Preventing stretch marks for expecting moms

Whether we like it or not, stretch marks develop during pregnancy. Lines start to appear on our lower abdomen usually during the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. Apart from that, stretch marks also show up on other areas of out bodies such as upper thighs, buttocks, breasts and even arms. These depend on the amount of weight we gain and genetic history. Genetics really play a huge role why some pregnant women have more stretch marks than other.

Stretch marks can still be prevented or even limit it's appearance whether it's genetic or not. Here are the guidelines which really would help us :

1. Eat a healthy, diverse and balanced diet that keeps your weight gain within the recommended range of 25 to 35 pounds. Excellent nutritional status is vital for your developing baby, but it also contributes to the strength and health of the body’s largest organ: the skin. What’s more, a controlled and steady weight gain, without any wild upward swings, will let your skin stretch at a steady rate without any unexpected jolts.

2. Use a body brush or wash cloth to massage the areas where you have stretch marks, or want to prevent stretch marks from appearing - this will increase circulation to the area, which may be helpful.

3. Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important for your overall health and well-being as well as that of your growing baby, and it is critical to healthy skin.

4. Take your vitamins. This is one more way to ensure proper nutritional status, which is critical for your overall health and well-being, as well as beautiful skin and a healthy baby!

5. Keep skin liberally and effectively moisturized beginning in the first or second trimester and through your recovery to your pre-pregnancy weight, perhaps with one of the many oils and creams marketed especially for stretch mark prevention. These moisturizers will help keep your skin supple and elastic plus serve as “food” (and vitamin supplements) for your skin. The various vitamins and oils used to create these formulas are designed to help enhance collagen production and support the dermis, to keep skin intact despite the rigorous stretching. source