What Happens To Belly Skin During Pregnancy
Though we talk a lot about the belly growing during pregnancy, it is actually your uterus that is expanding in size to allow for your baby’s developmentnot the stomach.
“Just like any part of your body that grows or swells , the skin as a living organ will expand around the uterus,” says Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a West Islip, New York-based dermatologist. “As this happens, there are areas of the belly that can stretch, and depending on a person’s genetics and their skin’s ability to accommodate this change, this can lead to stretch marks.”
The amount of stretching experienced during pregnancy will of course vary from person to person, but the average woman gains around 30 pounds over the course of the nine months. As this weight gain occurs, your skin will stretch to accommodate, potentially leading to the development of stretch marks.
Many also notice a darkened line in the middle of the belly, known as a linea nigra, as pregnancy progresses. It is important to note, that much like the other changes that occur in pregnancy, this line can last postpartum, often for up to a year or more.
Final Words On Loose Belly Skin After Pregnancy
If you have loose skin after pregnancy, you are not alone.
Although many women experience skin issues postpartum, you can definitely take it upon yourself to do something about it!
It all starts with hydration, having a healthy balanced diet, and developing some muscle tissue!
Now I want to hear from you.
How long did it take for your stomach to go back to its normal size after having a baby?
Did you try any of these tips before with success?
Can Taking Collagen Reverse Sagging Skin
Studies have shown that collagen can positively impact loose, sagging skin by greatly increasing its elasticity, firmness, and thickness .
Some of the foods that can help your body produce collagen are chicken , fish , pork , leafy greens, citrus fruits, egg whites, white tea, bone broth, and cashews.
However, taking collagen supplements may be even more efficient for improving your skins elasticity than eating these foods. In supplement form, the collagen is already broken down, making it easier for your body to absorb .
Collagen supplements may come in capsules or powders and can be found at most pharmacies, health food stores, and online.
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Take Care Of Your Diet
Just because youre eating for two, doesnt mean youcan eat all you want, indiscriminately. Avoiding post-pregnancy flab meanshaving a healthy diet as a whole . Consult a dietician to find out the best diet to help in this processand how dieting can be an ally in your life in general no followingrestrictive diets or diets that are in vogue during a period as important aspostpartum, when the baby depends on its mothers breast milk to feed. Here, asin other cases, feeding care can begin long before the birth, at the beginningof pregnancy , to make sure you are also eating what isessential for your baby to grow well and strong.
Youve noticed that this care is no secret, right? Andtheyre good for any stage of life, not just post-pregnancy. The main thing,however, is that you dont push yourself so hard to get fit right after apregnancy. Each body reacts to this period in a way, and sometimes even withall the care you can notice a little flaccidity after havingyour baby. The main thing is to try to stay healthy and focus on the moment youare: learning about being a mother and how to take care of a child togetherwith your partner. Breastfeeding is a natural process that helps you loseweight during pregnancy and as time goes by, your body will readapt and return to normal. You justhave to be patient and take care of your body with care. After all, it was your most important tool in this whole process.
Consume Healthy Fat And Protein
The other dietary component to maintaining healthy skin is to ensure that you are eating healthy fats and protein.
These two macronutrients are absolutely critical for maintaining a healthy internal and external environment in your body.
Healthy fat is important for:
- vitamin absorption
In fact, the most important vitamins for skin health are fat-soluble vitamins.
This means that your body needs healthy fat in order to process them!
Ill get to those vitamins in just a moment.
What about protein?
Well, protein is the most important nutrient for maintaining and developing lean muscle tissue. Which by the way, is my next tip for you.
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Keep The Skin Moisturized
These days there are many skin tightening creams available in the market. You can use any of them, which suits your requirement and your skin. It is very necessary to keep the skin moisturized. Try using creams that are rich in collagen and vitamin K, C, E, and A. They increase blood flow and make the skin look firm.
What If You Have Had A C
Plastic surgery can be the answer for many women who are frustrated with the appearance of their C-section pooch and want to regain their pre-pregnancy bodies. Its important to keep in mind, though, that while plastic surgery will correct the underlying issue , there will still be noticeable scarring on the skin, as is the case after any surgical procedure. This is where NewGel+ can help. NewGel+ provides you with a line of high-quality, clinically proven silicone gel scar treatment products. In fact, NewGel+ offers the widest variety of silicone gel products available, including sheets, strips, shapes, and two tube sizes of topical silicone gel. Our silicone strips, sheets, and gel are perfect for tummy tuck scars. Unlike products found in pharmacies that are only a few inches long, the variety of lengths offered by NewGel+ provide plenty of options for the coverage you need. Plus, the strips can be cut to fit whatever size scar you have. If plastic surgery is your answer to get rid of your C-section pooch once and for all, trust NewGel+ for your post-op scars to reduce, flatten, and fade scar appearance.
