Stretch marks are very common during pregnancy. The skin stretches less quickly than your body and your uterus, which is preparing itself for the arrival of the baby growing inside. The skin breaks down because it is stretched so dramatically, and this is what causes stretch marks. It is no surprise that these marks appear mostly around the belly and the breasts. They are often reddish or purplish, and become whiter or greyish over time. Some women are more likely to get them than others, owing to genetics.
Although it is normal for the body to change during pregnancy, stretch marks are one of the changes we are less willing to accept! In order to avoid them (or at least reduce the risk), follow these recommendations.
1) Your diet
For a healthy baby that develops well, eating a balanced and varied diet is crucial. But as well as that, you can consume foods that are good for your skin, in order to promote skin elasticity (and thus reduce the risk of stretch marks).
- First of all, consume seasonal fruits and vegetables which are rich in antioxidants.
- Vitamin E is also excellent for the skin cells, and shouldn’t be forgotten (broccoli, avocados, walnuts, seeds, etc.).
- Vitamin A (found in red peppers, mangoes, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, etc.) plays an important role in tissue repair, which is important given what your skin undergoes during pregnancy.
- Finally, foods rich in omega 3 are great allies when it comes to bright skin and healthy cell membranes (eggs, walnuts, fish oils, fish that doesn’t contain mercury [avoiding over-consumption of large fish, sea bream, swordfish, marlin, shark and tuna]).
2) Hydrate hydrate hydrate
Hydrating helps keep your skin cells healthy, and there are several ways of doing so:
- Drink enough water, around 8 glasses a day.
- Take herbal teas (without caffeine) as another great way of hydrating, which makes a change from water.
- Eat juicy seasonal fruit and veg, such as cucumber, strawberries, watermelon, etc., depending on the season.