Stretchmark Protection

During the second and third trimesters your uterus will grow rapidly, stretching the skin over the abdomen and tearing the connective tissues in the dermis. The torn tissue heals with irregular scars known as stretchmarks (striae gravidarum). Growth of fat deposits in the breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks can cause stretchmarks in these areas as well.

Stretchmarks affect up to 90% of all women. They occur more often in first pregnancies, the fair-skinned, and the overweight. There is definitely a genetic component so you may not be able to avoid them, but there are things you can do to minimize your risk.

Generations of mothers have used cocoa butter to try and prevent stretchmarks, but while it is a good moisturizer, there is no research showing a benefit from this ingredient.

The only published research on stretchmark prevention showed that a combination of Gotu Kola extract, Vitamin E, and Collagen Hydrolysates decreased the risk of getting stretchmarks by about 39%, and decreased the severity of any stretchmarks that did form. (International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1991). All of these ingredients can be found in Belli Pregnancy's Elasticity Belly Oil, along with the relaxing aromatherapy of lavender.

Another step you can take is to keep your weight gain within the guidelines recommended by your obstetrician, to minimize the amount of stretching your skin has to do.