Spending moisturizing cream and oils daily, regularly checking weight and making frequent and balanced meals are some tips that can help prevent stria during pregnancy or that can at least reduce the intensity with which they appear.
Stretch marks on the skin are common during pregnancy, especially in the breast, belly and thigh regions and consist of small "lines" that appear on pinkish skin that later tend to turn white. These fine lines that appear are actually scars, which form when the skin stretches quickly in a short time due to the growth of the belly and breasts and due to the growth of the baby.
A large majority of women have stretch marks during pregnancy and to try to prevent their onset it is recommended that you follow the following tips:
1. Use moisturizing creams and oils
Moisturizing creams and oils rich in Vitamin E, suitable to provide a deep hydration to the skin during pregnancy reduce the chances of the appearance of stretch marks, as they increase the elasticity of the skin. One good option that can be used is Bio-Oil Oil, which is rich in vitamin E and should be applied from the fourth month of pregnancy in areas that are prone to stretch marks such as buttocks, thighs, abdomen and breasts.
2. Regularly massage the belly and breasts
Regularly massaging the belly and breasts also helps prevent stretch marks as it gives a better elasticity to the skin and helps and activates blood circulation in these regions. It is important that these massages are made daily, especially in the regions with the greatest tendency for striae to appear, such as belly, breasts and thighs, and can be made when the cream or oil passes through the body after bathing, for example.
Know the benefits, contraindications and necessary care of Massage in Pregnancy.
3. Wear appropriate underwear
Wearing proper undergarments that hold the belly tightly and help support the breasts also helps reduce the chance of stretch marks. Also, wearing large cotton clothing is also important, as they do not tighten blood circulation.
4. Eat foods rich in vitamin C and E
Foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, are foods rich in antioxidant substances, such as beta-carotene or flavonoids, which act as collagen stimulants in the skin, also contributing to the fight against stretch marks.
On the other hand, foods rich in vitamin E like whole grains, vegetable oils and seeds, are used to protect the body cells, vitamin E being an antioxidant vitamin with anti-aging properties for the skin.
5. Check weight during pregnancy
Controlling weight during pregnancy also helps prevent the appearance of stretch marks and for this it is necessary for the pregnant woman to regularly follow her weight and maintain a healthy and balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, white meats, fish and eggs, avoiding foods with excess fats and sugars. See what foods to eat during pregnancy in Pregnancy Food.
During pregnancy it is acceptable to fatten between 11 and 15 kg in gestation, however the maximum acceptable weight will depend on pregnant. Know how many pounds you can put on How many pounds can I put on weight in pregnancy?
In addition, drinking plenty of water daily, approximately 2 liters per day, is also very important to maintain proper skin hydration and elasticity, helping to prevent striae as well, since dehydrated skin is always more prone to appearance.
How to get rid of stretch marks after pregnancy
If you want to know what the options are to eliminate red, purple or white striae after pregnancy, watch the following video:
