I would like to minimize the effects of my belly growing while I am pregnant, if I can. I mean, I know theres no way to completely prevent stretch marks, but I've read that there are exercises you can do to help, and that there might be things you can eat to improve skins elasticity.
Please no advice thats going to hurt my baby, that, after all, is whats most important.
2007-03-18 10:40:40 · 16 answers · asked by kittiesandsparklelythings 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
My cousin got huge during her first pregnancy and she didn't get a single stretch mark. She drank tons of water (as much as you possibly can in the realm of safety, and she drank mostly water, real water, not flavored water) and applied lotions. I don't think drinking water should be overlooked. I'm sure part of my cousin's situation was genetics, but adequate water intake has been suggested for the prevention of stretch marks, and too many woman don't drink enough water and instead drink flavored beverages or juices. Juices are fine, but if you want the nutrient of juice, eat the fruits and vegetables. It's better for you.
2007-03-19 09:32:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some will say yes, some will say no! Stretch marks are a part of life. Start now using something before your skin gets dry & is already stretching like crazy!!! But having had 4 children & another (#5) on the way here, I think I got it. lol There is a product by Queen Helene's. The 12th or 13th one down are both great!!! (I used the cocoa butter one, not the Shea butter one, but they are both excellent!) Here is what I used with my 3rd & 4th pregnancies. And plan on using here soon with this one. I did not get a single new stretchmark with this any of the times. I hope this helps. The existing stretch marks did get darker here, but I didnt get a single solitary new one. To me that counts!!!
Take Care & Congrats to you!!!!
2007-03-18 11:34:40 · answer #2 · answered by ,,!,,baddest~lil~b!tch,,!,, 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I strongly recommend using an oil, both pre- and post-partum. This can be as simple and cheap as olive oil, or you can get pre-mixed oils that are specially designed (with vitamin E and other such things) to improve skin's elasticity. This is a great gift to request from friends or family! Plus, it's relaxing to rub something that smells nice on your belly every night.
I did nothing during my first pregnancy and had moderate stretch marks. They started opening up again during the second, and so I started oiling -- within a couple weeks they'd gotten less visible! You probably won't prevent or hide them completely, but you should be able to avoid looking like you've been mauled by a bear :-)
2007-03-18 10:47:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try using Cocoa Butter or Vitamin E from the capsules. It helps with your skin's elasticity. Cocoa Butter can be found in alot of baby sections of Walmart or Target. With the Vit E, just buy the capsules and poke it with a straight pin then it's really gooey but squeeze it all out and rub it onto the stretch marks.
2007-03-18 10:46:55 · answer #4 · answered by Rae 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I HEARD that COCO butter works on SOME women. It can be bought at any drug store or walmart, target, etc. Try that - It couldn't hurt. It is supposed to make your skin more elastic. Also, if you DO get stretch marks, Vitamin E works very very well. I got 3rd degree burns on my hand a while back and am using Vitamin E tablets on it and it is minimizing the scarring.
2007-03-18 10:49:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There aren't any products that are proven to help. However, keep your skin moisturized and stay within your recommended range of weight gain (there is some evidence that this helps minimize the stretch marks).
Just so you know, you can even get stretch marks after delivery. It's cruel, but it happens sometimes!
2007-03-18 10:46:42 · answer #6 · answered by Mommy2006 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They sell Lotions for this (Coco Butter) . But keep in mind, this will only help a little. You can't stop your body from getting stretch marks. Everyone gets them, just some more than others. Go Walmart or Target you will find some products there.
2007-03-18 10:52:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Despite all the theories, you will either get stretch marks or you won't. It depends on the size of your baby and the strechiness of your abdomen. Having a deep navel helps as there is more "slack" there"!
2007-03-18 10:49:47 · answer #8 · answered by the_emrod 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I use cocoa butter and at 36 weeks it's kept down most (but I have developed one on my belly.) I've heard olive oil is good too. I've never heard of any exercises though.
2007-03-18 10:43:50 · answer #9 · answered by Serena 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I heard cocoa butter helps, but not for everyone. Depends a lot on skin type.
2007-03-18 10:44:51 · answer #10 · answered by me_myself_&_eye 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