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How Can I Prevent Loose Skin After Pregnancy
The best prevention strategies for saggy skin postpartum are:
- doing your best to maintain a healthy pregnancy weight, and
- staying very well hydrated.
Sticking to the recommended weight gain guidelines of pregnancy will minimize excessive stretching of the skin, which will manifest as stretch marks during pregnancy, and ultimately loose skin postpartum.
The second prevention strategy is to maintain high levels of hydration. As I described earlier, water is your bodys secret weapon to maintaining skin elasticity.
These are the two easiest ways to prevent saggy skin after pregnancy.
Taking Care Of Belly Skin During And After Pregnancy
Although our faces remain the focus of most skincare, it’s hugely important to take care of the skin on your body as well, particularly when it’s going through so many rapid changes. Treating your belly skin during and after pregnancy can help prevent stretch marks and loose skin. It can also keep it from getting itchy, flaky, or irritatedand ensure that it’s getting all the nourishmentit needs.
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It’s Time To Embrace Your Postpartum Belly
Carrying and birthing a baby changes you. From the obvious to the subtle, it alters every aspect of your life. But while you may have anticipated many of the changes, like sleepless nights, one thing you may not have been prepared for is how pregnancy transforms your body. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re worried about your postpartum stomach. And while we totally get it, we doI Googled “how long will my postpartum belly be around” days after giving birthremember that you just did an amazing thing: You grew a human being, and that should be applauded. You should celebrate it, with fireworks and a parade.
“Remind yourself of the miracle you just performed,” says Chaye McIntosh, clinical director at ChoicePoint Health in Fairlawn, New Jersey. “Remind yourself that the baby you are now holding in your arms is worth the stretch marks and belly pouch. Remind yourself that you are beautiful just the way you are. And remember that your baby needs a strong, self-assured, and dedicated parentnot just one with a flat tummy.”
“These changes are normal,” McIntosh adds. “They are the most natural thing.”
That said, we understand the desire to return to your pre-baby body. You want to be and feel like yourself. But no matter what you look likeor, rather, what your stomach looks likeyou are still you. Stretch marks cannot change that, and some sagging skin should not take your identity away.
Can You Prevent Loose Skin After Pregnancy
Although its impossible to prevent your stomach from stretching, there are ways you can help it retain its elasticity. This may help to reduce loose skin after your baby is born.
Most of the methods of preventing loose skin are the same as for postpartum treatment.
- Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet will help you maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, which will prevent additional stretching of your belly.
- Stay hydrated: Water will keep your cells happy and your body nourished as it grows and changes to support the life within it. Pregnant women should drink approximately 10 cups of water per day .
- Exercise: Staying active and building muscle will help to support your body both during and after pregnancy. Be sure to discuss your prenatal exercise routine with your doctor.
- Use moisture-rich skin products: There are a wide variety of lotions, creams, and butters available that claim to prevent excessive stretching of belly skin during pregnancy. Keeping your skin nourished will help maintain elasticity and prevent damage as your belly grows.
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When Will My Postpartum Belly Return To Normal
While many new parents want to know when their body will “bounce back” or return to “normal,” the answer is nuancedand quite complex. Your size and shape before conception will affect your size and shape postpartum. Your activity level will play a role, as will the rate at which your stomach grew. Dietary decisions will impact your waistline, and genetics will affect how your body changes. The number of children you’ve had also matters. Baby number one is very different than number three or four.
That said, assuming your body will “bounce back” is part of the problemand is toxic, through and through. Some people never “bounce back” after birth. Rather, their body changes, taking on a new form. Some people return to their pre-pregnancy shape but find certain features have changed. You may have stretch marks or sagging skin, for example, and both are OK. There is no right way to look after having a baby. What’s more, no matter what happens postpartum, realize your body is strong. It is resilient, and you are exactly where you are supposed to be.
“Parenthood changes you, inside and out,” says Veronda Brooks-Bellamy, a therapist and life coach from Charlotte, North Carolina. “Remain present… shift your focus away from your stomach and, instead, toward you and your mental health.” Be patient. Have realistic expectations, and give yourself grace. “Your stomach is a badge of honor,” she adds, one which you should celebratenot meet with shame.
Be Positive About The Body Changes
Before you start looking for remedies for loose skin after pregnancy, accept your new body and appreciate it for the amazing work of pregnancy and delivery. Understand that your body is going through normal changes, and with consistency, discipline, and hard work, you can get your pre-pregnancy baby or even better.
Keep a healthy mind, even as you look for solutions to help tighten loose skin after pregnancy. Dont panic if the changes you expect dont show within the time frame you put in. Instead, be patient and keep up with a balanced diet and exercise.
Here are a few tips to help you stay positive about your body changes:
- Take up an activity that will keep your mind engaged, such as gardening.
- Play with your baby as often as possible.
- Listen to your favorite music.
- Meditate as you practice deep breathing.
