How to Prevent Stretch Marks in Month 8

There are some simple things you can do to help prevent stretch marks in Month 8 of your pregnancy.

There are all sorts of unexpected things that happen to your body during a pregnancy, and one of them is stretch marks. The reddish, purple lines and marks are caused when the skin stretches as the baby starts to grow and the the stomach expands — especially when there is a growth spurt. Although the Mayo Clinic says that there is no proof preventive creams and oils really work, the group says that using such products can stop itching and provide comfort to the skin. Areas prone to stretch marks are the abdomen, breasts, thighs and buttocks. There are few steps you can follow to help prevent stretch marks in the eighth month of pregnancy.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamin E or Cocoa Butter

Instructions

1. Walk or stretch daily. Regular exercise keeps your skin healthy, which helps prevent stretch marks. Just raising your heart rate and sweating on a regular basis will keep the skin, your body's largest organ, functioning properly.

2. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is a key to healthy, supple skin. You are less likely to get stretch marks if your skin is supple and well-hydrated.

3. Apply Vitamin E, cocoa butter or another all-natural oil on your stomach area.

4. Massage the moisturizer into the skin on your belly slowly and gently. Spend a good half hour doing this to ensure all of the moisturizer is absorbed. The act of massaging the area is also good for the skin as well as your own relaxation. This is also helpful with curbing itchiness, which often comes along with being pregnant.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Stretch Marks
• Natural Health Magazine: How To Prevent Stretch Marks Naturally
• Home Made Medicine: Stretch Marks Home Remedies