| Preventing stretch marks during pregnancy is the best | | | | healthy. |
| strategy to ensure you won't develop these unsightly | | | | During pregnancy, skin can seem abnormally dry, itchy, |
| lines. When you become pregnant and the skin on | | | | and easily irritated. This is because the skin is |
| your hips and abdomen stretch rapidly to | | | | stretching. But you can help rehydrate your skin cells |
| accommodate the growing baby, oftentimes the lower | | | | by drinking lots and lots of water. Avoid beverages |
| layers of skin don't have enough elasticity to stretch | | | | that are high in sugar because they can increase |
| without breaking. The connective tissues actually | | | | cellulite, but go ahead and feel free to indulge in herbal |
| break. And those small tears result in scarring in the | | | | tea, vegetable juice, and fruit juice in addition to pure |
| form of stretch marks. | | | | clean H20. Water rejuvenates your skin and helps with |
| Not all women experience this problem. Some are | | | | preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. |
| lucky enough to have skin that is naturally elastic and | | | | You should also moisturize your skin at least twice |
| can handle the stretching without breaking. But many | | | | daily, particularly where it is prone to stretching such as |
| women do commonly experience stretch | | | | on the hips and abdomen. This is important before, |
| marks-especially those with fair skin. However, | | | | during, and after pregnancy, but is most important |
| pregnancy doesn't have to mean stretch marks. There | | | | during the time when your tummy is rapidly expanding. |
| are some things you can do to help with preventing | | | | Moisturizing lotions, oils, and creams that contain |
| stretch marks during pregnancy. | | | | vitamins and enzymes to help your body produce |
| You can start living a skin-friendly lifestyle before you | | | | elastin and collagen are the best. And these lotions |
| get pregnant. But even if you're already expecting, it's | | | | also help hydrate the skin. Moisturizers improve your |
| not too late to start. There are several very effective | | | | skin's elasticity, too. |
| things you can do to nurture your skin, increase its | | | | Make sure any products you plan to use are |
| elasticity, and ensure healthy skin. | | | | approved by your physician, however. Check with |
| Did you know that skin is actually considered an | | | | your OB/GYN to be sure all treatments are safe for |
| organ-and it is your body's largest organ? Just as all | | | | the baby and you. |
| bodily organs need to be care for and not abused, you | | | | Finally, you can help with preventing stretch marks |
| need to care for your skin. One way to care for your | | | | during pregnancy by staying active. Lots of walking |
| skin is to provide it with the minerals and vitamins it | | | | and low-impact aerobic activities are great for your |
| needs to strengthen the elastin fibers and collagen. | | | | overall health and your skin. In addition, it will help you |
| This is what gives the skin its elasticity. Foods rich in | | | | sleep better, manage changing hormone levels and |
| Vitamins E, C, B2, and B3-in addition to silica and zinc-all | | | | emotions, and give you increased energy as well as |
| help your body produce the collagen it needs to be | | | | toned muscles! |