So, how do we spruce up when we're pg and not feel ugly? My skin has been breaking out like it used to when I was a teenager-- deep acne that leaves scars. :( Ugh. I thought I had gotten past this stuff. I never had acne like this with my girls... just a small one every once in a while, maybe with a hormone surge. But *THIS*... this is ridiculous. I find myself craving comfort food... burgers, fries, stuff that isn't good for you... CANDY CORN! Ugh. I saw some at the store today... :: drool :: Anyways... any advice on how to NOT feel ugly when you're a heavy gal, getting heavier, getting bad acne and your hair that was once full and lovely is falling flop on your head? Ugh..... ugh..... ugh......

{{{{HUGS}}}} I am sure you look BEAUTIFUL!!! But, I remember feeling like that too. I went out and bought something new to make me feel pretty again. Sorry if that doesn't help but shopping is my thing and new clothes always make me feel good :) I painted my nails once and that helped too, also some new makeup or a new haircut. Those are all the ideas I got, hope this helps but I'm sure you look RADIANT :)

Jen.. looking at your avatar the last thing I would think of is ugly!! You are gorgeous!! Like seriously!! I know though how being pregnant can make you feel just blah.. btdt. Honestly what helps me is new clothes, lol. I always feel better with a new outfit!:-D

Jen, I'm sorry you are feeling this way. I know that you are beautiful, start by looking in the mirror and telling yourself you are :) big hugs gal!

Sorry you're feeling that way! Do you like music? God really ministers to me through music. Thought you might enjoy this song if you haven't heard it before: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ks3R2BwyO0

okay first, the acne: I got it when I was pregnant with Joey but not with my girls. Just make sure you're using a good facial cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Plus, drinking lots of water can help.

Second: the hair: buy a volumizing shampoo and conditioner and when you blow dry it, flip your head upside down to add fullness.

Third: I personally love things that smell good. It makes me feel better. If you're the same way, buy a body spray or candle that you LOVE! If I may suggest Victoria's Secret Pink in soft and pure. It's such a clean refreshing smell. you can buy it at Bath and Body as well.

Fourth: Wear clothes that fit you nicely. I think this is so important when pregnant. I hate buying clothes when I'm pregnant and so I stick with the stuff I have. The problem is the stuff I have is old, faded and still stretched into the shape I was with my other pregnancy. Splurge a little. I bought one denim skirt that fit me the right way, I paid full price but I love love love the skirt and it makes me look good so that makes it worth every penny!

Fifth: buy the cand corns and if you don't you can come to my house and share mine :) I bought the caramel apple ones tee hee hee. so yummy.

love you friend, and remember it's only for a season! Thank God!

Just remind yourself it's temporary, and remember how amzaimg God made our bodies to make our angles! BIG HUGS TOO YOU

I second Esther, I had the oily, flat hair with my boys. I had terrible skin. Even when I was a teenager, I had oily skin and oily hair. I was a wash a day sometimes twice a day girl in teen years and my boys.

This time, I have had "normal" skin and my hair, haven't washed it since Friday (I know, yuck, but I've been sick since then, and showers are making me dizzy, so I get in and get out) and it's not even the slightest bit oily. (another reason I'm thinking girl)

but yeah, they say boys have acne worse during teen years, and since it's not estrogen that feminizes, it's testosteron that masculinizes, you have extra testosterone during pregnancy you tend to have more acne with boys.

as for the beauty thing, girl, i know it sounds funny, but I've got a nine year old here that thinks your just the most gorgeous thing he's ever saw. I told him you were "mommy's age" he said, "well, she's a really pretty mommy". (he thinks your girls are cuties, too, but they're closer to his age, so he won't admit to it, but on FB, he's always lookn' over my shoulder, LOL) You are a very beautiful woman on the outside, and one of the most gorgeous women I know on the inside. I'm sure Tommy can and does overlook the acne. He loves YOU for the inside, he's just thankful that you have the same beauty on the outside. and, listen, girl, you're giving him that boy he's been praying and hoping for so long. You're the sexiest thing on the planet to him. YOU KNOW THAT!

You are a beautiful woman, inside and out. Just try to remember that the Lord is using your vessel in a wonderful, miraculous way right now. On a practical side, well fitting clothes and pretty smells can help. I got lots of pedicures during pregnancy, so that at least my toes would be cute. :-)

i had the horrible acne when preggo no matter what I did or didn't do...mild when not preggo even. so, i know what you mean...hugs. you're makin' a BOY!!!

I have had icky skin this pg but not with my boys. It is just bumpy and blotchy and now that I am almost done I am getting pigment spots, too. I agree with Esther about just keeping a strict cleansing routine, feeling extra clean goes a long way toward making you feel better about your skin. New clothes don't necessarily make me feel better when I feel icky, but taking time to really do my hair or my nails or something always helps me feel better about my appearance.

