Pregnancy is that exciting period for women, which brings tons of reasons to smile. However, it also comes with some big no-nos. Mothers-to-be are faced with the challenge of figuring out what to use, what not to use, what to eat and what to avoid. Now, you don’t have to be an expert to know that when you are expecting a baby, you should quit smoking, ditch the coffee and put down the glass of wine. Perhaps the most daunting problem is how to keep your skin elastic to avoid stretch marks and which products to go with that your baby will benefit from. In this post, we will cover all these topics so that you are prepared.
What to do about stretch marks
9 out of 10 moms-to-be get stretch marks during pregnancy. The reason for this is that during those nine months the body grows pretty fast, so fast that if the skin isn’t stretchy enough, it simply can’t cope with the changing weight. As a result of that, elastic fibers begin to break. And this is how stretch marks appear. And here is the bad news: genes have to do something with it. you are more susceptible to them if your mother got them.
So, is there anything that can help against stretch marks? You should know that there is no miracle cure, Getting your skin deeply moisturized during pregnancy is one way to go, if not the best. it will improve elasticity and reduce the likelihood of elastic fibers breaking. Making sure that your skin is hydrated can help keep things under control and also make you feel much better and relaxed. So is there a good moisturizing product? One option can be vegetable oil based moisturizers and if you are wondering how to get things right, scroll down to the next section where we talk about which products are best for you.
Another way to fight stretch marks is to include plenty of vitamins in your diet. Vitamin C is the one you should focus on, although you should always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements over the counter. Some experts advise eating more gelatin to increase the formation of collagen. Others suggest to eat a banana a day,
Which products to use
Of course, you should carefully pick the products you use during pregnancy for the sake of your little one. Most of the stuff you apply to your skin enters your body, so it goes without saying that it has to be good. Your baby can benefit from it too. It is advised to use cold-pressed, organic argan oil or cocoa butter, as they are good for your health. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, argan oil is great for you because it also contains vitamin E. It will leave your skin hydrated without clogging your pores. That’s because it is fortified with antioxidants that help you prevent stretch marks and have glowing skin. You can never get too much argan oil, so do not hesitate to apply as much as you need on your skin and leave it for as long as necessary to get the job done.
What else can you use? Anything that is certified organic, is non-toxic and safe to use during pregnancy. At SULA NYC all our moisturizing products are certified, containing non-harmful ingredients, so you can be sure you are getting the best treatments.
What habits or foods to avoid during pregnancy
Another huge topic for pregnant women is your diet and habits. Embracing a few lifestyle changes will not only improve your skin, but also help your baby to stay healthy.
For starters, you are recommended to go for organic, non-GMO foods. For example, eating bananas and other citrus fruits, leafy greens, broccoli and other foods which contain folic acid can help avoid spina bifida – a common birth defect. You should stay away from raw eggs, sushi and other uncooked seafood (possible problem: salmonella). Raw meet should be avoided like the plague too. Another type of food that is not advisable to eat during pregnancy is feta, Roquefort, brie and other soft cheeses.
Try to avoid drinking coffee during those crucial months or at least limit it to 200 mg a day. Consider replacing coffee with plain water (it will make your skin more supple) or fresh juice (it will provide your body with loads of vitamins). Smoking is proven to have a negative effect on the body, no matter if you are expecting or not, so steer clear of it. As for alcohol, there is no need to explain why alcoholic beverages should be kept out of the fridge and your body. Your baby will be much better off without them.
Learning more about pregnancy is very important if you want to ensure that your growing baby is healthy. We advise you to take good care of your skin using the right products and to follow a few healthy habits.