There are many products marketed to remove the marks but these can usually only lighten them and therefore make them much less obvious. It is often the case that the individual who has the stretch marks, thinks they are much more noticeable than they actually are. Most times the problem will fade away after a couple of months on its own accord. If you are determined not to develop stretch marks during your pregnancy then regular moisturizing will stop the skin from getting irritated and therefore itching. Sometimes it is the actual itching of these susceptible areas that exacerbate the problem.

Keeping the skin more flexible as the body expands, it is important to know the ingredients of any skin care creams etc that you use as something like Retin-A is potentially harmful to the fetus developing in your body. Simple oil is usually better. Stretch marks can take many forms and be different sizes and colors, based on how fast the skin is contracting and your own natural skin tone, respectively. For most pregnant women they develop during the final gestation period. It all come about because the supportive tissue just below the skin lose its elasticity.

After the birth, gentle exercises will help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, as will improving your diet. Obviously if you are breast feeding be hesitant of trying to lose any weight as your baby requires certain food supplements from you. You can continue to use a cream to keep the skin moisturized, look out for ones that include cocoa butter or glycolic acid, both of which have been scientifically proved to assist in removing the ugly look of stretch marks. If you are really concerned about how your stretch marks look and it is beginning to affect your life, creating a lack of self confidence and feeling of low self esteem, then cosmetic surgery is an option, albeit a very expensive one.

It is also recommended to take a folic acid supplement. Folic acid is included in any good quality brand of prenatal vitamins, as are other important nutrients such as B vitamins, minerals like calcium, etc.

If you are trying to conceive, experiencing some symptoms of pregnancy, or are now pregnant, you will want to eat a balanced and healthy diet. Your body will experience many changes as the months go by. Be sure to get plenty of rest. Fatigue is a common complaint of pregnant women. Your body is going through a lot of stressful work to create a human life. You are doing something totally amazing. And you deserve a rest, don’t you think? Of course you do. So take plenty of breaks, sit down, even take a nap every day if you can.

You and your baby will need more calories during the pregnancy stages. Some doctors estimate that you will consume round 300 additional calories each day. Just make sure the added calories come from healthy foods, not junk food. It is normal to have some cravings, because you need extra nutrients, but these cravings can be lessened by taking prenatal vitamins. You body wants and needs added nutrition, to help your baby grow, so eat plenty of health foods such as yogurt, fruit, bran muffins, veggies, etc.

Stay away from cigarettes and from people who smoke them. Second hand smoke can be bad for you and for your developing baby. Also avoid chemicals of all kinds. Don’t use, inhale or be around any paint, harsh cleaning compounds, bug sprays and pesticides, weed killers, or any serious chemicals such as those.

Get some mild exercise every day. Going for a walk is the best form of exercise. This gets your blood flowing and increases oxygen levels in your body. Don’t do any sit ups or crunches or tummy exercises. And avoid doing any heavy lifting. Talk to your nurse or doctor on a regular basis. Pregnant women are going through a special time in their lives and they have special needs, special eating habits, special vitamins, etc. Take extra special good care of yourself so you will have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.