Pregnancy and stretch marks

A baby growing inside of you is a beautiful feeling. But it comes with many body changes and one that most women dread are stretch marks. Women worry whether they will stay like that even after they deliver their bundle of joy but they can take comfort in knowing that they often fade to become less noticeable with time.

Minimise stretchmarks

While stretch marks are understood to be genetic, you can reduce your likelihood of getting them with the following tips:

• Moisturise: This is your first port of call! Nourish your skin with health-inspiring and moisturising fatty oils! Dry skin is much more susceptible to damage, so lather up!
• Eat your colours: Eating foods that boost skin health may help. Make sure that your diet includes foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc and protein. A boiled egg on whole-wheat toast is a great breakfast option. To up the nutritional content of a smoothie, add some brightly coloured berries and green leafy goodness. Also, be sure to eat enough quality fats from healthy sources, like pasteurised butter, coconut oil, virgin olive oil, etc.
• Control your weight: This is one of the most helpful tips you can abide by to prevent stretch marks. Stretch marks develop when your skin pulls apart quickly due to rapid weight gain. Gaining weight is expected and healthy in pregnancy, but the speed at which you gain it is the issue. Maintaining a healthy weight means that your chances of developing stretch marks decrease dramatically.
• Hydration: Drinking water is essential in pregnancy. Along with the many other benefits it provides, water makes the skin soft and supple. Supple, well hydrated skin has a lower chance of ‘stretching’ compared to tight skin.