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Preventing Stretch Marks When Pregnant
Weight
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According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no definite way to prevent stretch marks while pregnant. However, maintaining a healthy weight may help. Talk to your doctor to learn how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. According to the Baby Center, the average woman should gain between 25 and 35 lbs. during pregnancy. Avoid going over your optimal weight target, and gain the weight gradually. Fast weight gain contributes to the development of stretch marks. Don't expect limiting weight gain to prevent stretch marks altogether, however. According to VisualDX Health, most women get at least some stretch marks during pregnancy.
Moisturize
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Rub cream or lotion on your body to help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Though there's no guarantee that moisturizing will work, it may help to increase your skin's elasticity and contribute to fewer stretch marks. WebMD suggests moisturizing a few times each day using moisturizers that contain cocoa butter.
Massage
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According to VisualDX Health, massage may help to prevent stretch marks. In fact, the site asserts that the act of massaging lotion into the skin may be one of the reasons moisturizing helps to prevent stretch marks. Use whatever lotion or oil you prefer, as there isn't one that is proven more effective than others. Ask your partner or a friend for help with massaging hard-to-reach places.
Eat Well
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Eat a well-balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, and drink eight glasses of water each day. According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy diet may help to minimize excess weight gain. With less weight gain, you may develop fewer stretch marks. Additionally, staying hydrated and consuming adequate nutrients may help to keep the skin healthy and less prone to developing stretch marks. The American Pregnancy Association (APA) recommends consuming such skin-healthy nutrients as vitamins B2, B3, C and E. The organization also recommends zinc.
Exercise
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Exercise regularly to help prevent stretch marks while you are pregnant. According to the APA, exercising can help to improve circulation, which may help to maintain your skin's elasticity. It may also help you to control your weight gain and feel more energetic. Contact your doctor for advice before beginning an exercise program, however. There may be some exercises that are unsafe during pregnancy. For example, your doctor may advise against doing exercises that involve lying on your back in the latter months of pregnancy.
eHow Article: Preventing Stretch Marks When Pregnant
