How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Stretch marks.

They aren’t the sexiest thing a woman can wear. After all, everyone seems dreads them-especially during pregnancy when stretch marks like to appear the most.

But, believe it or not, there is something that you can do to help prevent them!

During my last pregnancy, I did not gain one stretch mark on my tummy; therefore, I do not see myself developing any this time around. The only way to truly prevent stretch marks is slow, steady weight gain during pregnancy. Dont follow the whole “eating for two” myth or eat in excess-that will help you put on the weight in a flash. Let’s face it, you WILL gain weight during pregnancy-thats a given, but most ladies tend to gain too much weight.

I gained 30lbs with my last pregnancy and birthed an 8lb 7oz baby boy. Here’s an idea of how much weight should be gained during the average pregnancy, keeping in mind that most doctors recommend 25-35lbs:

Stretch marks are caused when the skin stretches at a level to where it cannot keep up with the grow. Take those bodybuilders who use steroids for example. When they take that drug, it increases the size of muscle in no time, stretching that skin far beyond its means. SAME thing happens when you overeat-you gain weight too fast for your skin to catch up.

The great thing about pregnancy is, we have 40ish weeks to slowly grow.

Now there are some creams out there that do work such as coco butter (Palmers brand is best!). I am also a huge fan of using Bio Oil and using natural coconut oil on my stomach.

But the best way is to watch what you eat (eating healthy), keeping up exercise (pregnancy is not a disability unless you make it one), and gaining the weight in a slow, steady manner. The creams and oils certainly won’t hurt, though!