Is there something healthy you can indulge in that could be a substitute for the unhealthy stuff you are craving? I am a fruit junkie so usually if I am craving something bad I try to have some kind of fruit we normally don't have in the house instead - like fresh rasberries with cream or mangoes or a parfait or something. Every now and again I do have bad food though.


I think that story Kana shared about her son is just the cutest, sweetest, story! You are so pretty, Jen, really.

I sooooo wasn't seeking compliments... just a "hey, yah I've been there too", or "I'm there now". ::snort:: I'm blushing, and still blushing. Kana, your son is a hoot. That's hilarious. And supppppppppper sweet~ ::melt:: Little boys are just so sweet, ya know?

I got a new facial cleanser at WM to help clear up the acne... but man... it's pretty bad... and going off what I know of my body's acne from before... it's not going to clear up easily, and I'll wind up with more scarring. Ugh. Well, at least now I know... Boys=breakout. ::snort::

My hair... it just isn't cooperating. Oh well. If I can just get my face cleared up, that will help a LOT. Our family has that deep acne, body and face, that leaves deep scarring and almost permanent redness. It's horrible. :-/ Anywho. Thanks for all the info gals! I appreciate it!

yeah, Boys are super sweet. Just wait, Jen! You're in for something special with Wyatt. (it is still wyatt, right?)

I love my boys to pieces.

~Kana

yeah, Boys are super sweet. Just wait, Jen! You're in for something special with Wyatt. (it is still wyatt, right?)

I love my boys to pieces.

~Kana

Yup.... it's still Wyatt~ :) Helen and Emma said they want to call him The Quiet Man-- John Wayne movie that the kids love. :) No real rhyme or reason there... just "cuz"... so they say~ ::snort:: I love my kids~

My sister and brother get that deep scaring. Do you use a toner? if not I highly recommend it. It helps restore the PH balance in your skin after washing.
Hope it clears up for you soon friend

Yup.... it's still Wyatt~ :) Helen and Emma said they want to call him The Quiet Man-- John Wayne movie that the kids love. :) No real rhyme or reason there... just "cuz"... so they say~ ::snort:: I love my kids~


I love that movie! When I was a kid we watched it every year around St. Patrick's day at my cousins' (their dad is Irish). Their mom makes the best Irish Soda bread, too, mmmmm.

I am sorry your skin is bothering you so much, I know most heavy-duty acne creams are out of the question when pg.

Oh well. If I can just get my face cleared up, that will help a LOT. Our family has that deep acne, body and face, that leaves deep scarring and almost permanent redness. It's horrible. :-/ Anywho. Thanks for all the info gals! I appreciate it!

Hey Jen,

I just wanted to say that I can totally relate to how you're feeling! My family has the acne issues too and it's horrible! I was sad when my pg was ending because it seemed to help clear my skin and I was afraid it would all come back with the sudden shift of hormones after delivery. Thankfully it hasn't too bad. But man! It hurts when I do get it and it becomes something I think about so much. It's horrible! I'm so sorry you're going through it. As an adult I always feel like other adults are wondering why I'm breaking out like a teenager. I almost feel like explaining that I do take care of my skin, you know? I'm sure they know that already and don't really care... it's just not fun to deal with it. But BIG ::hugs:: to you!!! I'll be praying it clears up soooo soon and that you can enjoy your BEAUTIFUL pregnant body with your sweet little boy in there! It's a precious thing and only for a season... (easily said than always remembered, eh?) ::hugs::

A nice massage or manicure or pedicure always help perk me up. Even if it's a "home" job. I agree with the girls- you're the cutest ugly girl I've ever seen :) xo

Jen, what someone said about remembering its all temporary. The other day I was telling my girls about how nothing on the outside defines who they are in God's eyes. Thats not to sound flippant either. Spending some time in prayer and meditating on verses that describe who we are in Christ has done AMAZING things for my self esteem and sense of self worth. AMAZING things.

romans 8:18-21

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

The way I see it is that if ALL of creation is waiting in abated breath to see who the sons of God are... It makes me question 'Well, who am I then, in God, for all of creation to be waiting in such hightened expectation for all of us to be finally revealed??' Its all for God's glory and praise. I dont know about you but when I realise that I get so excited. Its easy to feel fleshy and stuff, but if we can turn it around and see all this for what it really is, WOW, I get tingly and giddy and know joy inexpressably fierce. Its like creation is saying in its frustration 'Whats all this I hear about God redeeming these people? What is SO special about them?' God is SO excited to parade us as His beloved redeemed! Walk in it now! Its ours to know or he wouldnt have told us in His word.

(Im giddy sharing that with you!)

[lovewuvu]

Thank you for sharing that with me/us, Gen! You are a treasure, hun~ ::hugs::