Stretch marks are common during pregnancy, and it’s normal to feel insecure about them. These purple, reddish or silvery lines become visible on the hips, belly, thighs or breast as the skin stretches to provide space during the growth of the baby. To completely get rid of these marks will be somewhat challenging for you. There are some effective ways that help to make these marks less noticeable. Those ways include management of a healthy weight and moisturizing your skin with cream or oil. Taking these steps may support your skin in an effective way and reduce its appearance as your body goes through the transformation. Through this blog, you will explore more ways to prevent these marks.
Easy Ways To Prevent Stretch Marks Are As Follows:-
Stretch marks are natural during pregnancy. But there is nothing to feel embarrassed about understanding the causes and how to treat them, which are helpful to reduce the severity and appearance of the marks.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
The most effective way to prevent stretch marks is to manage a healthy weight progressively. Stretch marks develop when skin stretches due to increased weight. While the changes in your body are expected and natural, you can slow down this process by maintaining a healthy weight. To support the healthy weight gain and manage the healthy weight follow:-
- The recommendation by your doctor based on your type and pregnancy needs.
- You can also include light exercise in daily routines like walking, yoga and swimming, but approximately only for 30 minutes per day.
- Eat a balanced diet including fruits, whole grains, vegetables and protein sources.
- Avoid eating packaged and processed foods, sugary drinks and excess salt, which affect the health and elasticity of the skin.
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the stress on the skin, allowing you to stretch in a natural way and adapt to the changes in your body. If you are experiencing unexpected weight loss or gain, then consult with the doctor and take appropriate steps.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated well keeps your skin supple, healthy and soft. It’s not easy to develop soft skin during pregnancy because of the rough and dry skin. To reduce stretch marks and maintain soft skin, proper hydration is important.
- Aim to drink 2 to 3 litres of water per day, but also consult with your doctor because the pregnancy may change the hydration needs of your body.
- Always keep your water bottle with you and have a sip at regular intervals throughout the day instead of drinking a large amount of water at once.
- Reduce the intake of caffeinated drinks such as soda or coffee, which leads to dehydration in your body and increases the chances of stretch marks. If you like coffee, then limit it to one or two cups per day, not more than that.
- You may also include the other hydrating options such as fresh fruit juice, coconut water and herbal teas.
Eat A Proper Diet
Whatever you eat directly affects the strength of the skin and its ability to stretch without any damage. The deficiency of nutrients may contribute to the development of stretch marks during pregnancy. A diet rich with all the essential nutrients helps to keep your skin healthy, elastic and resilient.
- Vitamin C
Collagen is important to maintain firm and elastic skin. It plays a key role in preventing stretch marks and helps to reduce wrinkles. The foods which are rich in vitamin C are broccoli, peppers, citrus fruits, potatoes and berries that support the production of collagen in the skin.
- Vitamin D
According to the research, maintaining the proper level of vitamin D in the body helps to reduce the risk of stretch marks. Sunlight is the natural source of vitamin D; for this reason, this vitamin is also called the sunshine vitamin.
- Protein
The intake of adequate protein is important to maintain elasticity in the skin and prevent stretch marks. A lack of protein may disrupt the production of protein in the body. Increase the intake of protein by consuming foods like fish, meat, eggs, dairy products like cheese, milk and yogurt.
Use Creams And Moisturizers
Applying creams and moisturizers keeps your skin healthy and hydrated, which helps to reduce the stretch marks from forming in the first place. However, there are so many products in the market, so it’s very easy to get confused while purchasing a product. So always choose the product containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, cocoa butter or shea butter.
Conclusion
Pregnancy stretch marks are natural and common. You can easily support your skin during this period of time by staying hydrated, applying coconut oil and having a balanced diet. These small habits can make a big difference. Remember that the requirements of everybody are different. Some women may develop stretch marks even though doing everything right, and that is completely okay. The thing that matters the most is taking care of yourself and your baby. If you are not sure about any product use and want any appropriate guidance during your pregnancy, then consult with Dr. Shuchita Batra at AMERITUS HOSPITAL to find the best approach for your pregnancy needs.
FAQ’S
- Which ingredients should I avoid during pregnancy?
Retinol and prescription retinoid creams should be avoided during pregnancy.
- What can I do after delivery for stretch marks?
After delivery, you can go for professional laser therapy and prescription retinoids, but once you have finished breastfeeding.
