Pregnant Moms to Be

If we have had a tendency towards dry skin we may find that when we are pregnant moms to be it is even more so. This is due to the demands of the increased volume of blood and the need to provide body fluids to the growing baby. Hence, moisture is diverted for these other important needs. This may result in your dry skin becoming even drier and sometimes itchy. This is the most important thing I want you to remember:

DO NOT USE ANY ANTI-ITCH OINTMENTS WITHOUT YOUR PHYSICIAN'S PERMISSION!!!

--Do DRINK MORE WATER to keep hydrated. This is your first line of defense.

--Keep your home well humidified.

--Take short lukewarm showers and baths instead of hot showers and baths.

--Make sure your soap or bath gel is a moisturizing one.

--If your skin is very, very dry apply oil after your shower or bath and then use moisturizer on top of that. The important thing here is to trap the moisture in your skin. So make sure you apply the oil and moisturizer while you are still damp.

For my own personal recommendation of the moisturizer I use and the one my daughter has used during her pregnancy click here.

UPDATE!!! My daughter no longer has a baby bump as of 7/12/2008. Liam Gene Winfrey weighed in at 8lb 1oz. 19 1/2 inches long. He is beautiful and very sweet. But then I am biased.

Itchiness

In a blender or food processor grind 1 cup of oatmeal (instant, quick, or slow cook).Grind at the highest setting to a powder consistency. You will know it is ready if after stirring 1 tablespoon of the oats into a glass of water it looks milky and has a silky feel. Sprinkle into your bath and stir.

--Make sure your water is lukewarm.

--Care must be taken when entering and exiting bath as the oatmeal will make surfaces slippery especially when you are pregnant.

--Soak for 15-20 minutes.

--Pat dry, don't rub, with a towel.

--Make sure to follow up with oil and moisturizer. Your skin is stretching to accommodate your baby so the itchiness that comes with pregnancy will usually go away shortly after your precious little bundle gets here.

One last special note; be sure to see your physician if you develop any rashes.

Stretch Marks

There are certain factors which can predispose a person to stretch marks.

--African-American women do not get stretch marks during pregnancy as frequently as the rest of us. Yes, it is unfair. So what, get over it.

--Weight gain. The less you pack on during pregnancy the less your skin will have to stretch. And you will be able to get back into those skinny jeans sooner (providing of course that you were ever able to wear something like that).

--Nutritional status. It's true. The better shape nutritionally you were in before you were pregnant the less stretch marks. Why? Because people who take care of their nutrition usually take care of their bodies also.

--Family history. If your mother and sisters were graced with stretch marks you will most likely have them too.

One comment I would like to make here should give others some hope. I have a relative whose body looks like a road map after two children. Me, I was lucky enough to not have hardly a stretch mark on me. So take heart. They fade over time to be usually not that noticeable. Surely, if we didn't stretch we would blow up to give birth. Not a pretty sight.

Fertility Problems

I will also have a future link to make you aware of the many toxic chemicals that we expose ourselves to everyday. Watch for this very important information soon, as I am sure you will wish to stop using these toxins around your family and pets.

UPDATE!!!! Here is the information I was telling you about above. TOXINS! Click here.

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