

2. Don’t Give Your Belts

Instructions for Use

Some doctors recommend a belly wraps as part of a postpartum plan. Women can put it on after delivery and should wear it for four to six weeks after delivery to reap the maximum benefits. According to the Belly Bandit website, “wearing an abdominal compression wrap after a c section may actually decrease the post op recovery time by minimizing associated incision pain, which allows greater mobility post surgery.”

The belly bandit does not take the place of a healthy diet and regular exercise. Instead, it should help make new mothers more aware of their bodies and encourage them to eat a well-balanced, healthy diet, and exercise on a regular basis.

How the Belly Wrap Works

Even the skeptics can’t argue that these belly wraps make you appear slimmer by holding the flab in. But proponents claim that these wraps also exert a gentle pressure that helps reduce the swelling of the uterus, while supporting the legs and back.  They help women recovering from birth with their posture, abdominal support, and self-confidence. Because the new mom feels more comfortable and supported, she is more likely to get out and exercise, speeding up the weight-loss process.

But the benefits of a belly wrap may go even further. Belly binding has been around for centuries, according to Target Women, and is common in countries such as Japan (where it’s termed Haramaki), Latin America (they call it Faja), India, and other European countries.  They claim that a flabby tummy can be reversed through proper posture, support and warmth on the abdominal.   It is believed that puffy skin needs certain amount of heat and pressure to reattach to the muscle. A belly wrap provides this gentle compression and also helps the uterus return to its normal size quicker.

Fans of the belly wrap say that it even decreases the appearance of stretch marks, cause by skin that is pulled and stretched during pregnancy. The theory is that even after birth, saggy skin may continue to cause stretch marks.  Greater support of this loose skin may decrease tension which in turn may decrease stretch marks in the postpartum period.

A belly wrap costs anywhere from $20 for something simple, to $65 for the deluxe, eco-friendly models.

Think Again…

Other doctors and fitness experts warn buyers not to be fooled by the belly wrap claims. As tempting as it sounds, there is no evidence that your body shape can truly improve because of a belly band. The only proven way to lose your baby weight and keep it off, they say, is to eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and high in fiber, and engage in regular exercise. The wrap will help you suck in that gut, but anything else is just wishful thinking.

They may actually do new moms a disservice, WebMD quotes one doctor as saying. “We have to consciously work to strengthen and engage our core muscles, and we use less of our abdominal muscles when wearing wraps.”

Bottom Line: I have never tried a belly wrap, and am not sure I believe it would work… but it sure is a tempting thought! At worst, you spent $50 on a fancy girdle that at least makes you look thinner. At best, you’ve got better posture and a tighter, slimmer, less flabby belly!

And the fact still remains that there is no easy and quick miracle cure for losing weight. Gradual weight loss, attained through the right balance of a healthy diet and proper exercise, is still the healthiest way.

Keep Drinking!

Your pregnant body need more fluids during the hot summer months, so keep that water bottle close by. Although you may not want to do anything that increases runs to the bathroom, it’s imporatant to stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen pregnancy aches like swelling, and can even trigger contractions and the risk of preterm labor. Don’t wait unti you’re feeling parched, as that can be too late. Just keep drinking regularly throught the day! If plain water bores you, try unsweeted fruit juices mixed with seltzer or herbal iced tea. Snacking on fruits and veges like melon and cucumbers will also help you stay hydrated.

Cool Shades

Even when you don’t feel so hot, a pair of good-looking shades (and some pretty pink lip gloss) will instantly pull you together! Best of all, the sunglasses will still fit even when your favorite pregnancy jeans have stopped accommodating your ever-growing baby bump.

Foot Support

Summer wear is all about tank tops and sandals, but those flip-flops may be the worst thing you could do for your hot, achy feet. What you really need is arch support!  The extra weight, plus pregnancy hormones which cause your ligaments and tendons to stretch in preparation for childbirth (even the ones in your feet), adds extra pressure on the bottoms of your feet and can cause pain, swelling, flat feet, tendinitis, and sometimes permanent damage if you don’t wear the right shoes. You don’t have to ask Grandma where she buys her orthopedic footwear, but do look for sandals with some arch support; they’ll be thicker and slightly raised in the middle.

