Pregnancy can be a stressful experience, especially when you add in the possibility of stretch marks. And businesswoman and entrepreneur Hope Smith knows a thing or two about stretch marks — including how to prevent them. She tested several ways to prevent and reduce stretch marks during her first pregnancy. She even created MUTHA™ and its first body butter while she was looking for a natural and plant-based method.
With all that in mind, here are five tips and tricks to help keep stretch marks at bay while pregnant.
Tip #1: Stay Hydrated
Stretch marks are more common in dry, rough skin. To keep your skin soft and smooth, drink plenty of water. While easier said than done, try to drink around 72 ounces of water each day for healthier-looking skin.
Bonus tip: For pregnant women, caffeine intake is usually limited based on the doctor’s orders. But drinking less caffeine has a bonus benefit aside from what your doctor is telling you. It could mean fewer stretch marks, too!
Tip #2: Eat a Healthy Diet
Sticking with the theme of fueling your body, maintaining a balanced diet is critical for providing your child with the nutrients it needs. This can be done by focusing more on limiting processed foods and increasing your intake of nutrient-rich foods. And, a balanced diet can help promote healthy skin, which could mean fewer stretch marks!
On that note, the foods you eat should ideally be rich in:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
- Protein
Tip #3: Manage Rapid Weight Changes
Managing weight changes when pregnant can feel downright impossible. After all, you are growing an entirely new life in your body. But, one of the more helpful ways to prevent stretch marks is to keep your weight consistent — as much as possible, of course. Stretch marks can happen from rapid weight gain or rapid weight loss. The best way to manage your weight is to try to maintain a healthy diet and exercise during the pregnancy, while also following doctor’s orders.
Tip #4: Treat New Stretch Marks
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, stretch marks can still appear. It’s okay! You’re only human. And you are carrying a whole new human! In those situations, you can work towards minimizing their appearance, so they aren’t as noticeable in the long run. Make your yearly skin exam, and discuss with your dermatologist what your skin might need to look its best.
Tip #5: Moisturize Your Skin With MUTHA™ Body Butter
While following the aforementioned tips should help improve your stretch marks, giving your skin some extra support doesn’t hurt. That’s where Hope’s MUTHA™ Body Butter comes in.
MUTHA™ Body Butter is crafted with shea, cocoa, vitamin E, and pure seed extracts. All these ingredients come together to make an intense but lightweight moisturizer that’s clinically proven to improve skin tone and discoloration of stretch marks and skin firmness.
Bonus tip: Be sure to apply Body Butter whenever you enter your bathroom. Keeping your skin hydrated is the name of the game!
If you want to learn more pregnancy tips, check out our blog posts on what you should know in each trimester and how to strengthen your pelvic floor.