Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Most women will develop stretch marks during pregnancy as their skin stretches during weight gain but there are ways that can reduce these marks. Between 75 of women do get some stretch marks during pregnancy. The time that stretch marks begin to show during pregnancy can vary but they usually begin to show during the sixth or seventh month. Although they are most common on the abdomen they can also show up on the upper thighs, buttocks, breasts or arms depending on the amount of weight you gain. Genetics plays an important role by predisposing whether or not you are going to have a lot of stretch marks. If your mother had stretch marks then it is likely that you will have them too.
Eating properly will ensure that you don’t become overweight which increases the possibility and amount of the stretch marks. Your doctor or health care giver can tell you how much weight you should gain during the different stages of pregnancy but generally a total weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds is recommended. Eating properly also aids in the development and health of your unborn baby. A controlled and steady weight gain will reduce the amount of stretch marks by allowing your skin to stretch at an even pace.
Keep your body hydrated by drinking proper amounts of water as that is important for your general health and your skin. Natural juices may contain a lot of natural sugar so your doctor may want you to limit the intake of juices, especially fruit juices or vegetable juices such as beet or carrot juice. Some herbal teas may be allowed but talk to your doctor or health care giver before using these as some do have side effects which may not be beneficial to your unborn baby.
Take your vitamins and minerals as recommended by your doctor or health care giver. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and needs to be properly nourished.
Massage the areas where you do have stretch marks or want to prevent them with a soft body brush, sponge or wash cloth to increase circulation to that area.
Keep your skin moisturized from the beginning of your pregnancy and through to the time that you have returned to your pre-pregnancy weight. There are creams and oils especially formulated for preventing stretch marks. The dramatic weight loss you will experience after you have delivered your baby also can cause stretch marks so continue taking care of your skin during that time.
Some women prefer using natural oil instead of a store bought moisturizing cream. Shea butter, cocoa butter or almond butter are some examples of natural butters and may be available at speciality shops. Oils such as Vitamin E oil, grape seed oil, wheat germ oil or olive oil can also be used. Some women like to add a few drops of fragrance such as natural lavender or sweet orange to the oils but they should only be used occasionally and some women may be allergic to these oils. Aloe Vero gel does help reduce stretch marks for some women. All creams and lotions containing steroids should be avoided and if you develop any reaction to an oil immediately stop using it. Women allergic to peanuts or latex should avoid shea butter.
If you still get stretch marks even though you have done everything you can to prevent them they will fade in time and are a small price to pay to have your baby.

Irene Sherwood is a minister, counsellor and author who has written numerous family-related articles. Her best selling eBook – The Secrets of Making Your Child a Genius – is available at www.genius-child.com and her articles at www.jil-designs.com.