5 Tips to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body performs at its best. Feeling a baby growing inside you and watching your belly expand is a unique experience. However, the less popular side effects include stretch marks for 75 percent of pregnant women. In this article, we answer the most important questions about stretch marks, such as where they come from and whether there is a way to prevent them.

How do stretch marks form?

Not only will your belly become increasingly round during the nine months to make room for your growing baby: due to milk production, your breasts will also enlarge, and your thighs and buttocks often experience additional Fluid retention During pregnancy, the skin at these areas must stretch very rapidly. This can cause the underlying connective tissue to tear, revealing the deeper, bluish-red vessels – the typical stretch marks or pregnancy scars, in medical terms. Striae Gravidarum mentioned. Whether you will be affected by stretch marks due to your pregnancy is largely genetically determined and mainly depends on the elasticity of your connective tissue. However, factors such as a very rapid Weight gain or one Multiple pregnancy promote the development of stretch marks.

What can be done about stretch marks?

First of all: Stretch marks during pregnancy are completely normal and nothing you should be ashamed of. They are usually not entirely avoidable, and their appearance varies from woman to woman. They are also entirely harmless to you and your baby. Nevertheless, here are some tips and tricks for preventing and treating skin tears:

1. The right care

From the very beginning of pregnancy, you can do something good for your skin and help prevent the development of stretch marks. Regular, gentle massages and exfoliations on your belly, breasts, and thighs stimulate blood circulation and keep the tissue elastic. Since dry skin is more prone to tearing, you should also provide it with an extra boost of moisture now: daily care with rich creams or oils, such as the protects your skin from drying out. You can apply this natural oil in circular motions to the affected areas. The ingredients contained are specifically tailored to the needs of skin during pregnancy, promote its elasticity, and can help prevent stretch marks. Since belly massages you should be especially gentle with them towards the end of pregnancy. Tip: Applying the oil immediately after showering onto still damp skin allows it to absorb quickly without leaving an oily film. A nice side effect: you will quickly come to appreciate the daily skincare routine as a conscious moment of relaxation for yourself and your baby in the belly. Your partner also has a lovely opportunity to be very close to your little explorer through belly oiling.

2. Healthy Nutrition

A including many whole grain products, fresh fruit, and vegetables strengthens your skin from the inside. Especially vitamins A, C, and E contribute to the strengthening of your connective tissue. Vitamin A is found in foods like spinach, carrots, broccoli, parsley, and peppers, vitamin C is mainly present in citrus fruits, and vitamin E is provided by fruits, vegetables, and nuts. If you're unsure how to ensure you're getting all the relevant vitamins and minerals in sufficient amounts even during pregnancy, it's best to consult your doctor.

3. Drink, drink, drink

Adequate hydration helps your body regulate fluid balance and thus maintain the elasticity of your skin. It is best to drink two to three liters of water, unsweetened tea, or diluted juice per day.

4. Sport

Exercise can also help prevent stretch marks: women who are physically active are less likely to develop pregnancy stretch marks. Of course, this doesn't mean you should start training for the next marathon during pregnancy. ;) , without harming the baby, and they also strengthen connective tissue. The key here is: listen to your body and, ideally, talk to your midwife or your doctor about how you can channel your need for movement as your baby bump grows.

5. After the birth

It is what it is: Despite diligent cream application and healthy eating, stretch marks may remain after pregnancy. But don't worry: the reddish-blue streaks will gradually fade over time. Only thin, silvery lines on the skin will remain visible. Even after giving birth, you can care for your skin through regular and thus support the postpartum recovery.

By the way: Many moms proudly refer to their stretch marks from pregnancy as "tiger stripes." After all, they are a sign of what your body accomplishes in nine months. You hold the reward in your arms after the birth. And with this sight, any stretch marks quickly fade into the background... :)