Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy – Best Strategies to Stop Those Ugly Lines From Forming

10. Feb, 2010 0 Comments

Preventing stretch marks during pregnancy is the best strategy to ensure you won’t develop these unsightly lines. When you become pregnant and the skin on your hips and abdomen stretch rapidly to accommodate the growing baby, oftentimes the lower layers of skin don’t have enough elasticity to stretch without breaking. The connective tissues actually break. And those small tears result in scarring in the form of stretch marks.

Not all women experience this problem. Some are lucky enough to have skin that is naturally elastic and can handle the stretching without breaking. But many women do commonly experience stretch marks-especially those with fair skin. However, pregnancy doesn’t have to mean stretch marks. There are some things you can do to help with preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.

You can start living a skin-friendly lifestyle before you get pregnant. But even if you’re already expecting, it’s not too late to start. There are several very effective things you can do to nurture your skin, increase its elasticity, and ensure healthy skin.

Did you know that skin is actually considered an organ-and it is your body’s largest organ? Just as all bodily organs need to be care for and not abused, you need to care for your skin. One way to care for your skin is to provide it with the minerals and vitamins it needs to strengthen the elastin fibers and collagen. This is what gives the skin its elasticity. Foods rich in Vitamins E, C, B2, and B3-in addition to silica and zinc-all help your body produce the collagen it needs to be healthy.

During pregnancy, skin can seem abnormally dry, itchy, and easily irritated. This is because the skin is stretching. But you can help rehydrate your skin cells by drinking lots and lots of water. Avoid beverages that are high in sugar because they can increase cellulite, but go ahead and feel free to indulge in herbal tea, vegetable juice, and fruit juice in addition to pure clean H20. Water rejuvenates your skin and helps with preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.

You should also moisturize your skin at least twice daily, particularly where it is prone to stretching such as on the hips and abdomen. This is important before, during, and after pregnancy, but is most important during the time when your tummy is rapidly expanding. Moisturizing lotions, oils, and creams that contain vitamins and enzymes to help your body produce elastin and collagen are the best. And these lotions also help hydrate the skin. Moisturizers improve your skin’s elasticity, too.

Make sure any products you plan to use are approved by your physician, however. Check with your OB/GYN to be sure all treatments are safe for the baby and you.

Finally, you can help with preventing stretch marks during pregnancy by staying active. Lots of walking and low-impact aerobic activities are great for your overall health and your skin. In addition, it will help you sleep better, manage changing hormone levels and emotions, and give you increased energy as well as toned muscles!

For more information on preventing stretch marks during pregnancy, visit http://www.best-stretch-marks-treatments.com as well prevention tips and the best stretch marks creams and lotions reviewed.