Pregnancy Stretch Marks

As soon as you find out you are pregnant you know things are going to be changing, from your waist size to those little stretch marks that pop up.
Stretch marks are exactly that, red or purple marks left in your skin because it has stretched. The most common areas for it to appear is the buttocks, thighs, stomach, breasts and even arms. 90 percent of all pregnant women will get them, whether they get a lot or a few depends on the body and how they are preventing them.

There are lots of lotions out there claiming to help prevent stretch marks, such as scar serum, cocoa butter, vitamin E cream etc.
You’ll need to try them out yourself first and see if they work for you. You’ll have to use them regularly and consistently. That’s where most women fail, they just use the creams occasionally and expect them to work.
The important thing is to make sure your skin is always well moisturized, as this helps in stretching the skin and not tearing it. There are new discoveries every day, so do ask your doctor or midwife what they recommend.

Try not to put on too much weight during the pregnancy. The recommended weight gain for the average, healthy pregnancy is about 25-35 pounds. Make sure you drink plenty of water, staying hydrated helps keep the skin healthy. The moment your skin dries out you can begin getting stretch marks.

If you’ve had one or more children your chances of getting more stretch marks will increase. Your skin has already been stretched out and you are about to do it again. Large babies and multiple babies can increase your chances of getting stretch marks too. Begin using preventing creams and lotions with vitamins A and E in them, as soon as you find out your are pregnant and try to lessen your chances of getting them.

Despite taking care you may still have a few stretch marks. However they do fade a bit with time.
Look at your stretch marks with pride and as a badge of honour. They should remind you of the gift that is that precious baby of yours!

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Pregnancy Worries

There is nothing more stressful than worrying about something going wrong during pregnancy. It doesn’t matter if it is your first time being pregnant or your fourth. There are many things that may make you anxious during your pregnancy and it is easier when you know what they could be.

Vaginal bleeding
This may also known as spotting, but make sure that that is actually what is going on. There is a difference between actively bleeding and spotting. Spotting is slight bleeding kind of like your period, the blood can be red, pink or even brown. If you are bleeding actively with any pain call your doctor, if you can’t get a hold of him go immediately to the emergency room. Bleeding can be a number of things from implantation, ectopic pregnancy, labor, infection or even miscarriage. Always let your doctor know, so everything can be ruled out, you’ll feel better too.

Stomach pain or cramping
During the pregnancy it can be hard to decipher the difference between pain caused by the baby growing and actual stomach pain or cramping. However, if you do get a pain of any sort rest. After a few minutes if it doesn’t subside, call your doctor and describe the pain to him. Don’t worry about it if you find out you only had gas or were having Braxton hicks contractions, at least you know everything is okay with pregnancy.
Gush of liquid
This could mean you are in labor and that your water broke, however if it isn’t close to the time of birth it can be something else. Call your doctor immediately and head for the emergency room.

Dehydration
While you are pregnant it is easy to become dehydrated, especially if you have morning sickness or just don’t drink those 8 glasses of water. If you find yourself pale, dry mouth or dizzy, you could be dehydrated and should be seen by a doctor. Dehydration can cause premature labor and/or distress on the pregnancy.

Painful urination
This could be due to a urinary tract infection, also known as UTI. UTIs can be easily treated with medication or by drinking lots of fluids and cranberry juice. A urinary tract infection isn’t something to be embarrassed about, it is very common amongst pregnant women. The growing belly pushes against your ureters and makes it harder for it to flow through. Which of course can cause infection. Another way to find out if you have it is if your pee smells. Always check with your doctor if you are in any doubt

Pregnancies can be scary enough, there’s no reason to add to it. If you are ever in doubt or have a concern talk with your doctor or midwife. It is common that first time mums to be worried about the many changes in their body and pains that they feel. Never be scared of calling because you are afraid of waking the doctor up or because you feel silly. Being silly might just save the baby. While you are worrying, you are only causing stress on you and the baby. It can help to join a group for pregnant mothers where you can share your concerns where there are others who can understand what you are going through. Take this time to spoil yourself and let other people spoil you and above all relax and try and enjoy your pregnancy!

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How often does a fetus move in early pregnancy?


To be more specific, I would like to know from pregnant women or mothers what is normal in early pregnancy how often the fetus moves? For instance, once or twice a day. Or, once an hour. Movement in response to light or sound possibly.

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How far into your pregnancy did you?


How far into your pregnancy did you get morning sickness? I know that every woman is different, but I want to know when women “normally” get morning sickness. This is my first pregnancy and I want to know any thing that anyone is willing to tell me. I am about 5–6 weeks pregnant right now and I hear from different people that it can start between 4-6 weeks or it can start as late as 10-12 weeks. Any advice or knowledge your willing to pass on?

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How long should I wait before taking a pregnancy test?


I haven’t had my period in 50 days. I took a pregnancy test already & it was negative. But since then I’ve had sex still. Since my period is already extremely late, how do I know when another test is necessary?

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What is the earliest you have gotten a positive on a pregnancy test?


I’m eager to test and will be 9 dpo (days post ovulation) on Wednesday.
If I am pregnant do you think it would show up this early?

I got one before at 13 dpo, but that was the earliest I had tested that pregnancy, so who knows maybe I could have found out sooner.

When did you get a positive pregnancy test?

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How does breastfeeding help reduce the chance of pregnancy?


I know that it is defintely not a form of birth control but I also know it greatly reduces the chance of pregnancy but I was wondering how it all works. Does it keep you from ovulating or does it thin your uterus lining? I’ve heard so many different answers. Just wondering if anybody knows anything about it. Thank you

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At what point did you start to dilate during your first pregnancy?


Hi ladies! I asked this in the pregnancy section, but not getting a lot of answers.

How many weeks were you when you started to dilate? I know some people start earlier and sometimes maintain that until late in pregnancy, but just curious about everyone as I know everyone is different. Thanks.

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Best pregnancy belly butter to reduce stretchmarks and itchiness?


I managed to avoid all but one or two streachmarks with my first pregnancy and I am REALLY hoping to do the same with this one! Can anyone suggest a really good belly butter or cocoa butter cream for pregnant bellys?

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How do people lose weight after pregnancy?


I see how some people are very skinny after giving birth & how others gain a lot more weight. There are women that I see who are skinny before pregnancy & gain weight & can’t keep it off, & there are other women who are obese before pregnancy & lose a whole bunch of weight after having a baby, but they don’t even eat right or exercise. It just comes off naturally. Also, what is Lamaze? Is it yoga for pregnancy to teach people how to breathe correctly before having a baby for when they do have a baby?

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