Thursday, November 27, 2008

Guidelines For Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

By Rashel Dan

If you try preventing stretch marks from occurring during pregnancy chances are, you will also reduce the degree of stretch marks you experience after birth. You can follow the tips below to learn more about how to prevent the stretch marks.

1. Always moisturize. Keep your skin always moisturized in the first or second trimester and through your recovery to your pre-pregnancy weight. This may help in preventing stretch marks from developing. There are many creams and oils that are especially made just to do this. Massage these creams on the areas of concern. Typically these stretch marks develop in the lower abdomen but they can also show up on your breasts, buttocks, thighs, and arms.

Elastic skins have lesser chances of developing stretch marks. Using products with ingredients like vitamins E, A, & D3, emu oil, aloe vera, cocoa butter, lanolin, and squalene oil will help improve the skin's elasticity. These formulas are designed to enhance collagen production and support the dermis because if the dermis stays in tact, the formation of stretch marks will be avoided. However, experiences have shown that using creams and oils might have a limited effect on the skin. Therefore, it is important to use different preventive measures all at the same to achieve your goal of preventing stretch marks.

2. Increase your water intake. This will help keep the skin stay hydrated and pliable. Doctors believe that drinking a lot of water will increase the suppleness of your skin and make your skin clearer.

3. Diligence and hard work are very important to prevent those ugly marks. Massage the prone areas with a body brush or wash cloth. The increase in blood circulation on those parts can help you avoid unsightly marks.

4. Go for healthy foods. Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet can also be beneficial for you. A nutritious diet should contain plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods contain nutrients that will help your skin be more elastic and also help your skin return to its prenatal state after giving birth. Taking your prenatal vitamins will also give you the benefits of healthy and beautiful skin.

5. Control your weight. When you eat right during pregnancy, you will also be rewarded with the added benefit of having control over your weight. The best way to go about this is to talk to your doctor to know how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. With this knowledge you will be able to avoid gaining too much because rapid and excessive weight gain will compound the problem of stretch marks.

If you're expecting a baby, then expect stretch marks. Between 75 and 90 percent of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks but that's not the worse thing about it because what's really bad is that once stretch marks have developed, they are permanent and rarely disappear. Another well known fact regarding stretch marks is that genetics play a role in whether or not you get them. This means that if your mother had them, there is almost a one hundred percent certainty that you will develop these marks as well. Therefore, following the five guidelines is your best bet against preventing stretch marks. - 16004

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