Although your body goes through a number of changes during pregnancy, it should still be a fun and happy experience. Keep these tips in mind and learn How to Reduce Pregnancy Stretch Marks.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

• Keep Skin Well Moisturized Inside and Out

Stretch marks can be caused by rapid weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, rapid growth, or basically anytime the skin is stretched. Whether or not you get stretch marks does depend on things like genetic history and ethnicity but can be reduced by a few preventative measures that women can take.

To avoid pregnancy stretch marks it is important to keep the skin as moisturized as possible. Apply lotion or cream daily and nightly to the entire body, as stretch marks can also appear on the buttocks, thighs, upper arms and breasts, as well as the belly. Cocoa butter, Vitamin E, Vitamin A and emu butter have been found to moisturize the skin sufficiently to reduce pregnancy stretch marks.

It isn't a good idea or necessary to diet while pregnant, but being conscious of your weight gain and trying to gain only the recommended amount of weight necessary for your pregnancy will cut down and reduce pregnancy stretch marks. Stretch marks are more likely to appear if a great deal of weight is gained in a short amount of time.

Not only is eating healthy good for your growing baby, a well balanced diet will contribute to the health of your skin and can reduce the possibility of stretch marks. Eat foods high in zinc, vitamins C and E and silica, drink plenty of water and take your prenatal vitamins and it will help keep your skin nourished and able to stretch better. This will also help your skin bounce back after the pregnancy.