Let's talk about the pregnancy lip plump phenomenon. Pregnancy comes with a wealth of side effects, not all of them entirely desirable, but one pinpointed by none other than Binky Felstead recently, who is pregnant with her second child (a boy!), isn't all that bad. Binky took to her Instagram grid to showcase her 'natural pregnancy lip plump.'
Binky wrote in her caption 'Eyes too sore and tired to put mascara on anymore, however my natural pregnancy lip plump has come through so all okay! Does anyone know why this happens? Wish it stayed!'. The comments section below Binky's post soon filled up with similar anecdotes, signalling the 'pregnancy lip plump' is a prenatal phenomenon many are familiar with. So why does it happen?
What is the 'pregnancy lip plump' and why does it happen?
According to GP and skin health specialist Dr Anita Sturnham there is a solid scientific explanation for that pregnancy lip plump effect. 'During pregnancy our hormones go crazy. We start producing more oestrogen and progesterone hormones and the placenta also produces its own sex steroid hormones,' explains Dr Anita, 'this hormone surge can result in swelling in your hands, feet, gums, labia and even your lips.'
Dr Anita continues, 'we also know that our blood volume increases rapidly during pregnancy too and that increased blood flow can add to the swelling. Most women are delighted to see the water retention and swelling drop off after pregnancy, but they often miss the plumper lips and many come to see me at my clinic for lip plumping treatments afterwards to recreate the look.'
So there you have it. Make the most of that pregnancy lip plump while you can!
Shop: 8 Of The Best Sensitive-Skin-Friendly Lip Balms
8 Of The Best Lip Balms That Are Suitable For Kids Too
1 of 8La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume For Lips, £7.50
Paraben-free and unperfumed this soothing hypoallerenic formula is perfect for those drying, wintery months.
2 of 8Bloom and Blossom Lip Service Nourishing Lip Balm, £10
Made with 100% natural sources of lanolin, coconut oil, passion flower oil and glycerin, this lip balm is as nourishing as it gets.
3 of 8Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Stick, £6.50
Macadamia oil, Argan oil and shea butter mingle in this cult classic and leave lips feeling soft and supple.
4 of 8Burt's Bees All-Weather Moisturising Lip Balm SPF15, £4.99
Nourishing ingredients and SPF15, what's not to love?! It's also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
5 of 8Hurraw! Unscented Lip Balm, £4.99
This lip balm uses premimum vegan, raw and organic experience to deliver hydration.
6 of 8Natio Moisturising Lip Balm SPF30+, £6
Fragrance-free and packed with vitamin E and aloe vera this SPF30+ lip balm is perfect for summer.
7 of 8John Masters Organics Lip Calm, £7
Made with the finest organic ingredients this lip balm soothes and calms dry, irritated lips.
8 of 8Weleda Everon Lip Balm, £5.25
This balm uses natural waxes and oils to comfort and protect lips.
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