Stretch marks are perhaps the most dreaded factor associated with pregnancies for women. While most of us are subjected to images of Hollywood celebrities back in their glamorous and perfect bodies shortly after giving birth, know this ladies: there is a lot of effort that goes in to stretch marks prevention and though it may be a tough feat, it is not impossible to get your healthy, mark-free body back with some surprisingly simple hacks. Read on to discover the origins of stretch marks and some of the best ways desi women can rid themselves of the long feared pregnancy scars!

One of the most common misconceptions that exists is that stretch marks only appear during women’s pregnancy. Contrary to popular belief, however, stretch marks can appear on one’s body immediately after rapid weight loss or gain. Moreover, your skin type is a major contributing factor to if you’ll get stretch marks or not as some people may have skin more elastic than others. Some things that you must absolutely avoid to aggravate the appearance of stretch marks are laser treatments during pregnancies, scratching the skin to get rid of that annoying itch and especially scrubbing (avoid, avoid, avoid!) The good news is however that there are precautions and ways to get rid of these ‘anomalies’ so follow my 5 key strategies and I can promise you a glowing and beautiful post baby body!

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of staying moisturized. Ladies your bodies need just as much moisture as your face or hands do so while your pregnant self may be too lazy or tired to do so, stay moisturized throughout! All areas of your body should be properly massaged with an appropriate moisturizer or oils suited to your body type and dedicated especially to pregnant women. Personally, NealsYardRemedies organic skin care products have proven to be a miracle for me that I recommend to all my pregnant friends and readers! All Bio Oil products work wonders too. Nevertheless, consult your personal doctor first to know what products he/she recommends according to your body type and needs.

Know Your Nutrients!

This age old advice holds true in even greater capacity for to-be mothers. A diet filled with the right nutrients is truly essential! Foods that are rich in Vitamins C & E, proteins and zinc are a must have for all you ladies! These magical foods stimulate production of collagen that helps reduce the likelihood of stretch marks. Most nutrients with antioxidant properties prove to be must haves before, during and even after pregnancy.

Cocoa Butter is Your New Best Friend!

Stock up on cocoa butter products, trust me you’ll need them! Most pregnant women find they experience itching on and off during their pregnancy and while the crave to give in to scratching yourself may be too high, avoid it all costs and rely on the trusty cocoa butter to massage yourself with to soothe away that itch. Palmer’s cocoa butter products are easily available in local markets and it’s a product I definitely recommend (subject to your doctor’s advice)! Added benefit? It smells great!

Oil Away!

As you progress through this article you’ll find, the right products with the right ingredients are super important! Knowing your oils is just as important. From olive oil to castor oil and Vitamin E oils, massaging yourself with these will not only keep your body hydrated but will help with that annoying itch as well as significantly improve skin elasticity thus reducing the appearance of stretch marks! On the plus side, ladies, you’ll never feel more pampered as you will when being massaged!

Golden Rule: Be Confident, Smile and Stay Happy!

Last but not least, this is the cardinal rule to loving your body, stretch marks or not! You’re either on your way to giving birth or already have, either way the little bundle of joy in your life will transform you in ways your heart has never imagined. Nothing can parallel the ecstasy that holding your baby for the first time will give you so cherish the moments that matter while you really can, stay happy and smile because the happier you are, the more you will love your body and the more likely you are to do something about taking care of it like it should be taken care of. But along the way, don’t lose out on precious moments with the cuteness you just brought in to the world or are about to. After all, they say for all the new moms or moms-to-be with stretch marks, you’re a goddamn tiger that has earned her stripes!