Pregnancy Stretch Marks
How To Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
You’re pregnant! Congratulations! You can’t wait to hold that precious little one in your arms and you’re ticking off the days until that time comes. It truly is a joyous experience but, Mother Nature says you have to wait nine months until you get there. Mother Nature also says along the way you may experience fatigue, nausea, backaches, constant trips to the bathroom and oh, one more thing, stretch marks!
Statistically, between 75% and 90% of pregnant women (90% of white women) get stretch marks during pregnancy. They start showing up everywhere – on your belly, breasts, upper thighs, upper arms, and your buttocks. The good news is, there are some measures you can take to try to limit the possibility of getting stretch marks while you’re pregnant.
- Eat a healthy diet. Not only is this good for your health and the overall development of your baby, but it helps to ensure that you stay within the recommended weight gain of twenty-five to thirty-five pounds. Gaining weight slowly during your pregnancy allows your skin to adjust to the stretching that takes place.
- Take your vitamins as recommended by your doctor. Vitamins are import while you are pregnant and they go hand-in-hand with a healthy diet.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin healthy. Toward the end of your pregnancy when it seems like you live in the bathroom, skimping on your water intake will not do you any favors.
- Keep your skin moisturized during and after pregnancy. Creams designed to prevent stretch marks will help keep your skin strong and supple. These creams are formulated to encourage collagen production.
It’s important to take care of yourself during your pregnancy and after your baby is born. We all want to get back to our pre-pregnancy weight as quickly as possible, but take it slow. Rapid weight loss can also make your skin susceptible to stretch marks. In addition, you want to keep yourself strong and healthy as your body recovers from childbirth and you deal with the new demands in your life that motherhood brings.
Once again, congratulations! Enjoy your pregnancy and most of all, enjoy all the wonderful experiences of being a mother!!!
