“Methods To Avoid Stretch Marks On My Belly During Pregnancy?”

This is my first pregnancy so I'm baking most of my information on what I have heard from other women who have gone through the same thing. I'm 33 weeks pregnant and I have been experiencing itchines all over my stomach and chest area, but I've been hearing a lot lately that you are not supposed to scratch because it can cause some sort of marks all over your skin. although I dont' really like to believe in myths I am worried if I do scratch I will end up regreting it. See article from http://www.divas-blog.com

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A serious concern for all women during pregnancy is how to avoid stretch marks on their belly. In some women these marks can be seen around the thighs as well. During pregnancy the body undergoes a lot of changes especially in the abdominal region. These changes are caused by fluctuating hormone levels that are preparing the body to accommodate the growing fetus. Stretch marks in pregnancy and post partum are a natural result of the large amount of stretching that takes place in the abdominal area. These marks especially become visible at the end of the second trimester that is around the 5th or 6th month when the fetus reaches a considerable size. The stretch marks become most prominent during the third trimester that is the 7th month onwards when the fetus gains maximum weight.

Applying Stretch Marks Cream Regularly Softens The Marks

Precautions to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy should be taken from the beginning of pregnancy itself so that the skin is softer and better equipped to undergo all the stretching. Pregnancy stretch marks cream is a widely used method to prevent and avoid stretch marks. Such creams contain ingredients which intensely moisturize the skin and make stretch marks softer and lighter.


They are to be applied generously on the belly so that the cream gets well absorbed. You should apply the cream as often possible everyday. Use a popular brand which is easily available. You can ask your relatives or friends for suggestions. Your gynecologist could also advise you on the most effective pregnancy stretch marks cream and other solutions. Often belly stretch marks left unattended cause a lot of itching due to excessive dryness. Remember never to scratch them as this might lead to sores which will further darken the marks. Instead use a stretch marks cream frequently and liberally to avoid the uneasiness.
Practically speaking, no treatment can help to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy. However using an appropriate cream can prevent the marks from becoming darker. If the stretch marks are light, later on they will diminish more quickly than unattended stretch marks.

Apply The Cream After Pregnancy Also

One thing that pregnant women should remember is that they should not stop applying the stretch marks cream even after their delivery. Post delivery the skin around the belly sags and needs to be properly moisturized. Though as a new mother you will get busy with your newborn, take out time to apply the cream at least twice a day.

A good idea is to keep it close at hand and at a place where you will surely see and remember to use it. After your pregnancy depending on your gynecologist’s advice you can start light abdominal exercises to make the muscles around your abdomen firm. This will help to tone the skin and reduce stretch marks. You can look out for effective post pregnancy exercises in popular women’s magazines or check out a good post pregnancy care book.

You can effectively avoid stretch marks on the belly during pregnancy by treating them at the right time.

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Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Nobody wants to develop stretch marks, but when you're pregnant you know that, along with nausea, fatigue, backaches and frequent urination, stretch marks are another distinct, unpleasant possibility. In truth, between 75 and 90 percent of all pregnant women (90 percent of white women) develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Look for the angry red lines to appear on your bulging abdomen, usually during the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. But don't stop there - there are a few other places you might want to check, too. Unfortunately, stretch marks also can show up on other areas that tend to get larger during pregnancy. These include the upper thighs, buttocks, breasts and even arms, depending on the amount of weight gain, your genetic history, and whether or not you make a concerted effort to prevent stretch marks.

So what can you do to beat the odds and prevent stretch marks? Scientists argue about just what you can do for prevention, but one thing is fairly certain: genetics do appear to play a role in whether or not you are predisposed to getting stretch marks. This means that if your mother got stretch marks during pregnancy, you may be more likely to get them yourself. However, there are some things you can do to limit the possibility of getting stretch marks. Following these guidelines, all of which are good for your overall health and the condition of your skin, will go a long way toward putting the odds in your favor.

1. Eat a healthy, diverse and balanced diet that keeps your weight gain within the recommended range of 25 to 35 pounds. Excellent nutritional status is vital for your developing baby, but it also contributes to the strength and health of the body's largest organ: the skin. What's more, a controlled and steady weight gain, without any wild upward swings, will let your skin stretch at a steady rate without any unexpected jolts.
2. Use a body brush or wash cloth to massage the areas where you have stretch marks, or want to prevent stretch marks from appearing - this will increase circulation to the area, which may be helpful.
3. Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important for your overall health and well-being as well as that of your growing baby, and it is critical to healthy skin.
4. Take your vitamins. This is one more way to ensure proper nutritional status, which is critical for your overall health and well-being, as well as beautiful skin and a healthy baby!
5. Keep skin liberally and effectively moisturized beginning in the first or second trimester and through your recovery to your pre-pregnancy weight, perhaps with one of the many oils and creams marketed especially for stretch mark prevention. These moisturizers will help keep your skin supple and elastic plus serve as "food" (and vitamin supplements) for your skin. The various vitamins and oils used to create these formulas are designed to help enhance collagen production and support the dermis, to keep skin intact despite the rigorous stretching.
   

Remember that it is important to take care of yourself during the postpartum period as well. The dramatic weight loss makes your skin susceptible to stretch marks once again. In addition, you certainly need to keep your whole body strong to cope with the stresses of recovery from childbirth and the demanding duties of motherhood.

If you do follow all of these guidelines yet still develop stretch marks, don't despair. They will fade in time to small silvery lines, and become much less noticeable. Yet for the relatively small price of a few minor imperfections in your skin (and perhaps a few lingering bulges around your midsection), you will have the overwhelming privilege of serving as mother to the tiny, helpless little bundle of joy you hold so gently in your arms. Congratulations on your pregnancy, and best wishes for a healthy baby!

http://www.expectantmothersguide.com