Save yourself from the Sun

Sunscreen is especially crucial when you’re expecting. Your Total Summer Pregnancy Guide quotes Elizabeth K. Hale, MD: “The higher levels of estrogen in your body make you more susceptible to melasma, dark patches of skin that can appear on your face. Wearing sunscreen is the best way to avoid it, or prevent it from getting worse if you already have some discoloration.” You need at least SPF 50 to protect yourself. Remember to apply even if it’s rainy or you plan to be behind your desk all day, as UVA rays penetrate through clouds and windows!

Be Lazy

You might as well get as much guilt-free lounging around as you can… when the little bundle of joy shows up, you won’t have much time to pamper yourself.  So get a good book and get comfy in that hammock! If you can get away with the hubby for a few days, even better! It doesn’t have to be somewhere far-off and exotic, but you’re sure to enjoy a change of scenery and a chance to spend time when it’s just two of you.  It’s perfectly safe for expectant women to fly up until 36 weeks (after which point many airlines won’t even let you on board). It’s recommended to get up and walk around the plane every half hour or so to prevent swelling and the risk of developing blood clots in your legs.

… and put your feet up

When it’s hot outside, edema (fluid retention that causes swelling, particularly in your hands, feet, and ankles) can get worse. Although this condition is not usually dangerous, it sure to make you feel uncomfortable and unattractive. To combat it, avoid excess sodium, especially in processed, packaged foods, stay cool, and drink plenty of fluids. Keeping your feet elevated can also lessen swelling.

Take a Swim

It’s not only a great way to cool off on a hot summer day, but swimming is also a great way to get your daily exercise while pregnant. Some women find the buoyancy of the water also helps relieve pregnancy-related back strain.  There’s less risk of overheating and it’s gentle on your joints. While doing any sort of physical activity, listen to your body. If you start to feel overheated, uncomfortable, or out of breath, that’s your sign to slow down or quit for the day.

Keep-it-Cool Hairstyles

If you’ve got a high-maintenance hairstyle, maybe it’s time to try out a out a cool summer hairdo that requires less fuss. You’ll be especially happy about the time-saving factor post-baby. Think casual, tousled, beachy hair. If you’re hair is short, you can sweep it back with a pretty headband or colorful scarf. If your hair is a bit longer, you can do a half-up, half-down style, securing it with a colorful elastic or decorative barrette. If hair is long, try gathering it into a low ponytail. You can loosely braid the tail or coil it into a bun.

So, if you’ve got to look good for a big meeting or a long-awaited night on the town, what can you do to wake up tired-looking eyes?  “Just because you feel exhausted doesn’t mean you have to look that way, too,” says Parents.com.  Here are some beauty tips to to help you looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!

• Invest in a good eye cream. While eye creams may not actually zap wrinkles, they do temporarily plump up the under-eye area, diminishing the appearance of circles.
• Switch to cream concealer. Dot it on with a tiny, stiff-bristled makeup brush. Don’t blend — that just rubs it off.
• Cover with foundation that matches your skin tone. Blend well, ideally with a makeup sponge.
• Lightly brush translucent loose powder over the entire area.
• Use a light-colored shadow, such as bone or white, on lids and in the inner corners of eye. Lighter hues reflect light, brightening the eye area.
• Don’t skip the eyelash curler. According to makeup artists, that one extra step really opens up the eyes, making your eyes look bigger, brighter, and much more alert.

Feature photo from stricly woman.

Color & Highlights

1. Brunettes: Create dimension by framing your face with warm highlights, but avoid any color that’s more than three shades from your natural hue. A dark brown base will help prevent highlights from looking streaky and dated.

2. Blondes: Maintain that carefree, beachy look by introducing soft, subtle shades—less on the golden side, more on the neutral side. Adding overly harsh or white tones could suggest that locks have been processed. If you prefer chunky highlights, add them further away from your face.

3. Red Heads: A natural red head is rare, so don’t stray too far from your true hue. It’s also important to keep in mind that red hair tends to lighten dramatically in the sunlight. If you’re itching for an update, introduce subtle highlights to the crown of the head, as well as to the ends of your hair; this will help add dimension while maintaining the overall shade.

