How to reduce the chances of stretchmarks during Pregnancy.

Having had my first baby at the ripe old age of 42, I would have thought my skin's elasticity would be shot.  Having put on nearly 3 stone and nearly all out front, I can happily report that not a single stretchmark was evident! (Ok my belly is a bit bigger but it was s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d to the limit!). 

I used Jojoba oil or unrefined Wheatgerm oil at night and rubbed all over the body from the thighs up to the top of the breasts.  For a non greasy base during the day I used Vitamin E Cream  (until I got to a very itchy stage and was prescribed good old E45 cream - prescription charges free during pregnancy and got through a couple of 500ml tubs, thankyou NHS!).  Now I had not discovered virgin coconut oil at that time but am sure that would work equally well, certainly for the day time  it feels greasy when you first put it on but is quickly absorbed within a minute or two.  And not only are you protecting against stretchmarks but also infection as the skin is the largest organ and a main entry system for bacteria and viruses.   Unrefined wheatgerm is really thick and gloopy so might be the best night time option to maximise skin elasticity due to its high vitamin e content or you could use both! See what feels best on your skin.   If it's too late and you already have stretchmarks go to our Mother & Baby page for some stretchmark and scar diminishing blends.

If you don't want to make your own try our new Organic Stretchmark Blend with neroli (orange blossom).  With the sweet and lively aromas of Neroli and Mandarin this blend can help to uplift the mind and reduce anxiety. Can be used in the latter stages of pregnancy to help prevent stretchmarks.

It may be used to help heal old stretchmarks from either previous pregnancies or teenage growth spurts.

This oil may be used as a body oil, both moisturizing in effect and beneficial to health

Shop for Stretchmark Blend

 

Remember that 60% of what you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body so using as pure as possible products that nourish you, will also help to nourish your baby too.  Using lots of chemical based deodorants, moisturisers and perfumes can cross the placenta.   If you are intending to breastfeed, using virgin coconut in cooking and spreads and taking up to 3 tablespoons per day will help to increase the nutrients.  Coconut oil contains up to 50% lauric acid, the constituent found in mother's breastmilk which contributes to boosting the immune system.  By eating coconuts and coconut oil you are helping to build up your own and your baby's immunity.

We do not recommend using ANY essential oils during pregnancy to be on the safe side (just leading up to the labour and during childbirth is fine though)

 

Sleep Positions - The Left Side can help nourish your baby in the womb

According to experts, sleeping on the left side during pregnancy helps the placenta nourish the baby.  Also its difficult to sleep on your back during late pregnancy as the pressure of the baby on the main arteries in the uterus could cause you to pass out!  Using a body cushtie can help prop up your back so you can relax in the left position without worrying about rolling back on to your back or tensing your muscles to keep you in position.  Read more about these Amazingly Squishy Microbead Cushions .  The Body Cushtie is 38" long or there's the whopping 50" inch long faux suede HugMe body tube in Chocolate Brown.  Will come in very handy for nursing too or relaxing on the sofa or bed.

 

If you are finding it really hot, use a chillow to keep you cool. Use two chillows in a heatwave and putting in the refrigerator before use.  The chillows uses the ambient temperature and needs space to cool down and if you are using it on the whole body it will absorb your body heat within 3 hours, by using two you can then you can just change to a cooler one by your bedside or visit the fridge if its really hot for a really cool pillow.  More Info & Uses: Chillows

 

We recommend one of these balls (available at most sports stores and Argos).  They are really comfy to sit on during late pregnancy and to lean on  to get you in the "scrubbing floors" position - great for watching TV and helps baby get comfy too.

 

Apparently in the 50's when housewives were mainly stay-at-home they rarely had problems with breach births as scrubbing floors on all fours helps put baby in the right position as gives the baby maximum room to move around.