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Develop A Cardio Routine
Cardio exercise can help burn fat and tone your muscles. Try brisk walking, swimming, jogging, or riding a bike.
Before beginning a new routine, ask your doctor if its okay to start being active again. Start slowly and work your way up to more intense activities.
Regular exercise can help prevent or minimize excess skin.
Reduce Stretch Marks After Pregnancy
If youve worked to reduce stretch marks during your pregnancy, youre well-prepared to combat loose skin postpartum. That said, you may still have to deal with small lines and skin discolorations after your baby is born.
Dont get disheartened, though. All the work that you put into minimizing stretch marks while you were pregnant will make your recovery a lot easier.
In the months after your baby is born, your hormones will change again like they did when you first got pregnant. The chemistry in your skin will change too. Because of these changes, what worked for you while you were pregnant might not work after you give birth.
Thats why you need a product like Mustela’s Stretch Marks Serum that is specially formulated to moisturize postpartum skin in order to help minimize the appearance of recently formed stretch marks, while also giving your skin a plump look and feel.
Ingredients like avocado peptides and Elastoregulator® will improve your skins elasticity and leave it feeling soft, supple, and comfortable.
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Answer: Restoring Abdominal Contour
Pregnancy and fluctuations in weight cause changes to the abdomen that are not able to be corrected with diet and exercise alone. Following childbirth, most women have separation of the abdominal muscles and stretch marks on the abdominal skin. The best way to correct both of these problems is with a full abdominoplasty. In this procedure, which can be performed as an outpatient, requires general anesthesia. The scar is placed low on the abdomen and can be hidden with a bikini or within the underwear line. The rectus muscles are “plicated” or sewn closer together to recreate an hourglass shape to the abdomen and the excess skin of the lower abdomen is discarded prior to suture closure. Therefore, this procedure reduces waist size in addition to correcting skin quality. The tradeoff is a scar around the belly button and low on the abdomen. For best results, maintain a stable weight prior to seeking consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Loose Skin After Pregnancy: 10 Best Ways To Tighten Your Skin Without Surgery
Your bundle of joy has just arrived, and we bet you are overjoyed. Having a baby is a huge milestone that comes with lots of changes, both physically and mentally. Physically, you will gain weight, and your skin, made of collagen and elastin, will expand to accommodate your baby and the extra pounds.
Because of all that stretching around the tummy, most women experience loose belly skin after pregnancy. It may not be a sight to behold, but it is one to cherish. It is a reminder of how powerful and complex your body is. Even then, it is understandable if you want to get rid of all this loose skin and snap back to your pre-pregnancy belly.
Find out the best ways to get rid of loose skin after pregnancy below.
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Lock All The Hyration In
The last step in a complete belly skincare routine is to lock everything in and create supple skin with an occlusive moisturizer. The occlusive forms a protective layer on the surface of skin to both seal in all of the hydration you just added and prevent any moisture loss.
Whether it’s an oil, a balm, a cream, or an emollient , you want to look for lipids and ceramides and avoid anything water-based, as this will not create the same protective barrier on top of skin. “For some creams, there may not actually be enough oil content in there to lock everything in or to provide your skin with the lipid support it needs,” says Yoon. “So, try to find an oil-based occlusive.”
Take the moisturizer into your hands and massage it onto your belly, going up to the breasts, down to the hips, and around to the back as much as possible. “Theres your skin, but then theres also all the ligaments that are getting stretched out, so I liked to bring it down to the hip bone area where I felt a lot of round ligament pain,” Yoon notes.
Best Ways To Tighten Belly Skin After Pregnancy
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- Best ways to tighten belly skin after pregnancy
Loose, sagging skin after a babys birth can take the shine off your once proud, full belly. Mild to moderate skin laxity around the tummy is normal for many women after pregnancy, but you may feel a little body despondent, despite your body having performed a rather magical feat in growing your baby.
If your belly hasnt bounced back after a year or so post-pregnancy, you may want a little help to tighten and tone your mid-section.
At ENRICH Clinic, we have a range of skin-tightening, fat-removal and stretch-mark-fading technology and treatments to stimulate your bodys natural skin-tighteners, collagen and elastin.
Our treatments will improve texture and even the tone of your abdominal skin so you can feel good about your belly again.
Our favourite post-baby tummy skin treatments include:
- The Ultraformer for skin tightening
- The Secret radiofrequency skin needling device for tightening skin and fading stretch marks
- Liposuction combined with the Ultraformer or the Secret for overall reshaping and toning
- Stretch mark treatments which may include laser treatments or the Secret
- ThermiTight radiofrequency treatments for skin tightening and fat reduction
How these skin tightening treatments work
Most of our skin tightening treatments use thermal heat energy to tighten and remodel collagen fibres and stimulate new collagen production.
Which treatments should you use?
The Ultraformer for tummy skin tightening
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