How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Posted: Thursday, March 04, 2010
by Laura McKeever
Maternity Bliss
Stretch marks do not have to be inevitable during pregnancy. Although it is estimated that they occur in between 50-70% of women, a lot can and do dramatically reduce the amount of stretch marks they see as a result of pregnancy by taking a few simple steps.
Stretch marks occur in pregnancy due to your skin expanding. If your skin is supple, it is better prepared to weather the strain of your expanding bump.
If you are trying to conceive now, then you will already know that preparing your body for the strains of maternity is essential. It is vital that you stay healthy, doctors and midwives everywhere encourage women to alter their diet, stay on top of their fluid intake and exercise in order to prepare their bodies for optimal foetal development.
Doing all of these things will also ensure your skin stays supple. Drinking plenty of water prior to conception will encourage collagen production, which is vital for preventing stretch marks. Indulging in exercise such as yoga or pilates will prepare your skin for expansion.
Drinking plenty of water during pregnancy:
As I just mentioned, increasing your water intake will encourage collagen production, which in turn allows your skin to adapt to your expanding shape without seeing any ‘mummy scars’.
That isn’t all that water does. Whilst you are pregnant your body works harder, with all that hormone production and a faster metabolic rate, you are more likely to become dehydrated. Keeping on top of your water intake will ensure this doesn’t happen. It will also help ensure your baby sees great nervous and neurological system development.
Indulging in pregnancy exercise:
There are forms of yoga that are safe for pregnancy. Staying active with yoga is recommended by midwives, doulas and OB’s as it will prepare your body for the birth. Yoga is well known for making your body more supple and it will do the same for your skin. Not only that, but yoga has been promoted as a great form of natural pain relief and can help prepare you for childbirth.
If you were already running or walking on a regular basis prior to conception, there is no reason for you to stop your normal exercise regime. Again, this is promoted by midwives and OB’s. However, you must discuss continuing with your normal exercise regime with your midwife or OB at your booking in appointment. Continuing with your usual routine will allow your skin to stretch with your expanding shape and can help maintain your over all health throughout your pregnancy.
Eating a good diet:
There are many fruits and veg that are so packed with water that they will act as a great add on to your water in take when it comes to collagen production. Try adding cucumbers, celery, grapes and melons to your diet.
Although it is recommended that you do not over do it when it comes to Omega 3, you should consider eating some to enhance the natural oils in your skin. Why not indulge in a small amount of salmon once a week? Salmon is a great (and easy) way to ensure you get your Omega 3 intake, not only will its natural oils help keep your skin supple but it will also enhance that pregnancy glow.
Adding oils to your bath:
Bath time is a great time to relax. Adding even one or two drops of baby oil will help keep your skin supple. Alternatively, cover yourself with baby oil after showering. This is a great time to externally add oil to your skin as extra moisture will be locked in.
Try an anti-stretch mark cream that is safe for pregnancy:
Contrary to popular belief, anti-stretch mark creams are not a con. There are some brands that make wild claims regarding how they can vanish a stretch mark altogether, but a lot of pregnancy targeted creams contain natural ingredients that when applied externally will prevent stretch marks. Combined with the above natural methods, they may help prevent unsightly scars altogether.
Try not to stress too much over stretch marks. They aren’t inevitable and for some women can be avoided altogether. At the very least you will dramatically reduce the amount you get by following the above methods.
This Article has been viewed 947 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Great article. I had no idea water helped produce collagen.. but it only makes sense. :) I hope to read more.Thanks for commenting Pallas Dame, it's great to have a response to my first article. I forgot to add in it (and always do forget) that Vitamin C also helps prevent stretch marks. Tasty too :).
Thanks for commenting Pallas Dame, it's great to have a response to my first article. I forgot to add in it (and always do forget) that Vitamin C also helps prevent stretch marks. Tasty too :).
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.