How can I avoid stretch marks during pregnancy is a common question from mums-to-be.
Stretch marks can appear any time our skin stretches and grows rapidly, often during puberty or pregnancy. The body is growing quicker than the skin and its collagen fibres can keep up with, especially on the belly, breasts thigh, buttocks and upper arms. We may notice marks which are red or purple, which often fade to a white or grey colour.
About 90% of women will have stretch marks by their sixth or seventh month of pregnancy, and just about every one wants to know how to get rid of stretch marks.
Helpful hints
- It is difficult to get rid of stretch marks,and they may never fade completely, so it is a good idea to try and avoid them.
- Try to keep your weight gain steady, to give your skin more time to stretch. This can be achieve through a well-balanced diet, and not overeating fats or sugars.
- Try to include lots of vitamin E, vitamin C,zinc and silica in your diet
- You may want to consider taking zinc supplements (either alone or in a pregnancy supplement like Blackmores Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Gold) to help prevent scarring
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water – at leaf 1 1/2 to 2 litres each day. I find it easy to carry around a 1 litre water bottle, and I know that I need to fill and empty it twice a day – easy!
- Massage your belly each day with a moisturiser to encourage new tissue to grow. Use an oil or cream that contains vitamin E or vitamin A, or even coconut oil.
Suggested products:
Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil – with almond oil and vitamin E enriched wheatgerm oil, together with arnica
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks – includes cocoa butter, argan oil and sweet almond oil as well as shea butter
Ela’s Oils Tummy Oil – includes sweet almond and olive oil
Need Advice?
You are welcome to email Nicole at nicole@birthpartner.com.au or call on 02 9522 6222 or 0402 405 889 to discuss any other requirements or requests you may have to make your life with baby easier. Birth Partner looks forward to helping you.
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