It’s normal for pregnant women to experience stretch marks, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t frustrating. Many of us would love to know if there is any way we can prevent them from appearing in the first place.
Pregnancy is an amazing experience, but it can also come with some unwelcome surprises. One of the most common (and annoying) side effects of pregnancy is stretch marks. Stretch marks are reddish stripes that typically appear on your growing belly during pregnancy, and sometimes even on your butt, breasts or thighs.
Steps To Minimize Stretch Marks
While there isn’t much you can do to prevent them from occurring, there are a few steps you can take to minimize their appearance:
1) Avoid excessive weight gain: While gaining weight during pregnancy is normal and healthy – too much extra weight could lead to more pronounced stretch marks. Talk with your doctor about what a healthy amount for you would be based on your body type and lifestyle needs
2) Keep skin hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help keep skin moisturized which may reduce the risk or severity of developing stretch marks
3) Use topical creams/oils specifically designed for pregnant women: These products contain ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, aloe vera etc which provide moisture & nourishment while helping promote collagen production in order to diminish existing lines & wrinkles.
From The Experts
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that although some topical treatments may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy, reliable prevention methods are “scarce” at best. While avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy may help minimize their occurrence, it won’t guarantee you won’t get them at all. Sometimes they just happen no matter what precautions you take.
Most stretch marks do fade after delivery and become less noticeable over time, so don’t worry too much about how your body looks while pregnant. Focus on taking care of yourself by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly throughout your pregnancy journey. This will go a long way towards keeping both mommy and baby healthy and happy.
Remember these tips when trying to lessen their appearance. Stay hydrated, avoid excess weight gain, and use topical creams/oils that are specifically designed for pregnant women.