4 Easy Ways to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
We are not completely powerless when it comes to stretch marks during pregnancy. Lots of articles state that there is nothing you can do about stretch marks. That it is just a part of pregnancy and completely down to your genes. If you are lucky enough to have stretchy skin, great. If not, don’t dispair. I do believe there are options for you if you are wanting to prevent stretch marks or minimise the risks of them forming while you are pregnant and when you are losing weight after the birth of your baby.
Of course there is something you can do about stretch marks… that is if you can increase the elasticity of your skin. So how do we prevent pregnancy stretch marks?
So what are the top things you can do to prevent stretch marks.
1. Consume Gelatin
Gelatin is a great way to prevent stretch marks. My grandmother used to swear by gelatin for healthy skin, hair and nails. Collagen formation is essential in improving your skins elasticity during pregnancy. To increase your skin’s collagen formation, you can include gelatin in your diet. Gelatin is a rich source of collagen. Today our diets are severely lacking in gelatin, so how can you get more gelatin in your diet?
Make bone broth and drink it plain every morning. Always use organic meats/bones where you can. You can use chicken bones, beef bones or even fish bones. Use it to make gravies, soups, sauces, and casseroles. Boil your rice in broth, it gives it great flavour. You can also use a gelatin powder. Find one that does not gel that you can add to drinks. Plain gelatin can be used to thicken or gel foods, or to make fruit gummies or jelly.
Gelatin helps with more than just improving skin elasticity, it has numerous other benefits including: improved wound healing, improved sleep, improve insulin sensitivity, fighting free radical damage, promoting digestive health and reduce gut inflammation, and reduced joint pain. Bonus: Gives you strong, shiny nails and hair too!
2. Keep Hydrated
This is so important and the easiest change to make. You will reap numerous benefits by remaining hydrated throughout your pregnancy. During pregnancy your blood volume is increasing and you are building amniotic fluid for your baby. Your body has an increased demand for water. Your skin depends on adequate hydration for optimal elasticity. You need about 8-12 glasses a day, but mostly pay attention to how you are feeling. Drink before you get really thirsty. If you have dry lips, throat or skin you are already dehydrated. Being tired, having headaches, or a lack of concentration can also be a sign that you are dehydrated. If you are suffering with excess fluid retention, it may seem counter-intuitive, but you actually need to drink more water. Excess sugar in your diet can also lead to fluid retention.
3. Coconut Oil
I love using pure coconut oil all over my body. It is a wonderful moisturiser and it is also antifungal. So if you suffer from any skin ailments including sore nipples and mastitis, pure coconut oil could be the answer you are looking for. Coconut is fatty acids which is great for nourishing the skin and maintaining elasticity. Coconut oil can easily be applied topically right after a shower lock the moisture in. Use it in your cooking or add to smoothies. Your skin will thank you for it!
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is so important during pregnancy. The body uses Vitamin C to form collagen and cartilage. Vitamin C is also highly effective in reducing free radical damage. Free radicals consume collagen and elastin. It is best to get Vitamin C from a natural food source, such as Lifestream Natural Vitamin C. Foods high in vitamin C include red and green bell peppers, guava, kale, parsley greens, turnips, and broccoli. It will protect your skin, your perineum during the birth and also strengthen your immune system to help reduce the risk of frequent urinary tract infections.