Pregnancy is a joyous moment for most moms-to-be. However, this is also a very complicated moment where you are about to raise questions about your health and body changes. There are some new experiences which can possibly undergone by those pregnant women during the nine months of carrying the upcoming baby. One of the most-discussed pregnancy issue is the occurrence of stretch marks during the two last trimesters. Many pregnant women concern about how pregnancy causes stretch marks to their skin, even though they were slender and skinny enough before the pregnancy. These moms-to-be are often surprised to find pinkish streaks on their belly along with their baby’s growth.

Is stretch marks during pregnancy harmful?

Similar to the other kinds of stretch marks growing on our skin, pregnancy stretch marks is not medically harmful for both the mother and the upcoming baby. These stretch marks occur because the belly is expanding throughout pregnancy months as the way of supporting the unborn baby. These stretch marks is also caused by tore connective tissues as the belly skin is expanding. Commonly, pregnant women develop pinkish stretch marks which are visible on their belly. Although medically harmless, these stretch marks might be aesthetically disturbing. Therefore, many soon-to-be moms try to find out as many ways as possible to stop it from growing, to minimize its appearance, or even to prevent it from occurring.

What causes stretch marks during pregnancy?

There are some factors causing pregnancy stretch marks, such as:

1. Rapid weight gain during pregnancy
2. Genes and hereditary
3. Size of the baby
4. Skin elasticity
5. Diets

How to stop stretch marks from growing while pregnant?

It is normal for every woman, especially those who are prone to stretch marks to be concerned about the possibility of growing these pinkish streaks on the belly during pregnancy. It is really easy to understand that the belly skin is going to expand excessively in order to support the baby weight, and thus might cause damaged connective tissues. Although some women try to get rid of these lines after delivering the baby, it is possible to prevent it from occur in the very beginning. Proper skin care which is done initially is more effective in combating the formation of stretch marks later in pregnancy. Some effective ways in preventing stretch marks from forming while you are carrying your bundle of joy include:

1. Moisturizing

Although pregnancy stretch marks occur mostly in mother’s belly, it does not mean that you cannot prevent it. Belly skin, similar to the other skin areas in your body, needs to be moisturized to keep its elasticity. Olive oil is an effective ingredient you can apply from day one to keep your belly skin elasticity. This is safe for the baby and functions as a natural collagen booster.

2. Exfoliating

Being pregnant does not mean you should ignore your skin care activities. Daily home exfoliating using a safe, natural home remedy such as coffee ground might help you preventing the occurrence of stretch marks.

3. Exercising

Light exercises will help you to have firm skin, which can minimize stretch marks appearance and preventing it from occurring at all.

4. Drink sufficient amount of water

Keep your skin hydrated also helps. Hydrated skin will promote better skin cells production and keep the skin elastic. This is important because your belly will get wider and the baby is heavier. Less elastic skin will not be able to support this expansion and will lead to tearing connective tissues and later, stretch marks.

5. Maintain your weight

Rapid weight gain during pregnancy will lead to stretch marks. Therefore, do your best to maintain your weight gain. Eat properly and replace those fatty foods with more nutritious foods, such as fish, vegetables, and fruits. Normally, a woman gains more than 30 pounds during pregnancy, which easily leads to stretch marks. Combining exercises and proper diets will not only give your baby right nutrition, but also prevent stretch marks from forming.