Stretch marks-many pregnant women dread them.
How can you treat this annoying pregnancy side effect?
As soon as you get a positive pregnancy test, start applying lotion to the areas where stretch marks usually pop up: your breasts, belly, lower back, and hips. Stretch marks are caused by fibers under your skin’s surface breaking apart because of quick weight gain. Moisturizing the areas we mention above will keep your skin’s elasticity, and make stretch marks less likely. Apply a rich cream in the morning; this will make it so your skin is hydrated all day. Before bed, draw a warm bath and add some drops of Vitamin E oil. Also, try to gain your pregnancy weight slowly and don’t put on more than your doctor recommends.
If you start seeing stretch marks in your 2nd trimester, know that you’re not alone: 9 out of 10 pregnant women get them! Stretch marks typically appear in the 6th or 7th month of pregnancy. It’s best to take care of the appearance of them while they’re new. Starting in the 2nd trimester, it’s safe for you to use Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy (it’s been shown in clinical studies to dramatically reduce scarring!) But make sure to apply it daily, and keep in mind that it might take a few weeks to see a difference.
After delivery, start using a firming lotion or serum. Or you can try laser treatments, but the cost may range from $350 to $1,000. And, here’s another thing you can do: embrace your stretch marks! Think about it this way: they’re in spots most people don’t see.