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Gina & Al
Our fairy tale ending!
Our dreams of adopting were beginning to seem elusive after more than a year of searching for our angel, so when our adoption phone rang in late April--a week before our Parent Profile subscription was due to expire--our hearts were hopeful that our dreams might finally be coming true. Sure enough, on April 24 at 3:24 PM, our miracle arrived with the birth of our beautiful son, James Anthony. Now our more ...
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are one of the unfortunate side effects of pregnancy. As the abdomen stretches, so does the skin and because skin loses its elasticity over time, after pregnancy it may not return that easily to its pre-pregnancy suppleness. This is particularly true as one gets older.
How bad one's stretch marks are depends on how elastic the skin was before pregnancy and how you take care of your skin during and after pregnancy. Taking care of your skin includes exercise and not just using expensive lotions and potions. There are, in the world of beauty, very few easy answers. Being healthy requires leading a healthy lifestyle, eating a healthy diet and taking good care of yourself.
Some stretch marks prevention strategies include:
A regular exercise routine;Drinking plenty of water;
Using plenty of moisturizer, regularly;
Trying not to put on any more than the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy;
Trying not to lose weight too quickly after you've given birth;
Taking time out for skin massages;
Staying out of the sun as much as possible and using a sunscreen when you do go in the sun;
Avoiding alcohol which is dehydrating;
Giving up smoking;
Making sure your diet contains enough vitamins and minerals;
Taking vitamin and mineral supplements at those times your body is depleted of them, e.g., when pregnant.
Natural remedies for stretch marks include natural oils like wheat germ oil, almond oil, rose oil and vitamin E oil. Massage one of these into your skin daily or add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer. Most oils will take up to three months of continuous use before you see the effects. Stretch marks are notoriously difficult to get rid of, but with care they should fade into relative insignificance.
And when you're feeling a bit down about your stretch marks, take a look at People magazine which is sure to have a few pictures of the most beautiful stars caught unawares with stretch marks, cellulite and tummy rolls. At least you have an excuse!
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