Cut & Style

1. Curly Hair: An experienced stylist will take into consideration each individual curl, cutting to create movement, varying lengths and strand-by-strand definition. It may be hard to find a great curly-hair stylist, so if you see someone with a cut that you love, don’t be afraid to ask them who their stylist is. When styling your cut, aim for soft, romantic texture.  Skip the gel and apply a smoothing oil or lightweight moose to give each curl a polished finish. If you’re using a diffuser, remember to dry curls with cold air, which helps them set. Minimize hand-contact with locks to prevent frizz; if you need to scrunch curls, use a towel.

2. Straight Hair: The most essential hair secret of all: trim regularly for neat, healthy-looking locks. If you have thin, straight locks, a short and layered cut with bluntly-finished ends will add weight and promote swing. Consider a bob, or if your face is on the rounder side, try a just-under-the-chin length. Additionally, a long side-swept bang will effortlessly frame the face, even when left unstyled. If you’re blessed with thick hair, play up the layers and angles for dimension. To style, don’t just brush and go. Instead, Instead, apply a volumizing product to the roots for lift—then flip, toss and blow dry hair freely.

3. Thick Hair: Adding long layers to thick hair will give it the desired tousled look without promoting frizz. If you’d rather opt for a different style, go for it… but to attain that get up-and-go look, your hair must be cut specifically for the style. The longer thick hair gets, the easier it is to handle, since the weight forces it to behave. Thick, short hair runs the risk of looking poofy. Additionally, when it’s long, you can easily pull it back off your face to create a full, party-ready bun or pony tail.

Condition & Shine

1. Quick Fix: Hot oil is great for achieving an instant light-reflecting shine, but no more than once a week. Keep in mind that fuller hair can better handle constant treatment then fine hair.

2. Long term: Never underestimate the power of a protein-rich diet for strengthening and rebuilding hair. A protein-packed conditioner can work wonders, too.

3. Shampoo: For thick, curly hair, shampooing every two or three days is ideal, as it gives natural oils a chance to condition hair between washes.

Feature photo from the Knot

Visit Woman’s Day for more beauty & style tips!

Here are some of their beautiful fashions, so you’ll be looking as fresh, fabulous, and fertile as the goddess of spring! And, until March 31, receive 20% off everything on their site! Happy shopping…

Evening Tops:

Pretty Dresses:

Flirty Separates:

Cozy Knits:

Wear to Work:

Casual Weekend:

Sleek Silhouette: When dressing up, wear bottoms that rise over your belly for the smoothest lines under tops.

Splurge on basics; skim on trendy items: Forget about blowing your budget on that one funky printed tunic top like Gwen Stefani. Spend your money wisely on a great-fitting pair of jeans, some well-tailored work pants, and empire-waist tops.
Add color with fun, funky accessories: When wearing basics, make a statement with jewelry like bold necklaces or cocktail rings, which can be worn post-pregnancy.
Keep it balanced: Wear dark-wash maternity jeans with long, thin legs to balance out big tops.

Shop eBay: You can find designer maternity items at a fraction of the price through consignment shops and eBay. And, when you are no longer pregnant, you can resell them!

Budget shopping secrets: Comparison shop online for those must-have designer items to get the best price. When shopping at pricey maternity boutiques, walk past the high-dollar items at the front of the store and peruse the sale items at the back of the store. You may get lucky and find a real steal.

Top maternity fashion trends of 2008:

Maxi Dresses: With celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Nicole Richie dressing their baby bumps in long, flowing dresses, the maxi dress trend is one that caught on with both the pregnant and non-pregnant set. Pictured is actor Matthew McConaughey and his pregnant girlfriend Camila Alves wearing a long espresso-colored maxi dress.

Long skirts: Gwen Stefani was often seen wearing a long printed skirt with a bump-hugging top. This trend is both stylish and comfortable.

Maternity jeans: Jennifer Garner has been seen looking casual and stylish by pairing maternity jeans, such as 7 for all Mankind, with a cute maternity top.

Scarves: Celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Naomi Watts were often seen accessorizing their look with a colorful scarf tied around their neck.

Belt your bump: To prevent the dreaded “tent look,” celebrities such as Camila Alves and Naomi Watts were seen pairing a dress or long tunic top with a belt under their bellies.