Many women dream of one day being able to carry a child. During pregnancy, so much focus can be on what’s to come when the “bundle of joy” arrives. Women strive to create the safest environment for that baby to grow in, no alcohol or caffeine, clean eating, meditation, soothing music on the belly. However, there are many permanent body changes that happen during pregnancy for which women are not prepared. Women still want to feel like themselves again after the new addition arrives and they shouldn’t feel badly about that!
 
The transformation the body undergoes to bring new life into the world is incredible and should be embraced.  However, there are some steps that can help get the body back to its pre-birth state. A little extra care during the pregnancy will cause less worries later, so women can get back to what’s important… loving that baby!
 
My pregnant patients are always asking me, "How can I prevent stretch marks?" in the same breath as "what are the safest face products to use during pregnancy?"

Now pregnant with baby number 2, I am just as concerned for what I am putting on my body as my patients! Here is my “Baby Regimen” for healthy products, preventing stretch marks and post treatment:

1.     The first step is avoiding products deemed unsafe during pregnancy. This list is long, but includes retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicyclic acid, hydroquinone, formaldehyde, Accutane, and chemical sunscreens. 

My clients are usually knowledgeable enough that they stop retinoids as soon as they get the positive pregnancy test, but we forget about some toxic ingredients found in everyday beauty products. Nail polish, deodorant, acne creams and skin care can have ingredients that could potentially be harmful to an unborn baby.
 
2.     Hydration in the form of moisturization is the biggest component to keeping our skin on our bodies healthy and ready to stretch. Dry skin is not as pliable and more susceptible to stretch marks.

While this is based on the individual and genetics, body oils have been proved to help many pregnant women eliminate or reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Calendula extract, Lavender Oil, Rosemary Oil, Purcellin Oil, and Chamomile Oil are all safe to use. Oils and lotions should be used from the beginning of pregnancy.

I added Bio Oil into my shower routine by massaging the oil in circular motions at least twice a day to the abdomen, breasts, lower back, hips, buttocks and thighs. With my first baby, this helped keep stretch marks at bay, so, of course, I amped it back up with my second pregnancy.

3.     A topical treatment can help when genetics start to get in the way in the later trimesters. It is best to start treatment right away with a silicone gel formulation that is tested to not only prevent, but heal stretch marks.  

Serica Skin Care offers a gel treatment formulated with a proprietary blend of silicone, sodium hyaluronate, essential fatty acids and Amazonian Pracaxi oil. It has been proven successful in nourishing the skin, promoting even skin tone and thus, aiding the skin to recover from the growth of our bodies.
 
4.     Comfortable, supportive clothing can go a long way in ensuring women stay relaxed throughout the pregnancy.  

I like to wear spanx during my pregnancy for extra support for the bump. Now they have many options for styles as my baby grows. Since I am busy with patients all day, shapewear is comfy while targeting lower back pain and supporting my abdominal skin as my baby grows.
 
5.     Post-surgery corsets can aid in a faster childbirth recovery, if you were required to have a caesarian section (like I was). These can help support the abdominal muscles while healing and minimizing pain and discomfort.
 
One of my best friends recommended getting a post-caesarian corset to help expedite incision healing and recovery. I used the Bellefit corset starting five days post-surgery for 8 weeks and it significantly minimized pain and helped me get back on my feet in no time.

About the Expert
Celebrity Dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, who is expected a girl, is based in New York City. She is a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery and the director of dermatologic surgery at Metropolitan Hospital.

More info: www.mdcsnyc.com, www.drdendyengelman.com