If I told you that I made it through 4 pregnancies without major stretch marks, you probably wouldn’t believe me. Well, it’s true. It’s totally possible to have a stretch mark free pregnancy.
Maybe I’m just lucky and won the genetic lottery, or maybe I found a few secrets that helped me (and can help you) to prevent getting stretch marks during pregnancy.
I’m going to share with you the three things I did during each of my pregnancies that helped me to avoid getting stretch marks. While these three secrets alone will not guarantee that you will not get stretch marks, they will give you a better shot at preventing them.
It’s hard enough dealing with pregnancy weight gain and a changing body image. Let’s make sure you don’t have to deal with stretch marks too!
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What causes stretch marks during pregnancy?
During pregnancy the body is going through rapid growth and change. The skin is stretching, expanding and adapting to accommodate the growing baby. As this happens, the skin can begin to tear resulting in pinkish or light colored lines on the belly, thighs, back, or breasts. Over time the lines can turn reddish or purple. And eventually, they turn white again and fade. But that takes a long time! Obviously, this is something we all want to avoid.
Have you ever noticed how pregnant ladies scratch their bellies a lot? It has to do with the skin stretching and then becoming itchy. If this is happening to you, it is a good sign that you need to take action and care for your skin before stretch marks develop.
So what causes stretch marks? The common thought is that it is mostly genetic. So if your mama had them, you probably will too. While there is truth in this, diet and hydration (source) also play crucial roles in determining how likely you are to get stretch marks during pregnancy.
How to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?
It’s important to take a multi-pronged approach to preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.
The first key to preventing stretch marks is to stay hydrated! Water helps to avoid dehydration and keeps the skin supple and elastic. During pregnancy you need about 100 oz of water a day or about 8 x 12 oz glasses.
A diet that includes healthy fats, vegetables and nutrient dense foods is the second key to preventing pregnancy stretch marks. My favorite source for healthy fats is coconut oil. Eat it by the spoonful, use in place of vegetable oils for sauteing, in smoothies and in baked goods.
Focus on including foods in your pregnancy diet that support healthy skin and that contain:
- Vitamin C – Grapefruit, oranges, kiwi and berries
- Vitamin E – Almonds, avocado, sweet potatoes, spinach
- Vitamin A – Cantaloupe, mango, apricot
- Zinc – Grass-fed beef, chickpeas, yogurt and kefir
Looking for more advice on what foods to eat for a healthy pregnancy? Check out –
- The Ultimate List of Food for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Nourishing Your Pregnant Body – 4 part series
My Secret for a Stretch Mark Free Pregnancy
I discovered this belly oil at Whole Foods during the first trimester of my first pregnancy. I had heard horror stories about stretch marks caused by pregnancy and being in my twenties, I wanted to avoid them at all cost.
I’ve seen lots of other product for stretch marks across the internet, but can confirm from personal experience that this product works.
Mother’s Special Blend contains an amazing mix of Almond Oil, Pecan Oil, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Vitamin E specially designed to nourish and tone the changing pregnancy skin.
I purchased this Belly Oil and used it religiously during my pregnancies.
Here’s how to prevent stretch marks with this belly oil:
- Slathered yourself first thing in the morning and before bed.
- And always when you get out of the shower or bath. It takes a few minutes to soak in, but it gives the skin a beautiful silky feeling.
- It is awesome at relieving the dry itchy feeling that often accompanies pregnancy. Use it often and liberally when you are feeling itchy.
- And it is also great for massage!
Get your bottle of Mother’s Special Blend for a stretch mark free pregnancy! Make sure to tell your friends, because this really is one secret that’s too good to keep to yourself!
More resources for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy
Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. These post can help you learn the info you need to eat the best foods during pregnancy for you AND your baby.
- Amazingly Healthy Snacks for Pregnancy to Try Right Now
- Top Real Food Pregnancy Diet Questions Answered
- 7 Steps to Planning Healthy Pregnancy Meals Using Pinterest
And make sure to get your copy of the the Ultimate Shopping List below! It has the BEST foods to eat during pregnancy and while breastfeeding all on 1 page so that you know what to buy when you shop!
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