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Step 1
Moisturize your stomach. Stretch marks are more likely to occur on dry skin. If you keep skin hydrated and supple, it will be be more pliable and less prone to scarring. Use a thick, creamy moisturizer such as Shea or cocoa butter on your skin at least twice daily.
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Step 2
Drink plenty of water. Hydration begins from the inside. Aim to consume at least 64 ounces of water daily to keep skin properly hydrated and less prone to stretch marks.
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Step 3
Avoid excess weight gain. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate amount of weight you should gain for your particular body type. If you keep your weight gain within the desired range, you will be less likely to develop stretch marks.
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Step 4
Wear sunscreen and protective clothing. The sun dehydrates and damages skin, making it more susceptible to scarring. Wear UV-protective clothing if you'll be in the sun for extended periods of time. Otherwise, apply a high-SPF sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Cover your entire belly with the sunscreen.
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Step 5
Talk to your doctor about prescriptions creams. Various creams are available which aid in collagen production. This means that new skin cells will be produced more quickly, helping to buffer against stretch marks. In addition, your skin will appear healthier and firmer when you use collagen-rich creams.
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Step 6
Massage your skin daily. Regular massage improves circulation. The blood and nutrients that can more readily reach your skin help guard against stretching and scarring. Aim to massage your abdomen skin gently for at least two minutes multiple times per day.
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Step 7
Get some form of exercise daily. Exercise improves circulation and helps maintain skin's elasticity. Walking, cycling and swimming are all appropriate forms of exercise during pregnancy.
