Hey Momma!
Stretch marks are fairly common during and post pregnancy. There are ways to avoid or reduce stretch marks. If you do have them, then try not let it affect your self-confidence. Those stripes should be worn as a badge of honor for the incredible achievement your body has accomplished.
I call them my 'tiger stripes' :) We girls brave it all to give birth right?!! Sharing some tips here to reduce stretch marks:
- Hydration: is your skin's best friend if you want to prevent or keep stretch marks to a minimum because moisturised skin is less likely to break when it stretches. Using a humidifier while you sleep can help your skin stay supple. Repeat two or three times per day throughout your pregnancy and for the three months post delivery.
- Eating Vitamin C rich diet: like peppers, citrus and strawberries may also make your skin less subject to stretch marks. Vitamin C promotes collagen and tissue production, which helps keep skin strong and elastic.
- Getting lots of vitamin D: in your diet may also help with stretch marks, and it certainly can’t hurt. Load up on fatty fish, dairy and eggs, plus other pregnancy-friendly vitamins and nutrients (like omega-3 fatty acids and choline).
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Keep your weight gain slow and steady: Since rapid weight gain is one of the culprits behind stretch marks, slowly and steadily putting on pounds during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to help prevent them.
The fact that your body can sustain a developing human being is an amazing feat. It can be easy to get caught up on pregnancy's undesirable side effects, but it is definitely helpful to try and honor and respect your body more than you mentally tear it down momma!
