Articles

No one wants to get stretch marks, but when you're pregnant you know that, along with backaches, nausea, fatigue and frequent urination, stretch marks are a part of life. In truth, from 75 to 90 percent of all pregnant women (90 percent of white women) get stretch marks during pregnancy.

Stretch marks can begin to appear around the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. Sadly, stretch marks also can show up on other areas as well. These include the upper thighs, buttocks, breasts and even arms, depending on the proportion of weight gain, your genetic history, and whether or not you make a real effort to avoid stretch marks.

So what can you do to beat the chances and avoid stretch marks? Scientists talk about what you can do for to prevent them, but one thing is fairly certain: genetics plays an important role in whether or not you are predisposed to acquiring stretch marks. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the chance of getting stretch marks. Following these guidelines, all of which are good for your overall health and the shape of your skin, will go a long way toward putting the chances in your favor.

How to Get rid of Stretch Marks

- Consume a healthy, diverse and balanced diet that keeps your weight gain within the recommended range of 25 to 35 pounds. Optimal nutritional status is crucial for your developing child, but it also contributes to the strength and health of your body's largest organ: the skin.

- Utilize a body brush or wash cloth to massage the areas where you have stretch marks, or want to prevent stretch marks from forming- this will increase circulation to the area, which may be helpful.

- Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important for your overall health and well-being as well as that of your new baby, and it is critical to healthy skin.

- Take your vitamins. This is one more method to gain proper nutritional status, which is critical for your overall health and well-being, as well as wonderful skin and a strong baby.

- Maintain skin liberally and effectively moisturized hydrated beginning in the first or second trimester and through to your pre-pregnancy weight. It is a good idea to use one of the many oils and creams created especially to make stretch marks go away instead of your usual moisturizer.

Remember that it is important to take care of yourself during the postpartum stage as well. The dramatic weight loss makes your skin susceptible to stretch marks. Be careful to prevent additional scars in this stage.

If you do remember all of these guidelines yet still can't prevent stretch marks, don't despair. They will fade in time to small silvery lines, and become much less evident.