5 Tips to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

 

If you are reading this because you recently found out you are expecting and hoping to steer clear of stretch marks, you are at the right place! Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, and at the end of it, you get to cuddle a precious baby that is all yours. The morning sickness, waddle you might develop and potential stretch marks aren’t the most fun, but they are all worth it in the end. I have some awesome tips for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. 

 

Stretch marks appear to look like indented streaks on your skin. They can be red, purple or even a silver color. It is common for women who are pregnant to develop them. As your belly stretches out to make room for baby it can stretch your skin, and they might appear. Some people are more susceptible to them. If your mom, dad, grandparents seem to have a lot of stretch marks you are more likely to get them. Just know there are ways to prevent or limit the number of stretch marks you get. 

During pregnancy, the areas that are generally prone to getting stretch marks is the tummy, sides, thighs, and legs, and sometimes the lower back. These are the areas that get the most strain as your baby grows. 

 

5 Tips to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

 

Hydrate 

Make sure that you are drinking enough water to keep your skin hydrated. When you are hydrated your skin is softer, and that will help prevent you from developing stretch marks. Caffeinated beverages can increase your risk of getting stretch marks, so limit your consumption. Tea, coffee, soda, all have caffeine. 

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Vitamin D 

Vitamin D can help prevent or lower your risk of stretch marks. Try to get some sun exposure during the day, just ensure you put on sunscreen and don’t get overheated. You can also find vitamin D in foods like bread, dairy products, milk, and more. Look for it on the nutrition label. 

Eat Right 

Nourish your skin from the inside by eating right. Having a balanced and healthy diet is great for baby, you and your skin. You want to incorporate foods that are healthy for your skin and will improve the elasticity, which helps prevent stretch marks from forming. 

Antioxidants

Great for protecting and nourishing your skin. Blueberries, pomegranates, spinach, and other fruits and vegetables.

Omega 3s

 This helps give your skin that glows and keeps it healthy. Fish (low mercury) eggs, walnuts, and more.  

Vitamin E

 Helps protect your skin cell membranes. You will eat greens like collard greens, broccoli, avocado, nuts, and seeds. 

Zinc

 Helps reduce inflammation. Nuts, fish (low mercury) and more. 

Vitamin A

 Helps repair skin tissue. Carrots, squash, red peppers, and more veggies and fruits. 

Treat Stretch Marks 

Those high dollar stretch mark creams aren’t always the best route. You pay a ton of money for a product and will probably still land a few stretch marks. Look for lotions or butter that have Cocoa Butter, essential oils,  Elastin and Shea Butter, as well as Collagen in them. These help support your skin’s elasticity. Apply daily morning and night, and throughout the day if you experience really dry itchy skin. 

Exercise

Making sure you stay active and exercise regularly will help skin retain its elasticity, and improve your circulation. Try to do light exercise like taking a walk, to help keep you in shape and your body working. 

 

Also, check out this Easy@Home 50 Ovulation & 20 Pregnancy Test Kit in case you are looking for some help in that department!

 

Motherhood is a wonderful phase. Something to be treasured forever! Enjoy it without compromising on things you don’t have to- for example, stretch marks 🙂