2 Critical Keys to Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Have you just found out you’re pregnant and whilst you’re bouncing with happiness, you’re also secretly panicking about the chances of developing stretch marks? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Stretch marks in pregnancy mostly appear over the stomach and on the breasts, however these can also appear at other times in life, e.g. during times of weight gain and then loss. Stretch marks first appear as red or purple lines, before fading to a silver track over time. Whilst there is nothing dangerous about these lines in terms of health, they can leave you feeling less than confident about showing off your body in a bikini or otherwise.
So, whilst it’s totally impossible for sure that you will not develop even the slightest stretch mark during your nine months of pregnancy, there are a few natural ways you can reduce the chances, or even prevent them occurring. Let’s check out the best two.
Watch Your Diet and Stay Hydrated
Let’s even with you here – you are going to put on some weight during pregnancy, this is totally normal, totally expected, and totally inevitable, but the key is how much you put on. There is a healthy amount for every woman, which is individual to her. This is including the weight of the baby and everything else that goes on during pregnancy, but this shouldn’t account for an excessive diet, simply because you have free rein for 9 months – you don’t!
Eat as healthily during pregnancy as you should at any other time, packing your diet with vitamins and minerals that are important for overall wellbeing. This should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, protein, and also to watch your portion control. The old ‘eating for two’ adage has been proven to be incorrect – you simply need to ensure that you’re getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals for you and baby. If you do this, and if you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, you will reduce the chances of developing stretch marks in pregnancy drastically.
This is because your skin is not going to have to stretch excessively, and by staying hydrated, you’re allowing your skin to regenerate new cells, which help to reduce the chances of those lines.
Exfoliate Regularly
In addition to eating a healthy, balanced diet, it’s also important to give your skin a helping hand directly; you can do this by exfoliating the prone areas on a regular basis. Be gentle and don’t scrub hard – it’s important not to anger or irritate the skin and make it red!
Instead, either buy an exfoliating scrub or make your own out of sugar and lemon juice. Apply this to the skin and gently rub, either using an exfoliating mitt or a wash cloth, using small circulation motions. Once finished rinse off with warm water and pat dry with a towel. You’ll not only be cutting your chances of developing stretch marks, but your skin will be super-soft too!
If you can incorporate these two key points into your daily routine, you’suceed in fighting against stretch marks during pregancy.
