The birth of your child is a tiny miracle that may happen once in a lifetime. In just a few short months, your life will change forever. Unfortunately, with pregnancy can come some unwanted changes in the body. To ensure that your health is not negatively impacted by childbirth, you must be ready for pregnancy. Pregnancy preparation is a crucial part of prenatal (and postnatal) care. Mothers need natal care for their bodies. Postnatal care helps them recover and return to a normal state after the changes that pregnancy brings. Some of these changes may revolve around resolving belly issues, such as diastasis recti. For example, flabby bellies or stretch marks are normal after pregnancy.

Are you aware of one of the most common side effects of pregnancy? Stretch marks, also called striae, are indented streaks that appear in the abdomen, breasts, hips, legs, and other parts of the body. They are common in pregnant women, especially those who are in their last trimester. For pregnant women, the most common area where they will experience stretch marks is the stomach or belly area, where their growing baby once resided.

Stretch marks are a natural part of pregnancy, but most people do not like the way they look. While they can fade over time, sometimes they can be permanent reminders of what your body used to look like. But with treatments, you can get your stretch marks to fade somewhat. You only need to check with a maternity clinic to know more about how stretch marks can fade with due progress.

Here are some of the things you can do to address pregnancy stretch marks.

1. Apply stretch mark creams, lotions, gels, and more

If you want to try to fade stretch marks, you need to start early. Do your research on particular stretch mark creams, too—some are said to have little to no effect at all despite early treatments. Lastly, ask your doctor about taking any creams, because some creams, lotions, gels, and other applications contain retinol which may harm your baby.

2. Dermatological procedures

If you have stretch marks, the first thing you may do is consult a dermatologist in the hopes of making them disappear. You can find tons of procedures to help you, such as laser therapy, chemical peel, or ultrasound. For best results, a dermatologist may ask you to take more than one treatment.

3. Prevent stretch marks while pregnant

Don’t wait until after pregnancy to notice your stretch marks. Early prevention can stop the worst of stretch marks from happening. While pregnant, take care of yourself by looking at remedies and medication that can help you lessen stretch mark formation.

Orchard Clinic can help you seek assistance in the preparation for the birth of your child and everything else during and after delivery. If you need help regarding new mothers and their needs, such as postpartum exercise, reach out to them through their website.