Stretch Mark Prevention During Pregnancy

Let me start by saying that everybody is different, each woman's skin will react in a different way to the growing baby, and stretching skin. Based on my skin (normal to dry skin) I got some stretch marks years ago when I hit puberty - this time on my chest and bottom. Since I knew my skin was prone to stretch marks (or so I thought), I wanted to do everything in my power to try and prevent them during this pregnancy.

Now I am 38 weeks, and have not gotten any stretch marks. I attest it to a few things I did, which I am happy to share with my fellow mamas-to-be in terms of stretch mark prevention.

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Read about my First Trimester and Second Trimester experience here!

HYDRATION!! It sounds too simple but hydration is key. BUT not just from the outside. Hydration from the inside is absolutely the one most important thing during pregnancy for many many reasons (such as water retention, dizziness, lack of energy etc) but stretch marks actually start in the lower layers on the skin - not on the surface - so having super hydrated tissue can absolutely contribute to stretch mark prevention.

You can boost your water intake by:
- starting your day with a glass of water
- drinking bubble water (which really worked for me but is definitely a matter of preference)
- adding a splash of juice to jour water
- track your glasses of water (Ovia app is great!)
- eat water rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, pineapple etc
- electrolytes to your diet for deep hydration (ie. Hydralyte)

The belly can get really heavy and gravity is definitely doing its thing during pregnancy (and always). I found that supportive clothing do not only boost your confidence but also play a major part in preventing the skin to stretch. Tank tops that have a bust and belly support work really well as it pulls everything UP! You can also try maternity leggings that have a thick belly band for support - I found this to be very comfortable. In addition you can add a belly band or belt for extra support for your bump and back if you are experiencing back pain especially. When I got pregnant I thought that all of these support aids were just a money trap, but now I realize that they are highly beneficial for stretch mark prevention and more.

We all know about the special oils and creams to apply to the growing bump, but I really took this concept to the next level. I apply a variety of oils, serums and creams to my belly 3-5 time per day. As I mentioned before based on the stretch marks I got in my teenage years I feared getting many stretch marks on my belly during this pregnancy. Of course this would not be the end of the world but if I can try and prevent this from happening, I am all in!

My theory was and is to constantly pamper the bump. In the morning and evening, whenever I would apply a serum to my face, I would also apply it to my bump. For this, I love the Vichy Mineral 89 and Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serums - both Hyaluronic Acid based and help immensely with cell repair and hydration.

In addition I love the Ever Eden Golden Belly Serum Oil, Mama Earth Belly Oil and Cerave Moisturizing lotion and cream but any super hydrating lotion will do. On a few bathroom visits I would just apply these oils and creams during the day to keep the bump super subtle and hydrated.