Being Pregnant is one of the most amazing experiences in the entire world. On the flip side it for sure takes a toll on your body and can change the way it looks. A lot of it has to do with genetics, diet and exercise. I worked out during my first pregnancy and am also with my second pregnancy. With my first daughter, Amirah, I weighed 130 pounds when I got pregnant and 160 pounds when I gave birth. So I gained a solid 30 pounds and it was all in my stomach. I didn't experience stretch marks at all until the day before I gave birth. I lathered myself in cocoa butter and oils the entire pregnancy, but my daughter was two weeks beyond her due date and my stomach couldn't take any more stretching. I honestly was very upset and cried a lot whenever I looked in the mirror at my stomach. I just took so much pride in taking care of my body and I was upset I got stretch marks. My mom had four kids and has no stretch marks so I just felt like it was unfair. After awhile I had to let it go because it was driving me crazy and unhappy.

I can say that although I still managed to get some stretch marks, my skin is extremely soft and beautiful. The stretch marks have faded some and I haven't gotten any new ones. These are some of the products I used during my first pregnancy and a new one that has been pretty amazing. Every time I go to the doctor, he and the nurse practitioner tell me how soft my skin is.

Palmer's Cocoa butter products are amazing for fading dark stretch marks and preventing new ones. I've always sworn by their cocoa butter and it really helps my naturally dry skin stay moisturized.

AYNARA is an organic Argan oil brand that I was introduced to this year. It is absolutely amazing and I would strongly recommend making it apart of your beauty regime. It not only works on stretch marks but can also be used on hair and for other skin regimens.

Due to me having extremely dry skin, I have to mix all of these products together daily to maintain moisture in my skin. I usually apply the oils twice daily and then put the lotion on top of it. It's important to use products that promote elasticity through collagen. Drinking tons of water and making sure you apply your products in the morning and night. Try not to scratch when your skin is itching. That's usually a sign that it is dry and your belly is growing and you should apply product immediately. At the end of the day, stretch marks are apart of life. Some women get them and some don't. Some people get them and they never have children. It's simply from weight loss and gain. You have to love your body no matter what, but there are also products and procedures that can reduce and or prevent stretch marks. These products have worked for me and I would recommend finding ones that make you feel comfortable and keep your skin moisturized. Remember the most important thing is having a healthy pregnancy and baby. Your body is amazing and the change in it is just a sign that you were able to successfully bring life into this world. That's something that should bring us great joy and pride.

Blessings

Ashley Sirah