It’s okay to admit that even though are are thrilled about being pregnant and having a baby you’re also nervous about what it means for your vastly changing and growing body. One of the biggest concerns expecting mamas have about their body is stretch marks. This post will do a deep dive on proven strategies that will help you completely avoid stretch marks from pregnancy.
Pregnancy Stretch Marks
When I was pregnant with my first baby, I was SO excited. But to be honest, I was also a little nervous about what it meant for my body, and I felt really guilty about it. The past few years I was getting into a really good health and exercise routine and was nervous that being pregnant and having a belly would change that. Because it being pregnant totally changes your body and lifestyle.
Being pregnant entirely changes your body, lifestyle, eating habits and more. It’s okay to be unsure and worried about this. You can’t change your cravings or growing baby belly, but you can change the lasting marks it leaves.
Knowing how to prevent stretch marks from pregnancy is like having the holy grail of pregnancy secrets. Genetics can play a big role in your skin’s elasticity and likelihood of getting stretch marks. However, there’s a lot you can do to prevent them too.
Prevent Stretch Marks from Pregnancy
1. Drink Water (Lots of water)
Water is good for you when you aren’t pregnant. But it’s especially important to up your intake once baby is on board. Water aids in digestion, helps form the amniotic fluid, reduces swelling and keeps you hydrated.
Skin hydration plays a key role in your body’s ability to stretch and prevent stretch marks from pregnancy. Hydration builds skin’s elasticity and strength. It nourishes cells from the inside to keep them plump and supple.
This means the more you drink, the more likely it is that your skin is soaking in all that extra goodness to give it the rubber band quality it needs to properly stretch over that growing belly. Keep this water bottle by your side. It holds a lot of water and will remind you to drink up throughout the day. This same bottle also went with me in my hospital bag and kept me hydrated during nursing.
2. Moisturize
Keep your skin hydrated and ready to stretch by keeping it moisturized. Because you are asking your skin to do a big job, normal lotions won’t get the job done. You need something with lots of natural moisturizing ingredients to soak in and keep skin topically moisturized and hydrated.
What to look for in a stretch mark cream
- Emollients – Emollients like shea butter or coconut oil have the ability to soften and smooth skin. They also fill in any cracks in the outer layer of skin and lock in moisture.
- Humectants – Are substances that draw water from the air and lower layers of the skin to keep the epidermis (top layer of skin) hydrated. Common humectants in skin care are hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
- Occlusives – Occlusives help form a protective layer on the outer skin to prevent hydration loss. Popular occlusives include: petroleum, lanolin, silicone and beeswax.
While all of these ingredients can be considered “pregnancy safe” you might be like most mamas who are looking for more toxin and chemical-free alternatives. Here is a comprehensive list of natural, safe and effective stretch mark creams and oils.
3. Moisturizer Application
The biggest mistake new moms make when it comes to stretch marks is how and where they apply their cream.
The first thing is you want to be consistent. Starting in your third trimester, apply cream 1-2 times a day. This keeps your skin hydrated for when it begins to rapidly grow and stretch. It also allows you to form a habit so you don’t forget to moisturize.
The second HUGE mistake is that moms only put cream on their belly. It seems to make sense because you’re belly is what’s growing. But your belly pulls that skin from wherever you already have skin. That means your butt, thighs, inner thighs, hips, and even your lower back. More is better when it comes to stretch mark cream.
Avoid stretch marks from pregnancy by being liberal with your oil or cream. Moisturize from your mid thighs all the way to your lower back and belly and in between. While you’re at it, you might want to apply cream to your breasts. As they grow to prepare for nursing, a lot of moms experience stretch marks on their boobs.
4. Have More Omega-3
Omega-3 is a nutrient found in some foods. It regulates the skin’s oil production, improves skin hydration and elasticity, and can slow down the skin’s aging process.
This superfood ingredient can be found in fatty fish like salmon, walnuts, flaxseed and chia seeds. It’s also convenient to take an omega-3 supplement to ensure you’re getting enough. This prenatal vitamin DHA has both omega-3 for mama and the appropriate amount of DHA for baby to aid in brain and neural tube development.
5. Up Your Collagen Intake
Collagen makes up the skin’s fibers that are responsible for elasticity and moisture. Collagen production declines as we age. Skin becomes drier and thinner as we get older. Lack of collagen is also what’s responsible for wrinkles.
This plays a huge role when it comes to the new demands on your stretching skin. If your body is lacking the collagen it needs because it’s not producing it on it’s own, your skin will be more dry and thin. This is a recipe for disaster when it comes to stretch marks from pregnancy.
The only way to replenish your collagen stores it is to ingest it. My favorite way to increase collagen is by taking Vital Proteins. It’s a natural supplement that’s taste free. you simply can mix it into your coffee or favorite drink. So easy! Two scoops is equal to 18 grams of protein. You can also find collagen in quality or homemade bone broth.
As a side note, the protein in collage in also responsible for acting like the glue that keeps our connective tissues and joints working properly. This is super helpful when it comes to pregnancy. You need the support for the extra weight you’re requiring your body and joints to maintain.
Taking collagen not only will help you prevent stretch marks from pregnancy but also alleviate some pregnancy side effects like sore joints and muscles.
6. Vitamin C
You know that collagen is important for skin hydration and elasticity. Vitamin C plays a huge role in the development of collagen that your body is able to do.
Take vitamin c as a supplement or add extra in your diet through vegetables and fruit. Oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits are high in this nutrient. Vitamin C can also be applied topically to help reduce the appearance of any stretch marks that might begin forming.
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RELATED – The Very Best Creams to Prevent Stretch Marks
Conclusion
Nobody wants stretch marks. Genetics play a big role in your skin’s natural skin hydration and elasticity. But there are plenty of ways to avoid stretch marks from pregnancy.
Upping your water, collagen and omega-3 intake will help tremendously. Investing in a quality and nutrient-absorbing stretch mark cream will help a ton too.
Lastly, if you do end up with stretch marks, know that it’s a beautiful reminder of your sweet baby and the miracle your body is capable of. It’s also okay not to love your new beauty marks. Keeping up with this same regimen will help your stretch marks heal and fade quickly.
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