How to Prevent Stretchmarks During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most extreme and incredible transformations that a woman’s body can go through, so it’s only natural that this process would leave its mark on your body as well as your heart. Having said that, it’s important that you feel healthy, confident, and happy in your body during pregnancy and after your little one arrives. If stretch marks are something you’d like to minimise, then these tips are for you.
What are stretch marks?
This is a type of scar that develops when our bodies grow a lot in a very short space of time. Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of stretch marks, but many of us get these scars if we undergo a strong period of growth as young adults or if we put on or lose a lot of weight.
Some people are more prone to stretch marks than others, and not everyone develops them during pregnancy. Researchers believe that you’re more likely to get pregnancy stretch marks if you’ve had stretchmarks before, if you have related family members who have had them, or if your hormone levels fluctuate significantly.
How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy
Prevention is always better than a cure, so here are our best tips for minimising your risk of developing stretch marks.
- Hydration – The more hydrated you are, the more elastic and easier to stretch your skin will be. This means that you should drink plenty of water as well as use a gentle, high-quality moisturiser on your belly and thighs after you shower or bathe. Remember to use something organic, natural, and safely effective so that it nourishes and protects you and your developing bub.
- Exfoliation – Use a gentle exfoliation rub once a week, as this will help the moisturiser penetrate deep into the skin. This will also remove dead skin cells and impurities from the skin, making it softer and more elastic. One easy and affordable exfoliator to try is a gentle, fragrance-free, or moisturising baby wash with a teaspoon or two of fine salt in it. Just remember to use gentle, circular motions and not to use your exfoliator too often as it can dry the skin out.
- Moisturise through the day – When you’re pregnant, it’s important that you spend some time with your feet up, relaxing. During this time, you or your partner can rub some more moisturiser into your belly and back. A lovely, gentle massage will help boost circulation to keep tissues healthy and relieve swelling/boating, relieve muscular tension and discomfort, and prevent stretch marks, so it’s an absolute must!
- Post-partum care – Life with a new-born leaves very little time for you, but if there’s one thing to prioritise, it’s good post-partum care. Any stretch marks that have formed will fade with time, and post-partum care can help these heal faster and become much less noticeable. Use your organic moisturiser multiple times a day, keep up with weekly exfoliation, and use a targeted scar tissue topical treatment to help them fade and heal faster.
Organic and natural baby skincare for the whole family
Although our KidsBliss range is designed for new-borns and toddlers, they’re ideal pregnancy care too! Not only are our moisturises and washes organic and natural, but they’re also vegan, chemical-free, and fully biodegradable – making them safe for you, your bub, and the planet. Try out the goodness of nature to help your body stay healthy and nourished through your pregnancy and beyond.