How to Prevent Stretch Marks Naturally

  

One of the most common questions when pregnant is how to prevent stretch marks.  Using natural methods like those listed below, you may be able to reduce the number of stretch marks you end up with at the end of your pregnancy.  

Keep Up a Healthy Diet

One of the most important things you can do during pregnancy is to keep up a healthy diet.  Not only does it help you to keep your own body and baby healthy, but it will slow the rate of weight gain during pregnancy.  

Choose real foods.  Skip the high sugar and fat content processed foods.  Instead reach for things like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, beans, legumes, and dairy to fuel your body and feed your baby.

Gain Weight Slowly

The leading cause of stretch marks during pregnancy is from weight gain stretching your skin. By gaining weight slow and steady over the course of the pregnancy, you are less likely to see stretch marks that are prominent. This means avoiding binges and eating healthier foods.

Too many people use the excuse of eating for two when they gain large amounts of weight fast during pregnancy.  The truth is, your body needs only around 300-500 extra calories per day.  

Instead of binging on candy bars and ice cream, indulge in real foods like yogurt, fresh fruits, and hummus that are packed with protein or nutrients your body needs.

Stay Well Hydrated

Hydration can be tough during pregnancy.  Especially during the early days when morning sickness makes it hard or impossible to eat and drink normally.  

Try to focus on drinking water more than other beverages.  Using a fruit infuser in a reusable water bottle can definitely make it easier to manage.  Also, sipping small amounts throughout the day can make it easier to get in enough water for you and the baby.

Increase Gelatin Intake

It has been stated that gelatin is a great help for increasing elasticity of your skin.  This helps prevent stretch marks from occurring.  This can be done with typical gelatin treats, but really, you want healthier options.  

Bone broth is an amazing natural way to include healthy gelatin into your body throughout your pregnancy.  It is especially useful when you are struggling to keep down food during the early months. Sipping bone broth can provide both hydration and nutrition.

Keep Your Skin Moisturized

Shea butter and coconut oil are the best options for natural moisture to create healthy skin.  Apply to your skin regularly and liberally on a daily basis.  This will help your skin to stay moisturized which helps with elasticity.

Many homemade body butters are also a great option, but be careful if they have essential oils.  Some oils aren’t good to use during pregnancy.

Increase Vitamin C

Not only is this popular vitamin great for preventing illness, but it is a huge part of your body creating collagen.  This plays a huge part in how your skin grows and develops.  A body that is healthy, means healthier skin.  Vitamin C is a huge source of good health from the inside out.  

It comes in capsule and tablet form but is best when taken in food.  Things like dark green leafy vegetables, citrus, and even things like red and orange bell peppers are excellent food choices.  

 

 

If you are trying to prevent stretch marks naturally, these tips are a great place to begin.  There is no one strict rule for making sure you don’t have stretch marks.  They are a part of life and an expected occurrence when you gain weight over a short period of time.  

No matter what, the health of your baby makes those stretch marks well worth having!