How I Stayed Healthy (and Avoided Stretch Marks) During Pregnancy!

I recently received a direct message on Instagram that totally excited me! The subject – How did you avoid stretch marks during pregnancy?! I never knew until I was pregnant how passionate I was about pregnancy, and more importantly maintaining a healthy lifestyle while pregnant. My goal during pregnancy was to be as healthy as possible for not only my growing baby, but for myself!

I feel like I was in better shape when I was pregnant than I am now because there is no greater motivation in the world to make healthy choices than knowing every move you make and every food you put in your mouth directly affects your baby. I shared on the blog a while back, Pregnancy Friendly Beauty Products – Well, with this post I am hoping to dig in a little deeper into my routine.

I have always been a runner (before, during, and after baby). I try to run 3-4 times a week, roughly 3-4 miles each time. Living a healthy lifestyle before becoming pregnant definitely helped to maintain a healthy lifestyle when I became pregnant. That being said – If you weren’t a runner before becoming pregnant – Don’t try to pick up running during pregnancy. I would suggest going on walks and/or doing something active every day – Even those days in the beginning when you are SO tired, and likely experiencing morning sickness – Make yourself do SOMETHING*. Right after I found out I was pregnant I purchased the book “Mama Natural” (this book is a MUST HAVE for any pregnant mamas out there). I also switched all my beauty products to safer options, free of harmful chemicals and toxins.

*Always consult with your doctor first in regards to health / fitness during pregnancy*

Don’t Justify Unhealthy Eating by Telling Yourself you are “Eating for Two.”

I never justified my eating by telling myself I was “eating for two.” Yes, you will be hungrier than normal but no – You are not eating for two. I talked to my doctor during pregnancy and was surprised by the expected weight gain during each trimester. It is not as much as you might think! If you’re hungry – By all means, eat! I’m not saying not to have a cupcake at your baby shower – But the majority of the time, make wise choices with what you put in your mouth. You will be thankful you did after baby is born!

Not going to lie – I’m embarrassed to share this next picture. I don’t know if I’m more embarrassed to share it or to admit that I took not one but TWO mirror selfies. Any who, it truly shows what a difference a week made after I had a baby. The picture on the left, I was in labor. I labored 26 hours beginning April 21 (Bennett was born April 22, on her due date). The picture on the right was exactly one week after baby was born. You can read about my natural birth story here.

How I Avoided Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

All the women in my family have stretch marks from pregnancy. I thought stretch marks was inevitable but I was still determine to try and avoid them at all cost. I took (and still take) two scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen everyday. I put one scoop in a decaf Chai tea I have every morning (see my daily tea routine here) and one scoop in an afternoon smoothie (recipe below). The collagen is favor-less and contains 9g of protein per scoop (so it makes for a great protein powder substitue). Collagen is great for your hair, skin, nails, and joints. Since I started taking it my face is consistently clear.

I also apply this lotion daily (made specifically for stretch marks). This lotion contains collagen is and is free of parabens and phthalates.

I definitely attribute healthy eating and exercise, collagen, and applying lotion all over daily to not getting stretch marks during pregnancy. No amount of collagen or lotion would have helped if I had gained 80lbs – Maintaining a healthy lifestyle was/is key.

Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Collagen Smoothie Recipe:

• 1 scoop Collagen Peptides
• 1 cup of ice
• 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 table scoop cocoa powder
• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds

The combination of these things helped me steer clear of stretch marks and have lots of energy during pregnancy. I was able to run up until I delivered and I honestly bounced right back after baby was born. I hope this helps some of you!

Any one else have any secrets to preventing stretch marks? Share them in the comments!

Jamie