How to Clear

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful times in a woman’s life. However, you might not feel so sexy when you are battling one of motherhood’s downfalls, stretch marks. Stretch marks in pregnancy are common. Close to all women develop stretch marks while pregnant, but the severity of them vary from woman to woman.

Many say that if you are genetically prone to stretch marks, for example, your mom has them and your sister, then yes you may be more than likely at risk. Stretch marks in pregnancy are caused when the skin (especially the abdomen region) grows too rapidly for the fibers in the skin to handle. These fibers tear, leaving bright red or purplish, sometimes dark brown marks in the skin. Other common places pregnant women tend to find these unsightly marks are the buttocks, thighs, hips, breasts, and arms. Keep in mind if you had them in a previous pregnancy you may get them again, although usually just a darkened version of the old ones.

To keep stretch marks in pregnancy to a minimum, watch and only gain the recommended amount of weight the doctor suggests. Also, eating healthy, take vitamins and drink at least 64 ounces of water daily helps keep you and your skin well hydrated, remember healthy skin stretches better. Applying moisturizing creams such as the cocoa and shea butters at least twice a day and more often during cold weather or just after a hot shower can also be helpful in keeping the skin hydrated and thus minimizing the appearance of stretch marks.

Since stretch marks in pregnancy can be a downfall, remember you are not alone and there are many ways you can help minimize or prevent them altogether. Pregnancy should be a special time in a woman’s life, cherish it and take care of yourself to help prevent stretch marks in pregnancy.