Avoiding Stretch Marks When Pregnant

Step 1

Maintain a healthy weight. Excessive weight gain--whether during pregnancy or not--can lead to stretch marks. Pregnancy doesn't give women unlimited permission to pig out on ice cream and candy bars all day (though you're certainly entitled once in a while). It's actually a time to boost the good-for-you factor of your meals: lots of protein, vegetables and fruit.

Step 2

Drink plenty of water. "Women can keep themselves well hydrated, as healthy skin stretches better," says Jennifer Higgins, mother of two and creator of Miss Oops, a line of beauty and fashion fixes. It's like you're hydrating your skin from the inside out.

Step 3

Choose a moisturizer. There's an array of products available that claim to reduce or avoid stretch marks. While there's scant scientific evidence that they make a huge difference, there's plenty of anecdotal evidence from moms who swear their product works. Higgins suggests, "Creams or oils containing cocoa butter, vitamin E or sweet almond oil help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks."

Step 4

Use your moisturizer religiously. As early on in your pregnancy as you can, start massaging that cream or oil into your belly and breasts at least twice a day. Use a circular motion and spend a good minute or so. Besides improving appearance---and isn't that what this is about?---Higgins says the massaging can help improve elasticity of your skin.

Step 5

Continue the regimen post-pregnancy. Keep up your stretch mark-busting routine for at least six weeks after baby. Stretch marks generally fade with time.