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[H1504]How To Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

by Gen Mason, Gen

For many women—especially those who favor bikinis—stretch marks are more to be dreaded than flabby thighs. Nevertheless, 90% of all women will develop pink or reddish, slightly indented, sometimes itchy streaks on their abdomen, hips and/or breasts, sometime during pregnancy. Stretch marks, also called striae distensae, occur most frequently on the abdomen, but some women also get them on the breasts, buttocks or thighs.

Stretch marks usually occur in the dermis, or elastic mid-layer of the skin. Repeated or sudden stretching of this layer causes a breakdown of the tissue, leaving behind scar tissue. Stretch marks usually occur during mid- to late pregnancy. As their name implies, Scar tissue that forms when the normal elasticity of the skin can't keep up with the stretching required during pregnancy is called stretch marks. Stretch marks are generally due to a large and/or rapid increase in weight.

Mothers-to-be whose skin tone is good and elastic either because of heredity or because they have maintained years of healthy nutrition and positive exercise habits may go through one or more pregnancies without any striations. Others, by keeping weight gain gradual, moderate and steady may be able to minimize and possibly prevent stretch marks.

Other things to try

Be sure that your diet contains adequate sources of the nutrients needed for healthy skin. Remember, stretch marks can result from nutritional deficiency. Be sure to consume foods that promote skin health. Eat plenty of zinc-rich foods such as fish and nuts. Foods like carrots, milk and citrus fruits are high in vitamins C, D, and A. Choose 2-3 servings daily of protein-rich foods such as eggs. Sufficient protein is essential.

Promoting the elasticity of your skin by nourishing it with good diet and nutritional choices may help. Do you remember mother telling you to drink lots of water? It's important for the health of your baby and can help keep your skin supple and more unlikely to develop stretch marks. Caffeine will increase your risk of developing stretch marks. If you must drink caffeine drinks, tea or coffee, make sure your water intake matches or exceed your caffeinated drink intake.

Understand that stretch marks are caused from within, and external treatments can't remove or prevent them. Money spent on expensive or exotic skin creams may make you feel like you're doing something, but it won't make the stretch marks disappear.

No cream, lotion, or oil, no matter how expensive, will prevent or alleviate stretch marks—although they may be fun for your partner to rub on the affected areas and will prevent your skin from drying out.

Even though keeping your skin soft and supple won't prevent stretch marks, it might help minimize them and it may help you feel better about yourself. Some women find that cocoa butter helps keep the skin soft. A gentle massage with oil or cream—on your own or with the help of your mate—may be pleasurable and relaxing as well as an aid to soft, smooth skin.

If you do develop stretch marks during pregnancy, you can console yourself with the knowledge that they will gradually fade to a silvery sheen some months after delivery. Just look upon this marks not as a disfigurement but the badge of honor for mothers..

After the pregnancy, when the stretch marks have faded, some women choose to visit a cosmetic or laser surgeon who may select dermabrasion or chemical peels to reduce the unsightly scars. Recent developments in laser techniques have offered hope for those who choose to have the scars permanently removed.

Did you know that it is said that 75-90 percent of all pregnant women develop stretch marks when pregnant? Apart from all the other factors that pregnant women may have to look forward to - like weight gain, fatigue, morning sickness, back aches and getting up all night to go to the toilet - they are are a very real possibility for every pregnant women.

They can occur on the breasts, abdomen, arms and legs and are most likely to appear during the sixth or seven month of your pregnancy. Whether you are likely to get stretch marks during pregnancy depends on the amount of your weight gain, your genes, your homes and what you have done to prevent them during the pregnancy.

There are many things you can do - including home remedies for stretch mark prevention - to lower the chance of you getting them when pregnant.

Here are some simple ways to prevent stretch marks during your pregnancy:

1. Drink plenty of water during pregnancy. Though this may have the downside of meaning that you are constantly on the toilet, by keeping your body hydrated you are also keeping your skin hydrated.

2. Eat plenty of fresh produce, fruits and vegetables, healthy oils and low fat foods. Vitamins that are particularly great contributors to the appearance of the quality of your skin are Vitamins C, E, A and zinc - though foods rich in Vitamin A are best avoided during pregnancy.

3. Try not to gain too much weight during pregnancy. If you have a more steady weight gain your skin will stretch slowly and naturally thus lessening the chances of having stretch marks.

4. Increase circulation to the areas prone to stretch marks - abdomen, arms, legs, breasts for example - by using a body brush or a wash cloth to gently massage those areas.

5. Make sure your diet is balanced and nutritional. If you believe your diet could be improved then be sure to take vitamins which are critical for your overall wellbeing and that of your baby but also your skin, hair and teeth.

6. Make sure your skin is moisturized throughout your pregnancy but also after the birth of your baby till you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight. There are many stretch mark creams and oils that can help prevent getting them while pregnant. Vitamin E oil is a very popular massage oil during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks. These creams and oils have been specifically designed to keep your skin taut and firm during pregnancy.

7. Check with your doctor to see if you can undertake some mild forms of exercise during your pregnancy. Keeping your body in ship-shape and toned condition is a great way to make the most of what the body has to offer, also for your skin! Ensure that you include enough portions of protein, carbohydrates, and fats in your diet to feel and look your best and to reduce the chance of getting thems during pregnancy.

8. Avoid stress as much as possible when pregnant. Making sure you have relaxing periods to yourself and reduce your stress levels will result in less stress on your skin. All of the above can contribute to your health, well-being but also the condition of your body and skin and ultimately lower your chances of getting them when pregnant.

However, stretch mark prevention does not stop after you have given birth. You are also prone to get them following dramatic weight loss so it's important to keep all these lifestyle choices mentioned above in mind after the birth of your baby too.

By following these simple lifestyle tips to preventing stretch marks when pregnant you will greatly reduce your changes of getting them in the first place.

However, should you get them nonetheless remember that you are not alone and that there are many stretch mark treatments and home remedies for stretch marks to help reduce the appearance of them.

They are a very small price to pay for the blessing of giving birth to a beautiful baby.

Article Source : Pg. 16

About Author

Both Gen Mason & Karin Manning are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Gen Mason has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy Problems, Family Concerns and Pregnancy Problems. Gen Mason is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. To learn about losing weight during and after pregnancy go to . Gen Mason's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.

Karin Manning has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vacation, Nutrition and Recreation and Sports. SPECIAL OFFER: For complete information about including stretch marks during and after pregnancy go to. Karin Manning's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.