3 Daily Habits To Help Prevent Stretch Marks

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing.  As mothers we grow as our little one is growing inside of us.  The nine months it takes for our perfect little angels to form is an exciting time of preparation, waiting, and anticipation.  During this time, we undergo a lot of changes emotionally, mentally, and physically.  One of these includes pregnancy stretch marks.  

Stretch marks are a common reality for most moms, and as such there are a lot of products that claim to fade them.  But did you know there are simple things you can do to help prevent yourself from getting stretch marks in the first place?  Keep reading for 3 tips on daily habits you can adopt to help prevent and minimize the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks.

Drink Plenty of Water

Doesn’t water seem like a magic elixir?  Whether we want better skin, hair, or overall health, we always hear that it starts by drinking more water.  And preventing stretch marks is no exception.  There are so many benefits to proper hydration, especially during pregnancy.  Drinking adequate water keeps you alert, ensures essential nutrients are properly transported, prevents constipation, and aids in the prevention of stretch marks.  Have you ever noticed how much softer your skin is when it’s well nourished?  Hydrated skin is more elastic, making it less likely to develop stretch marks. 

The goal is to drink ten 8 oz glasses of water every day.  Be mindful not to chug the water all at once.  Our bodies are only able to absorb a certain amount of water at a time.  Therefore, any additional water will just flush through our bodies, taking with it vital electrolytes.  Instead, you want to sip throughout the day.  If you get through your daily allotment and still find yourself feeling thirsty, if you’re in a warm climate, or exercise regularly, be sure to drink more water to replace what you’re losing.

Apply Belly Butter for Stretch Marks

The best results from any regimen come from care on two fronts, from within, and outside.  Drinking water provides much needed hydration from within.  Belly butters also play a major role in hydration externally.  Stretch mark butters and oils actually make the entire pregnancy experience more enjoyable as they nourish your skin with essential nutrients increasing moisture and elasticity, minimizing stretch marks, itchiness, and discomfort.  And not only are they great for your tummy, but you can use them anywhere stretch marks are prone to develop including your thighs, breasts, arms, or all over!

Now this may come as a surprise to you, but did you know that you don’t have to wait until your bump is showing to start taking advantage of the benefits of applying belly butters?  Anyone can apply them as part of your daily routine to keep your skin nourished, soft, and supple.

Exercising and Healthy Eating

One of the main contributing factors to the development of stretch marks is weight gain.  Depending on your starting weight and other health factors, the amount of weight you gain during your pregnancy may vary.  Be sure to speak with your doctor to discuss what amount he believes would be a healthy range for you.  Taking steps to adopt a healthier lifestyle prior to becoming pregnant will make it easier to continue this process throughout your pregnancy.  

A healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins coupled with moderate exercise 3-5 days per week will not only aid in preventing stretch marks, but these healthy habits also aid in your overall health and well-being as well as that of your little bundle of joy.  You’ll also find that these habits may ease other pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, swelling, and fatigue.

There are a number of prenatal exercises pregnant women can engage in with the approval of their physician including prenatal yoga, swimming, or brisk walks.

Small Habits, Big Results

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you’ll not only be taking active steps to prevent and treat the formation of stretch marks, but you’ll often find yourself feeling better overall.  While stretch marks may be hereditary and unavoidable for some moms, incorporating the right daily habits can aid in decreasing their concentration or deter them completely.