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Amber Pitkin is a 31-year-old beauty influencer based in Dubai and London
In January 2026, the expecting mother shared a candid Instagram Reel, drawing attention to the noticeable changes pregnancy has brought to her face
The video, which garnered over 4 million views, has inspired other pregnant people to give themselves grace during such a transformative season
For years, beauty influencer Amber Pitkin built her platform around glowing skin, the perfect amount of makeup and confidence in front of the camera. Now pregnant with her first child, she’s navigating a physical transformation she didn’t quite expect.
Around 14 weeks, Pitkin began noticing subtle shifts in her face, she tells PEOPLE. At first, she assumed it was temporary, but just over four months into her pregnancy, she woke up to a much more dramatic change.
“Not just my nose but my lips and even my eyes. It was quite a shock, I felt like I didn’t recognize myself,” Pitkin, 31, says. “It’s an overwhelming feeling to know so many changes are happening to your body and you have no control over it.”
As Pitkin’s pregnancy progressed, the swelling became more noticeable — not just in photos, but on camera. Because her work revolves around close-up beauty content, even small changes felt amplified under bright lights and high-definition lenses. Each time she filmed or edited a video, she was confronted with a version of herself that looked unfamiliar.
“At first, it really knocked my confidence. As someone who created makeup and beauty content, I didn’t want to look at myself on camera anymore. I just wanted to hide,” Pitkin says.
Even now, Pitkin admits there are moments when filming feels vulnerable. The version of herself she sees today looks slightly different from the one her audience has grown familiar with.
According to Healthline, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause blood vessels to dilate, which leads to swelling, including in the nose.
Yet, as she continues through her pregnancy, her perspective has shifted. Instead of resisting the changes, she’s learning to sit with them. “I’ve had to come to terms with the changes instead of fighting them. This season is temporary, and my body is doing something amazing,” Pitkin shares.
“At the same time, I still want to do small things that help me feel like myself, whether that’s getting my hair done or trying different facial techniques,” she adds. “Those little things give me confidence and help me feel beautiful again.”
Amber Pitkin.
Credit: Amber Pitkin
Pitkin’s decision to speak openly about facial swelling — particularly nose changes — comes from noticing how rarely it’s discussed.
“I think a lot of people are afraid of sounding vain or ungrateful. There’s this pressure to only speak positively about pregnancy because it’s a blessing and you should just be grateful your baby is healthy,” she says.
“But being honest about the parts that are difficult doesn’t mean you love your baby any less,” she emphasizes. “It simply means you’re going through one of the most physically and emotionally demanding experiences of your life.”
Instead of highlighting the “rose-tinted parts of pregnancy,” she’s choosing to show the real, unfiltered changes — reminding pregnant people that what their bodies go through is natural and that there is nothing to hide.
“I expected it to feel cute and glowing all the time, so when I struggled, I thought something was wrong with me. But once I started sharing the more honest, vulnerable side, I discovered so many other women felt the same,” Pitkin reveals. “Talking about it openly made us all feel less alone. We could share our different experiences, swap tips, and reassure one another, which has been incredibly comforting.”
Despite the occasional negative comments on her content, criticizing her appearance, Pitkin says the majority of online responses have been positive and uplifting. “I have never received so many lovely supportive messages from other mothers; it’s been amazing to see such kindness and empathy from other women,” she shares.
Amber Pitkin.
Credit: Amber Pitkin (2)
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Pitkin is choosing to focus on the bigger picture. This season is teaching her that confidence can’t hinge solely on appearance — especially when one’s appearance is constantly evolving. “I’ve had to root my self-worth in something deeper, in my strength, my resilience and what my body is capable of rather than how it looks,” she says.
As she continues through her pregnancy, she’s redefining what beauty and confidence mean to her in real time. And for others walking a similar path, she offers a gentle reminder.
“Give yourself grace. Your body is doing something extraordinary. It’s okay to have moments where you don’t feel like yourself, but don’t let that define your value,” Pitkin tells PEOPLE. “Do the small things that make you feel confident, surround yourself with supportive voices and remember this phase is temporary, but the strength you’re building will stay with you.”
Read the original article on People