Most women (between 75 and 90 per cent) get stretch marks (also called striae gravidarum) when they are pregnant. Stretch marks are caused by the skin stretching as you gain weight in pregnancy. They usually appear as pinkish (or sometimes red) lines on your abdomen, legs, thighs and hips. You may believe you have avoided them, and then find that they appear suddenly in the last week or two before your baby is born.
What can I do to prevent stretch marks?
Unfortunately, there
isn't much you can do. Gaining no more than the recommended amount of
weight — in most cases, 25 to 35 pounds — and gaining it slowly may
reduce your chances of getting stretch marks.
- Eat a healthy well balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
Rapid weight gain is a common cause of stretch marks and is unhealthy
for you and your baby. Eating right during pregnancy can help you keep
your weight gain under control. Talk with your doctor about how much
weight you should gain during your pregnancy. Just because you are
eating for two doesn't mean that you have permission to overdo it. Drink
plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated and pliable.
- Take your pre natal vitamins. Your body needs extra vitamins
and minerals at this time so taking your vitamins will supplement those
needs. It will also help you develop beautiful skin and hair during your
pregnancy.
- Another way to avoid stretch marks is to use creams that
contain vitamin E or cocoa butter. Massage these creams onto your skin
where stretch marks are forming. The massaging action itself can
increase blood flow to that area and diminish visible stretch marks.
There are plenty of creams on the market that claim to reduce the
appearance of stretch marks. You might want to try several to see what
works for you.
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