Pregnant women often wonder if stretch marks can be prevented. These marks occur as a result of the weight gain and skin stretching during pregnancy. The jury is still out on whether they can be prevented, or not. Some women swear that home remedies or controlling weight gain can help prevent stretch marks. Others will get the marks no matter what they do.
One way to prevent stretch marks is to control your weight gain. Excessive weight gain will cause more stretch marks. It’s important to keep your weight under control during your pregnancy. A slow and steady weight gain is better than gaining fast for preventing stretch marks.
Don’t diet in an attempt to prevent stretch marks. This could rob your baby of much needed nutrients. Eat a healthy diet and choose healthy snacks over junk food. Regular exercise will also help control your weight gain. Exercise is safe for most pregnant women. Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
Some women find that moisturizing the skin will help prevent stretch marks. There is only anecdotal evidence to support this claim. Some of the products used for preventing stretch marks include cocoa butter, vitamin E, vitamin K, almond oil and lavender oil. Apply the product liberally and regularly to all areas of the skin prone to stretch marks, such as the tummy, thighs, breasts and buttocks. Apply lotions right after a shower to keep the moisture in your skin.
Moisturize your skin from the inside too. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Becoming dehydrated causes the skin to lose moisture and elasticity. Once you feel thirsty, you are already becoming dehydrated. Sip on water all day long and try to get at least eight glasses each day.
Your family history and the elasticity of your skin will determine how many stretch marks you get. Some people have more elasticity than others. This can be genetic. If all the women in your family have stretch marks despite trying to prevent them, you may get them as well. Do what you can to avoid them and consider your options for treating them after your pregnancy.
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