Portraits on the Skin: Dialogues Beneath the Surface
For the month of May, we inaugurate this column with the story of Gaia, 34, a future Roman mother waiting for her first child. We asked her some questions to find out how her relationship with her body changed during pregnancy, her emotions and her story. Today we read the portrait of Gaia's skin...
How did you perceive the change in your body during pregnancy?
"At the beginning of my pregnancy I was very curious. I found out I was pregnant quite late, but my body had already started to show small signs, such as my breasts growing. It was fascinating to watch how everything slowly transformed and I wondered how much more could change!”
Were there any particularly significant or surprising moments for you?
“Between the fourth and fifth month, the real change came. My clothes no longer fit me, my shape was really different and the person I looked at in the mirror began to be another. It was there that, for the first time, I had the profound awareness of this surprising and vital force that proceeded independently of my will.
And the more this belly grows, the more you become attached to it and to your new body.”
What beauty and personal care routines have you adopted to take care of yourself during this time?
“I have always had sensitive and combination skin but now it has become completely dry! In the first few months, the dryness was so intense that my skin cracked and fine lines seemed more pronounced. Contrary to what everyone told me, my hair did not become shiny and flowing, but rather… drier! So I was forced to enrich the routine of the products I apply, always including a hydrating serum, plenty of eye cream and an ultra-nourishing face cream.“
Are there any specific skincare products that you’ve found particularly helpful or comforting?
“Yes, the first is the cleansing milk. To remove makeup now I use this product exclusively because any other type of cleanser is too aggressive.
As for body care, I'm paying more attention to my skin than ever! I apply a moisturizer every morning and night, and sometimes even in the middle of the day if I feel tight. Although there are many products specifically for stretch marks, I prefer to stick to completely natural ones. For this reason, I only use pure oils and I especially love almond oil.
It is a bit challenging to apply because it has a very greasy consistency, but the results are outstanding!”
Are there specific practices that helped you feel better about yourself during pregnancy?
"After the fourth month of pregnancy I started practicing prenatal yoga. At first I wasn't very convinced, it seemed like an activity a little too closely linked to meditation while I was expecting something different. However, I soon discovered how precious that time was for myself, especially by comparing myself with other mothers and exchanging different experiences. Doing yoga in such a welcoming environment allowed me to escape from the daily routine, to enter a more empathetic and protected dimension where I can relax and disconnect. It's true, prenatal yoga sessions are particularly useful for stretching the muscles, improving the back and practicing pelvic floor exercises, but more than a physical exercise, it's a real gift I give myself: an hour dedicated only to me, which I find extremely satisfying.“
Is there a particular moment in yoga that makes you feel good?
“At the end of each class, we dedicate ourselves to a moment of meditation and relaxation accompanied by Carnatic singing, designed especially for pregnant women. This singing makes the vocal cords vibrate in such a way that the baby inside awakens, creating a beautiful connection between mother and child. Before starting yoga, I had difficulty feeling connected with the baby, also because of the late discovery of my pregnancy. Yoga quickly bridged this distance, helping me to establish a deep connection with the life growing inside me!”
Do you combine yoga with other activities?
“I regularly go for long walks and take part in aqua aerobics classes for expectant mothers. The latter is great because the water supports your body weight, allowing you to completely relax. Also, seeing other pregnant women in swimsuits makes me feel part of a community! It's a great physical and emotional outlet, another way to take care of myself and my baby."
How do you think pregnancy has affected your self-perception and your relationship with beauty and personal well-being?
"Pregnancy has profoundly transformed my perception of myself and my relationship with beauty and personal well-being. It's strange, because something clicks inside you, pushing you to take care of yourself more intensely than before. Although I have always considered myself attentive to personal care, during pregnancy this aspect has become even more important. Maybe a sense of altruism has triggered? Or maybe it is the desire to keep my body healthy and beautiful as before? Either way, a new awareness of the need to take care of yourself has emerged.
Have you made any changes to your eating habits during this time?
Yes, I reviewed my diet with a specialist, adopting healthier habits both for the well-being of the unborn child and because, even if you are pregnant, you remain a woman who wants to like herself when she looks in the mirror. It is essential to feel satisfied with what we see reflected because, after all, it is our body, and it belongs only to us! This period has taught me to take care of myself much more, to value and respect my body for what it is capable of doing.
Do you have any tips to share with other moms-to-be about how to take care of yourself and manage changes during pregnancy?
"My advice to other future mothers is to welcome and accept the changes during pregnancy, even if there may be times when you may not recognize yourself or feel uncomfortable. It is essential to accept this new reality and prepare to face it. Taking care of your body is essential because it also means taking care of your mind, which is crucial during this period. It is important to feel satisfied and calm mentally, to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and be happy with what you see. We are not just mothers, we are also women and this change can be shocking, especially on a hormonal level! Consider this period as an adventure, a unique experience that will offer you a new perception of yourself. Don't just think about the baby and what will come because he will come later and now is the time to dedicate yourself to yourself so that you arrive strong to face what will be the biggest challenge!
So don't give in to laziness, keep up your physical activity, follow a balanced diet and don't neglect your skincare. Take care of yourself now; it's an investment in your future and that of your little one!”