Hormones running riot in your body can lead to your skin being oily one day and dry the next. Don't panic - this is normal.

Dry skin: Your body needs all of your blood and fluids to grow your baby so your skin may become dry.

What to do: Drink lots of water - some professionals say it makes no difference but you only have to drink it to feel the hydrating benefits. Use olive, flax and avocado oils on your foods, not only because they're good for you but also because they soften the skin. Try switching to richer moisturisers and don't forget to exfoliate. Exfoliating with a body brush is all-natural, gets rid of dry patches and helps with the absorption of products.

Oily skin: During the first three months of pregnancy your fluctuating hormones, particularly the oil-producing androgens, hit the roof and often cause break-outs.

What to do: This is your baby's crucial development time so steer clear of chemicals such as over-the-counter acne treatments. Try to prevent clogged pores and oil build-up with gentle scrubs and choose non-pore-clogging make-up. If you're really suffering, see a dermatologist. Most pros say it's fine to use products with exfoliants such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid and other alpha and beta hydroxy acids once the first trimester is past.

HAIR

Many women find that their hair changes during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The texture may become thicker or thinner or you may find a few more grey hairs. Even though there have been no conclusive studies on the chemical effects of hair colour on a developing foetus, colouring your hair, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy when the baby is most vulnerable, is controversial.

The general rule of thumb is:

Wait until after the first trimester before you have your hair coloured.

If you go ahead with colour after this make sure your hairdresser knows you're pregnant so they can avoid colour touching the scalp as much as possible.

Opt for highlights rather than an all-over colour.

Try a natural colouring product.

ITCHY BELLY

As the elastic fibres of your skin stretch to accommodate your growing belly you can develop stretch marks and annoyingly itchy skin. While there's no evidence that stretch-mark potions stop their formation, many women swear by them - and they do help relieve the itch.

FEET

Your feet work hard during your pregnancy, so one of the nicest things you can do for yourself is to have a pedicure. In the later stages of pregnancy, a great leg and foot massage can boost your circulation and help alleviate aches, pains and swelling. Better still, teach your partner how to give you a great pedicure and paint your toenails - because in that third trimester you won't be able to reach them yourself.

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