Avoid Stretch Marks While Pregnant

Pregnancy is one of the most joyous times in a woman's life. But during these times there are certain changes that take place in the body, both visible and the ones that cannot be seen but felt. One such visible sign that most women dread is stretch marks. Stretch marks are small, sometimes elongated streaks in the skin of the abdomen, inner thighs, breasts and sides. At times these marks tend to be indented and pigmented. Stretch marks are caused due to the stretching of the elastic tissues just below the epidermis. One of the main reasons for the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy is rapid weight gain. Some women tend to develop stretch marks because they are genetically predisposed. The type and texture of the skin plays a major role in the appearance of stretch marks. A skin, which has a low degree of elasticity, is more prone to stretch marks. If you have a skin type that can easily fall prey to stretch marks, here are some tips to avoid stretch marks.

Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Though stretch marks are inevitable and tend to appear as the stomach begins to grow, there are many ways that can be implemented to prevent stretch marks. Given below are some ways for preventing stretch marks while pregnant:

• One of the simple ways to reduce stretch marks is to follow a proper diet regimen that can keep the skin elastic and healthy. One must include foods that are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and proteins. Whole grains, green leafy vegetables and fruits can yield a glowing, healthy skin. It is also necessary to keep a check on what you consume if you want to keep away stretch marks.
• Don't expose yourself to the sun as the harsh rays of the sun tend to drain the body of its moisture thereby making the body prone to stretch marks. It can also make the underlying stretch marks more visible.
• It is also essential to consume lots of water and fruit juices. It not only keeps your skin hydrated but also replaces the lost moisture and prevents the occurrence of stretch marks.
• Rubbing your skin with natural oils like wheat germ oil, shea butter, vitamin E, cocoa butter and pure lanolin will keep your skin moisturized and minimize the stretch marks.
• Avoid overeating and consuming junk food as these food products can make the body bloated and stretchable. So in order to ward off stretch marks, eat small meals at regular intervals that will not only make you feel full but also avoid unnecessary weight gain.
• There are many lotions that are easily available in the market, to get rid of stretch marks. Some of these lotions are over the counter while some can be prescribed by a dermatologist. There are also many skin creams that contain castor oil, olive oil and vitamin E that are beneficial in reducing stretch marks.

These were some of the ways to avoid stretch marks. Don't get annoyed or disturbed if you notice any stretch marks, as it is a visible sign that your baby is growing everyday. So don't let these stretch marks dampen your spirits from enjoying your motherhood.