After the initial euphoria of getting the good news about being pregnant, many expectant mothers find themselves worried about the other incoming issues - weight gain, stretch marks and the likes. While all of these are natural, there are ways to keep them in check. However, the important thing to remember is that you are growing a baby inside of you and a healthy and happy pregnancy should be of utmost priority. During pregnancy, you are most likely to notice stretch marks during the second trimester or the third trimester. Some women can also notice it as early as the first trimester although they may not be as prominent and may appear as fine red lines. Now, let’s look at some tips to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy!
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough fluids keeps your skin hydrated and thus prevents the onset of stretch marks. So make sure that you load up on caffeine free fluids to keep your skin soft and supple. Dry skin is at a higher risk of developing stretch marks so it’s a good idea to provide moisture to your skin in all available forms.
Watch your weight
While weight gain is a natural process of pregnancy, you can watch your pregnancy diet and consult your doctor to understand the ideal weight gain for your journey. Stretch marks are caused when you put on weight and your skin stretches to accommodate the additional gain, so keeping the weight gain within an ideal range can help significantly in managing stretch marks during pregnancy.
Keep your skin moisturized
As explained before, dry skin is more prone to stretch marks. So use a pregnancy safe cream to moisturize your belly and other parts like back and arms, where you notice or expect stretch marks to appear. It’s best to get your doctor’s word on the type of cream to use during this time. You can use this cream twice a day or whenever you feel like the skin is getting dry.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet
Lacking certain nutrients can also increase the chances of getting stretch marks so make sure you are having a well-balanced diet. Include all food groups and nutrients like zinc, iron, folic acid, vitamins and minerals. Consult a dietician for a pregnancy specific diet plan that can help you get all the essential nutrients.
Get enough Vitamin C and Vitamin D
These are two essential vitamins that can significantly help reduce the chances of getting stretch marks during pregnancy. Vitamin C helps develop collagen, which keeps the skin taught and stretch-mark free. You can get ample Vitamin C from citrus fruits. You can also use the available opportunity to soak up some sun as this can help you get enough Vitamin D.
Use natural massage oils
Apart from moisturizers, you can also opt for natural oils and hydrants like coconut oil, Vitamin E and shea butter to keep your skin moisturized. These are natural and safe ways to get the maximum moisture but do check in with your doctor for any allergies or concerns. You can use these oils for a mild belly massage in the morning, night and after a shower.
Treat marks as they appear
It’s likely that even after all the efforts, you may get some stretch marks. You can spot these early on and consult your doctor for medicated creams that can help prevent the prominent stretch marks.
You will be glad to know that even if you do get stretch marks during pregnancy, most marks fade over time and only appear as fine lines after a while. So make sure that you focus on good health, happiness and a healthy diet to ensure a safe pregnancy for you and your baby.
