How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

As your unborn child grows throughout your 9 months of pregnancy, you can guarantee that your body is going to be going through a lot of changes. Your waist and hip size may change. Your stomach is definitely going to swell up. You probably are also going to start to notice stretch marks. As your body begins to rapidly accommodate for a growing baby, stretch marks will start to pop up.

They can be red, purple, or white. After delivery, they may fade a little but never totally disappear. Most women get them on their stomach, thighs, buttocks, and breasts during pregnancy.

Many women go to all different lengths to prevent stretch marks. Some common ways to prevent them are:

1) Stretch Mark Creams

There are a lot of lotions that guarantee and claim to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. These may include products like Mederma and cocoa butter creams. However, there is really no research that actually has proven these creams to be 100% effective. You can research and review a few different kinds. One may work better for you than another.

2) Moisturize

Keeping your belly moisturized is very important during pregnancy. It may help reduce stretch marks and also lessens skin itching and irritation. You may want to use lotions rich in vitamins E and A.

3) Use them daily

One common mistake that most pregnant women make is to stop using their lotions and creams. Moisturizing has to be done daily. If not, your skin will quickly dry out. Dry, stretching skin can become itchy, irritated, or tear.

4) Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is important for so many aspects of pregnancy. It can help prevent nausea and morning sickness. Drinking enough water will ensure that your skin stays healthy also.

5) Watch your weight

For a normal pregnancy, most women will gain between 25-35 pounds. If you are gaining a lot of excess weight, stretch marks are more likely to occur. Also if you are carrying twins or multiples, your stomach is going to be larger, causing more stretch marks.

You may follow a daily moisturizing routine, stay hydrated, and watch your weight but still get stretch marks. They are a normal part of nearly every pregnancy. They will eventually fade over time (usually 6-12 months) and become less noticeable. Women that have had several kids, multiples, twins, or large babies may experience more defined stretch marks.

If the stretch marks are bothering you, consider talking to a dermatologist who may recommend a prescription cream. Topical creams can help lessen the appearance of stretch marks. However, they cannot be used immediately after pregnancy or while breast feeding.

Another option may be to get laser treatments or a tummy tuck. You can discuss all of your options with your dermatologist. However, you should be aware that tummy tucks or laser treatments are considered elective surgery that your insurance probably won’t cover.

Having a few stretch marks should be considered a small price to pay for having a beautiful, healthy baby. They should be nothing to be embarrassed about. If you find yourself getting easily disgusted at them, remember your precious gift.