How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Stretch marks are practically part and parcel of pregnancy. This is because our bodies undergo a huge change during pregnancy. In keeping up with the body rapidly growing, the elastic fibres under our skin break, prompting new collagen fibres to “fix” the damaged areas by replacing them with a less elastic material that is of a different texture and colour, resulting in indented scars which are permanent.

Some may see this as unsightly, while others are not as affected by the appearance as much. Either way, it is worth noting that genetics play a role in the occurrence of stretch marks. So, if your mother or grandmother had them while pregnant, you most likely will too. This is to say that we should embrace stretch marks and not be too put off by them as they are a natural part of pregnancy and life.

However, if it does bother you a lot, there are some ways to minimise the appearance. Do remember that these tips are catered to reducing rather than eliminating them completely as we can’t make them disappear.

Without further ado, here are some tips for you.

1. Balanced diet

Pregnancy brings about a lot of cravings, sometimes unimaginable ones, and they can be quite unhealthy. While we cannot control what we crave, we can control what we eat on a  daily basis. By having balanced meals every day, we can improve skin hydration and health, thus lowering the probability of stretch marks. 

Incorporate ingredients that are high in protein, vitamins C, D, and E, and zinc, all essential especially for pregnant ladies as some can be deficient in them. Switch out white grains for whole grains. Add more fruits and vegetables to your meals. Opt for healthier snacks like seeds, nuts, and yoghurt rather than fried or junk food. And if you have a severe deficiency in a certain vitamin or mineral, always refer to your gynaecologist for prescriptions or advice. 

2. Stay hydrated

Water is of the essence here. The amount that we drink can do wonders for our skin. Hydrated skin has a lower tendency to tear or wrinkle as hydration equates elasticity. So, drink the recommended 8 glasses, or 2 litres, every day to be hydrated.

If 2 litres seem like a lot of water, you can always substitute a portion of it with fruits or combine the two to change it up a little. Put a slice of lemon or cucumber in your water to make it more refreshing. 

3. Moisturise

Hydrating on the inside is not enough. You’ve got to moisturise on the outside too. Use a stretch mark cream or oil and apply it every day on areas that are prone to developing stretch marks like the stomach, chest, and legs. Proper moisturisation allows the skin to be more elastic and not tear so easily as your body gets bigger to accommodate your little one growing in you. 

Extra tips on moisturising:-

• Apply an extra layer of cream or oil if you have drier skin for more protection.
• Do not use products with retinol as it can harm the foetus.
• Start moisturising the moment you find out you are pregnant (prevention is better than cure).
• Moisturise 2 to 3 times, or as needed, every day. Continue to do so after giving birth as part of postpartum care Singapore therapy.
• Massage the product onto the affected areas. Do not just simply apply and leave the product on your skin.

4. Massage

Massage is a great way to reduce the visibility of stretch marks. What happens when you massage yourself or get one is improved blood circulation. When blood circulates more effectively, cellular nutrient delivery and waste removal are done at a more optimal level, hence, enabling our tissues to heal and grow better, indirectly minimising the appearance of the scars that are stretch marks. Pair your massage with a stretch mark cream or oil to get the best effects. It might seem quite a daunting task to do multiple times a day, but it will pay off.

Did you know you could get a massage for pregnancy woman in Singapore? If you’re tired of doing it yourself all the time, you can opt for one from a professional, like ours here at PNSG. Our certified experts will know which body areas to avoid, which to focus on, and give the best care you can ask for. A body massage for pregnant ladies can help with soreness, back pain, swelling, hip pain, and stress, among other issues that come with pregnancy. 
But that’s not all, you can get a massage as part of your postpartum care Singapore therapy too. Do not underestimate the power of a good massage, as it makes all the difference in health and comfort. So, head on over to our website to find out more now.