Getting pregnant is one of the greatest news any woman could have in her life. But you may not feel so beautiful and great if you see those ugly marks lining that once smooth tummy of yours. Nevertheless, there are many ways to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy.

Stretch marks are caused literally by stretching of the skin to accommodate the expanding body during times of rapid weight gain especially during pregnancy. However, the elasticity or the extent with which the skin could stretch is limited. The skin tears apart then forms ugly lines which have a different color and texture than the surrounding skin. They are usually red, pinkish or purple. They form in areas that are usually stretched during pregnancy such as the abdomen, breast, thighs, and buttocks. Elasticity of the skin is determined genetically, so if your mom has a number of stretch marks, you are more likely to have more too. You’re also more likely to develop stretch marks if you’ve had stretch marks during your previous pregnancies.

Fortunately, there are simple ways to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy. Any woman should only remember to keep herself healthy at all times.

Rapid weight gain is the main cause of stretch marks. Pregnant women usually crave for more food due to altered hormones making them eat more and gain more weight in addition to the developing baby inside the womb. With the body getting bigger, the skin becomes stretched. An important way to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy therefore is to control your diet. Eating healthy and balanced food will maintain your weight at a recommended range. The recommended weight gain is 25 to 35 pounds for normal healthy women; less if you’re overweight and more if you’re underweight or having twins. A weight gain more than that means more stretch marks.

To avoid stretch marks during pregnancy, apply moisturizers twice a day all over the body especially in the areas where you might expect the marks to appear. This is a good preventive measure. This will keep your skin healthy and more elastic. Specially formulated anti- stretch marks lotions are also available in the market usually containing cocoa butter. These creams are usually applied in a circular motion in the tummy or other areas affected by stretch marks.

Drinking plenty of fluids in addition to moisturizers will help hydrate your skin to keep it healthy. Getting pregnant causes you to have several skin problems - commonly dry skin, making you more prone to developing stretch marks. Itchiness on the skin means it is dry and you have to drink more water or apply a moisturizer.

A good massage over the affected area will promote circulation into the skin to help it become more healthy and more able to withstand stretching.

It is important to continue the regimen after you have given birth. The mother should steadily control her weight back to normal and continue with the skin care tips. It is also significant to note that stretch marks usually become hardly noticeable within six months after giving birth. They will only appear as fine lines with a slightly different texture. However some develop severe scars. But with these simple ways, you can avoid stretch marks during pregnancy.