Most women are susceptible to stretch marks during pregnancy and keen to know how to avoid getting them in the first place. Of course stretch marks will occur as the body swells. But there are things you can do to lessen the condition.
Eat a healthy diet to nourish your skin. Take prenatal vitamins and eat the right amount of calories. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink eight or more glasses of water and other fluids daily, to hydrate your skin and maintain elasticity.
Follow guidelines for gradual weight gain. The faster you gain weight during pregnancy, the more likely it is you will get stretch marks. Continue regimen after you deliver until you're back to your target weight -- rapid weight loss can also result in stretch marks.
Moisturize your breasts, belly, sides, lower back, thighs and anywhere else you think you might get stretch marks every morning and night. Creams and lotions help your skin to feel less dry and itchy. Cocoa butter, almond oil and Shea butter are marvelous choices. Also wheat germ oil and pure Lanolin are very good.
Avoid sun exposure, tanning booths and sunscreen lotions. Use clothing as sunscreen. Avoid allowing your skin to dry out. Cold weather and hot showers or baths will dry out your skin. You should moisturize your skin two or three times daily. If you do all this you can improve the tone and appearance of your skin and make the stretch marks less noticeable.