For many women, along with the miracle of birth comes the unpleasant side effect of stretch marks during pregnancy.
In general stretch marks are not a huge deal and can be overlooked, but for some women there is no worse fate. Whether or not you find stretch marks absolutely unbearable or not, it’s always a good idea to make an attempt to prevent them or at least tone down the effects.
Stretch marks are caused by stretching of the skin, and occur in particular after rapid gains and losses in weight. It goes without saying then that the skin around your fast growing stomach is hugely susceptible to stretch marks during pregnancy. Most women are equally in danger of getting stretch marks, but the severity of them does vary depending on genetic make up.
In general, Stretch marks occur in the later trimesters of pregnancy, however some women will start to see them as soon as the stomach begins growth. In reality, pregnancy will often result in some stretch marks, but if you take the right steps, prevention is possible.
One way to prevent stretch marks is to apply certain lotions to the stomach to try and prevent stomach stretch marks. There is probably more hype surrounding stretch mark lotions than is warranted, as there is no miracle cure, but applying the right lotion can have a positive effect. A popular remedy used amongst pregnant women is cocoa butter.
Another of the most important factors involved in preventing stretch marks during pregnancy is keeping fit. Doctors recommend putting on around 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. If you put on to much more than this by over eating or ceasing to exercise, you’re far more likely to have a problem with stretch marks. Regular walking and a healthy diet cannot be overlooked as a part of pregnancy. Once the birth has occurred, make sure you keep to a healthy diet and exercise routine, and any stretch marks you had will disappear along with that excess weight.
By taking these steps you are well on your way to preventing stretch marks during pregnancy, or at least ensuring that the stretch marks you may get are far less noticeable.
