10 Tips For Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
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10 TIPS FOR PREVENTING STRETCH MARKS DURING PREGNANCY
Genetics play a big part in whether you will get stretch marks or not. However, there are ways to prevent them or minimize how they affect you. Here you will learn more about what causes stretch marks, when stretch marks tend to first appear, and how you can prevent the stretch marks.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Stretch Marks are caused when the thin layers of tissue directly below your skin begins to tear as your belly grows. As mentioned earlier, whether or not you get them is mostly genetic. If your mother had them and her mother before her, you are likely to get them as well. Another likely way people get stretch marks is by rapidly gained weight.
When Do Stretch Marks Start Appearing?
Most women find their first signs of stretch marks at the 13-21 week mark of their pregnancy. That is when the baby bump begins to really show causing the tears in the tissue directly below the skin.
Preventing Stretch Marks
As mentioned a couple of times previously, genetics is the most tell-tale sign of whether or not you will get stretch marks. However, there are some tips if you are looking for ways on how to not get stretch marks when pregnant.
Preventing Stretch Marks Tip 1. KEEP HYDRATED
Our bodies are made up of about 75% water so it makes sense that drinking water would help. Water fills every single cell in our body. If you don’t drink enough those cells will become dehydrated. When you drink more water, your cells work better and look better. Nice plump cells can withstand a lot more stretching, and the skin layers won’t tear as easily.
Preventing Stretch Marks Tip 2. HEALTHY DIET
We all know a healthy diet is the best way for your baby to get nutrients. However, the extra vitamins and minerals will improve the condition of your skin. Vitamins E and C are best for improving your skin quality. Foods rich in zinc, gelatin, and omega 3 fatty acids will help prevent stretch marks.
Preventing Stretch Marks Tip 3. MOISTURIZE
A great way to keep your skin soft and supple is to moisturize daily. A good stretch mark cream or oil will provide moisture for your skin. It can act as a barrier to stop water escaping.
Specialist stretch mark creams are designed to absorb deep into the skin and improve its flexibility. It’s best to start using these as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Apply to areas where you easily gain weight such as your tummy, breasts, bottom, and thighs.
Preventing Stretch Marks Tip 4. FISH OIL
A prenatal fish oil can improve your skin and prevent stretch marks. Omega 3 Fatty acids help to regenerate your skin and prevent inflammation. They also help keep your cells hydrated by holding onto water and getting rid of toxins. Fatty acids are found in some dietary sources such as oily fish and dark leafy vegetables.
Preventing Stretch Marks Tip 5. WEIGHT WATCH
Stretch marks appear where there is rapid skin growth. The under layers tear when the skin is constantly stretching. It happens in places where you are more likely to gain fat. Tackle this by maintaining a healthy weight in your pregnancy. Don’t fall into the ‘eating for two’ trap.
For sensible weight gain during pregnancy check out the US health department recommendations.
Preventing Stretch Marks Tip 6. EXERCISE MORE
Regular exercise can help improve your skin’s elasticity. A 30-minute aerobic session will boost your circulation. Increased blood flow will bring nutrients to your skin cells and remove the toxins. Exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight in pregnancy and slow down fat storage. Women who exercise in pregnancy take less time to lose any pregnancy weight gain once your baby is born. Make sure to consult with your doctor about any and all pre-natal exercise.
Preventing Stretch Marks Tip 7. SUN PROTECTION
Sun exposure is well known to damage even the best of skin quickly. Pregnancy makes your skin much more sensitive to harmful UVA and UVB rays. Excessive sun exposure leads to dehydrated cells with reduced function. These cells are much more prone to damage so use a good sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30.
Preventing Stretch Marks Tip 8. AVOID HOT WATER
We apologize if you love a good long bath soak or shower. Hot water is the enemy of healthy, hydrated skin. In fact it can cause dry skin, which is much more likely to develop stretch marks. Lack of water in the skin cells will cause them to collapse. The heat can also cause excessive itching to the skin.
Preventing Stretch Marks Tip 9. EXFOLIATION
Regular skin brushing will help you remove dead skin layers and boost your circulation. A good quality skin brush will smooth out the top layers of skin. This can help to minimize the appearance of existing stretch marks.
Try to focus on areas which are problematic for you. Brush upwards in a circular motion, toward the heart. Dry brushing can also help you distribute fat sore around the body. It also improves your lymph system to remove more toxins from the skin.
Preventing Stretch Marks Tip 10. MASSAGE
Massage is a great way to boost circulation to your skin. It’s a great way for you and your partner to bond or pampering by a professional. You can also use oils too with skin friendly benefits. Massage can help you to relax, de-stress and sleep better.
If you do get stretch marks don’t be too upset. We all have them, wear your tiger stripes proud mama. You are beautiful.
For more pregnancy advice or parenting tips, check out our Parenting Tips Blog
Tags: avoiding stretch marks, pregnancy stretch marks, pregnancy tiger stripes, stretch marks, tiger stripes