Unfortunately, for most women, stretch marks are inevitable during pregnancy. Many women hate the way that stretch marks look, although others see them as a way to show they have carried and birthed children. No matter which side you agree with, there are some ways that you can avoid stretch marks, and ways to even help them lighten or disappear completely.
Ways to Avoid Stretch Marks
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Now this one might seem a little silly during pregnancy. Pregnancy stretch marks occur usually on the stomach, but can also show up on arms, thighs, buttocks, and legs as well. While weight gain will happen during pregnancy, each person has a recommended amount to gain during their pregnancy. This recommended weight depends on your body type, age, level of physical activity, and weight before pregnancy.
Eating healthy during pregnancy and staying as active as safely possible can help you not gain too much weight during your pregnancy. You might still have some stretch marks after your pregnancy, but they might not be as bad. If family members of yours have had stretch marks, it can also make you more likely to get them at some point in life as well.
Stay Hydrated
While it is important to always stay hydrated, it is even more important during pregnancy. If you experience morning sickness during your pregnancy, that can cause you to become dehydrated if you don't drink enough water. Having hydrated skin also helps you reduce your risk of stretch marks. Dry skin will easily start to gain stretch marks, while soft skin is less likely to show marks.
Eat the Right Foods
A lot of people will say that a pregnant lady has a very strict diet to follow. Some women follow a very strict diet when they are pregnant, while others will still eat what they want, or crave, throughout their pregnancy. You can still eat some unhealthy things during pregnancy, but you should also balance it out with more healthy foods. You want to eat protein rich foods, which can help with skin health. Also, vitamin D, E, and C can help you reduce your chances of gaining stretch marks.
Treatment for Pregnancy Stretch Marks
Creams and Lotions
There are a lot of creams and lotions in stores that claim they can remove your stretch marks. Cocoa butter is one of the most common ways to lighten or remove stretch marks. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that a cream or lotion will be able to completely remove your stretch marks. You can buy just cocoa butter and use it on your stretch marks, but you can also buy other lotions that have a mixture of ingredients to help you get rid of stretch marks.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has so many uses, including reducing and removing stretch marks. If you already have an aloe plant in your house in case of cuts, burns, or scrapes, you can also use it on stretch marks. You can apply it directly onto your stretch marks, leave it on for about 15 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. Aloe Vera can help your skin heal and keep it hydrated to reduce the look of stretch marks.
Final Say
While you may be able to avoid stretch marks, some women cannot avoid them completely. One way to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks is to apply a treatment at the first sign. Once you notice stretch marks starting to form, you can start to put lotion, cream, vitamin E, or whichever product you choose onto them. If you start to treat them once they form, you increase your chances of them being completely removed at some point.