what causes your face to fill out during pregnancy?

[caedmyn]

You know, that sort of puffy cheeked look that shows up toward the end of pregnancy? I always figured it was just the weight gain as it never happened to me during my 2nd pregnancy where I only gained 23 lbs (I'm pretty slender normally so I probably should have gained a bit more but it just didn't happen). I know with my 1st my face had filled out by 36 weeks & I gained 29 lbs total with her. I'm 36 weeks now and my face hasn't filled out even though I've gained 28 lbs so far...so I'm wondering if something other than weight gain influences whether your face fills out during pregnancy?

[jecombs]

For me, it's water retention. I could feel the tightness in my face toward the end of both of my pregnancies.

[Lizbiz]

Oh, I don't know, oreos? Too many tacos?

Just kidding - yes I think if you're prone to water retention - you'll get a fuller face too.