First published: 2 December 2022 @ 6:00 pm
Rapid weight gain during pregnancy can cause stretch marks on the abdomen and thighs. These are unsightly scars which can be noticeable when you have an especially large baby.
But there are ways to prevent them from forming.
So let’s look at some causes, the most common solutions and also what you can do to minimize the likelihood of stretch marks forming during pregnancy.
What Causes Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?
Stretch marks are created when there is a change in the supportive tissue that your body provides under the skin. This usually happens to the body during pregnancy.
You may have this skin condition on many parts of your body, such as your stomach and breast.
They are usually red, purple, brown, or white marks, according to your skin color. Some people also get stretch marks on the underside of breasts, thighs, and hips.
Throughout pregnancy, skin often flexes in several ways in order to support the weight of a baby. After the baby is born, the swelling in the belly can cause scarring.
There is no medical risk of stretch marks, but they can cause people to feel very anxious about their body. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to minimize its appearance.
Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.
How to Avoid Stretch Marks
1. Consult Doctor for Skin Treatment
A single treatment doesn’t help for stretch marks.
They are usually caused by the process of pregnancy, childbirth, and other skin-related problems. To get rid of them, you need to consult a doctor.
Your doctor may recommend using cream that contains retinoids or laser treatments. However, these types of treatment has side effects, so you may also want to consider other options.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Avoiding stretch marks in pregnancy isn’t just about the weight gain and exercising—it’s also about hydration.
Drinking water helps to keep your skin elastic, as well as helps your skin repair itself.
If you have medical conditions that can make you more prone to weight gains, drinking enough water throughout the day will help you improve your skin appearance.
3. Eat Nutritious Food
Since you’re pregnant, it’s probably unwise to experience weight loss by limiting diet. But there are some healthy foods you should keep an eye out for.
Eating plenty of vegetables and fruit will help you maintain your energy and maintain a healthy weight, which will, in turn, prevent stretch marks.
As for what to eat, lean proteins such as lean beef, chicken, turkey, fish and low-fat dairy products are recommended.
They’re excellent sources of protein that provide valuable nutrients like vitamins A and D.
You can also get good amounts of vitamins B12 and D from eggs, yogurt and fortified milk.
4. Get Some Vitamin D
The best way to prevent stretch marks is to get plenty of calcium and vitamin D, both of which are crucial for keeping your skin healthy.
In addition, it’s recommended that you eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, sardines and trout. They will keep your skin healthy and make it less likely to get stretch marks.
5. Increase Your Vitamin C Intake
Getting additional collagen through vitamin C is another way to help prevent stretch marks.
Vitamin C is a key building block of collagen, so if you can get your vitamin C intake up, you’ll also be able to make more collagen on your own.
You can get vitamin C from eating foods such as peppers, spinach, kale, citrus fruits, and tomatoes. It’s also added to some beverages and supplements.
Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.
6. Maintain a Healthy Weight
You probably won’t show weight gain during 4-8 weeks of pregnancy. However, inevitably, you will gain weight, especially if you are not a regular exerciser.
Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women engage in regular exercise, which can help maintain a healthy weight.
Consult your doctor for more details on weight gain during pregnancy.
If possible, also ask them what kind of exercise would be best for you. This will help you avoid any injuries that might happen while exercising during pregnancy.
Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Whether it’s increasing collagen production, improving skin elasticity, or maintaining a healthy weight, you can take steps to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.
Our blog, Mature Parent, also provides you with a lot of information on pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. Check them out now!
