4 Things To Help Avoid Stretch Marks While Pregnant

12 Jun 4 Things To Help Avoid Stretch Marks While Pregnant

Unfortunately, there is no miracle cream that prevents stretch marks… BOO! Research is showing that genetics play a role in who gets stretch marks, also gaining lots of weight quickly or woman having twins/triples increase the chances because your belly has to stretch to accommodate those babies. When I found out I was pregnant with Blakely I knew that there was a good chance I would see some new stretch marks. I have a few stretches marks already on the sides of my thighs from having a HUGE growth spurt quickly from 7th-8th grade ( 5’6″- 5’11” over the Summer).  I immediately did some research on the best ways to prevent stretch marks while pregnant. I implemented these FOUR things into lifestyle and I am here to say I didn’t get ONE new stretch mark while pregnant.

Moisturize I wouldn’t say I am the best at moisturizing daily, but staying moisturized while pregnant definitely helps alleviate any itchy skin (a symptom of stretch marks). I found that later in my pregnancy my skin felt tighter (obviously) and at times itchy. So I knew it was time to lather up my skin and I used a couple products depending on my nausea ( sometimes lotions made me nauseous) Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil, 4.2 fl oz + FREE Scunci Effortless Beauty Black Clips, 15 CountBio Oil  is what I used most of my pregnancy, it has a mild smell and gave me lots of moisture. Another product I liked used is from Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks ~ Safe for Pregnancy – 8 oz.” The Spoiled Mama, their Tummy Butter was my other go to product. Just really LATHER up your belly, thighs, breasts anywhere that you are gaining weight or stretching skin needs that moisture.

Eating Healthy I already have a pretty clean diet (besides the wine) but I knew going into pregnancy that I wanted to maintain that same diet and increase calories gradually as specified by my doctor (which wasn’t easy for me having morning sickness my whole pregnancy). As a nurse I know that amount of food a woman needs during pregnancy is dependent on a variety of things. ALOT of people find the topic of food and weight gain very touchy (myself included) but it is so important to face it head on with your doctor and come up with a plan. I believe because I gradually gained weight throughout my pregnancy I was able to keep those stretch marks away.

HYRDATE This was the hardest one for me to stick too, especially going into my third trimester with that baby sitting on my bladder. But I did my best to drink 1-2 liters of water daily. Remember the more hydrated your skin is the less likely to develop stretch marks. We want to hydrate the inside just as much as the outside!

Workout My workout routine while pregnant also helped me to maintain that steady weight gain while pregnant. I will admit to you my doctor did have a “chat” with me to keep me in line when it came to working out. She told me that pregnancy exercise can vary from my routine before I was pregnant, while pregnant I needed to be aware of how hard I was pushing myself. She told me most exercises done prior to becoming pregnant are safe to continue during your pregnancy, but to be aware of my body (and any aches and pains) and how many calories I was burning. Overall, exercise while pregnant is beneficial and can help with constipation, backaches as well as increase your mood and self esteem. Here is a link to some FREE online videos I used while pregnant.

I hope this information is beneficial or just a good reminder of things you can do while pregnant to better protect your beautiful skin!

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XO