What are the precautions that I can take to avoid stretch marks?
Many women experience red or pink streaks that appear on the abdomen, hips and breasts. These marks, which are caused by hormonal changes and stretching skin, may become more noticeable after delivery. Unfortunately, they tend to be permanent and there is little that can be done to prevent them from occurring. Although they may never disappear completely, they will fade considerably over time. While many women purchase special creams, lotions and oils to help prevent and erase stretch marks, there is little evidence that they work. Whether you are prone to stretch marks depends a great deal on your skin’s natural elasticity. About half of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy, regardless of whether or not they have used any topical ointments. Here’s what you can do to help minimize those marks: stay within your weight-gain guidelines, eat foods high in vitamins A, D and E to nourish your skin from the inside and help keep it supple, rub a little lotion on your stomach to keep th
