How to Prevent Pregnancy Stretch Marks

About half of pregnant women develop stretch marks. These small, depressed streaks in the skin appear most often on the abdomen in the later stages of pregnancy when growth is rapid. Some women also find them on their buttocks, thighs, hips and breasts. Because they are unsightly and permanent, preventing their appearance is a common desire. Stop these marks before they start. Read on to learn how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Know that in many cases, stretch marks are genetic and there is little, if nothing, you'll be able to do in terms of prevention if it's part of your skin's genetic build.
2. Watch your diet to only gain the minimal healthy amount of weight during pregnancy. Gaining too much weight can cause skin to stretch too rapidly, which will give you stretch marks.
3. Try the creams, salves and oils on the market specifically for this cause. Though there's know research that proves they work, some users report positive results. Even if they don't prevent the marks, they do tend to relieve the itching that accompanies a growing belly.
4. Drink plenty of fluids. Drink eight or more glasses of water and/or other fluids each day to properly hydrate your skin and maintain its elasticity.
5. Continue prevention treatments even after you deliver the baby. Just as rapid weight gain can cause the stretching, rapid weight loss can as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Make an at-home belly cream from cocoa butter, olive oil and vitamin E cream.
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning booths. Even when in natural sunlight, use only clothing as your shield from the rays. Research has not yet indicated if it's safe to use sunscreen during pregnancy.
• Keep skin as moisturized as possible, especially following hot baths or showers, or exposure to dry weather.