Preventing & treating stretch marks during pregnancy are two common pregnancy concerns. About 80% of pregnant women will get them, and they can show up any time during pregnancy – but typically around the sixth or seventh month. Stretch marks happen when the skin stretches quickly – as it does during pregnancy – and the connective tissues below the surface break down. The abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin, two things that keep your skin healthy - to rupture, leaving behind these streaks and marks on the skin that can show up in many different colors.

The biggest take away here?  It's normal, not harmful, and a sign of the power of a woman's body. You have helped create life!  Wear those "tiger stripes" with pride!!!  If you are still pregnant and need a little motivation to stop sweating the small stuff, I've got you.  Sprinkled throughout the article are portraits taken during this sweet infant's baby photoshoot, aka, newborn session.  He was a dream to photograph during our time together in my portrait studio.

Still interested in learning possible ways to help prevent or reduce the effects?  Below are some wonderful tips and bits of information which may help.

Early Signs of Stretch Marks

The earlier you catch stretch marks, the easier they are to treat. Here are some early signs to look for:

- Redness or inflammation of the skin

- A feeling of tightness or itchiness in the area where stretch marks may form

- Appearance of small bumps on the skin that look like goosebumps

- Indented streaks on your stomach, butt, breasts and thighs

- Colorful streaks that can be pink, red, black, blue or purple

How to Avoid Stretch Marks during Pregnancy

Vitamins

It's no secret that pregnant women need to take extra care of themselves. Aside from eating right and getting enough exercise, taking prenatal vitamins is one of the most important things you can do for your baby and yourself.

But what many people don't know is that prenatal vitamins can also help you avoid stretch marks during pregnancy. Vitamins C and E, in particular, are two key nutrients for keeping your skin healthy - and preventing those stretch marks from forming.

So if you're pregnant, be sure to include a good vitamin supplement in your daily routine. Not only will it help keep you healthy, but it may also help keep your skin looking its best.

Protein

One way to help avoid stretch marks is to make sure you're eating enough protein. Protein helps keep your skin healthy by providing it with key nutrients like collagen and elastin. Throughout your pregnancy, be sure to include plenty of high-quality protein in your diet.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is another key factor in preventing stretch marks. When you're well hydrated, your skin stays elastic and less likely to stretch and tear. So be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your pregnancy. Not only will it keep you healthy, but it may also help keep those pesky stretch marks at bay.

Control Weight Gain

One of the best ways to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy is to gain weight gradually. However, even slower weight gain during a pregnancy's timeline can cause stretch marks in those with a genetic disposition, so don't fret too much!

When you put on weight too quickly, your skin doesn't have time to stretch properly and may end up tearing. But if you gain weight gradually over the course of your pregnancy, your skin will have a chance to stretch slowly and without any tears. This can help prevent the formation of stretch marks altogether.

How to Treat Fresh Stretch Marks

Most stretch marks will slowly fade and lighten after pregnancy, but they are unlikely to completely disappear. There are treatments available that can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but they are not 100% effective. Some women find that using a good moisturizer every day can help keep their skin healthy and elastic, which may lessen the chance of getting stretch marks. Here are more tips on treating stretch marks.

Home Remedies for Stretch Marks

Many women swear by lotions, creams, oils, and body butters to reduce or avoid stretch marks. Popular ones include things like almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, or vitamin E oil. If you choose to use a topical solution, doctors recommend that you

-Use the product daily

-Start using the produce before stretch marks appear

-Take time to massage your skin as you rub the oils in

Hyaluronic Acid & Tretinoin

Hyaluronic acid and tretinoin are two of the most popular treatments for stretch marks. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that helps to keep skin healthy and elastic. It is often used to treat wrinkles, but it can also be effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that helps to rebuild collagen fibers in the skin. This can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and make them less noticeable.

Both hyaluronic acid and tretinoin are available as over-the-counter treatments, or they can be prescribed by your doctor.

Retinoid Cream for Stretch Mark Prevention

Retinoid is a type of vitamin A that has been shown to be effective in reducing stretch marks. It helps increase collagen production, which keeps the skin healthy and elastic. Retinoid can be applied topically as a cream or gel, or it can be taken orally as a pill or liquid.

If you're pregnant and want to avoid stretch marks, talk to your doctor about using retinoid. It may help keep your skin looking its best during these nine months - and beyond!

Light and Laser Therapies for Stretch Marks

Some doctors offer light or laser therapies to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Light therapy uses lasers or LED lights to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity.

Laser therapy is similar to light treatment for stretch marks, but instead of lasers, doctors use beams of concentrated light to break down the fibers that cause stretch marks. This helps reduce their appearance and makes them less noticeable.

Microneedling

Microneedling is another treatment that may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Microneedling is a procedure that uses tiny needles to create hundreds of micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the body to produce more collagen and elastin, which helps keep the skin healthy and elastic. And since collagen and elastin are what give skin its elasticity, this can help prevent stretch marks from forming in the first place.

Microneedling is a relatively new treatment, so more research is needed to determine just how effective it is. But early results seem promising, and it may be worth considering if you're pregnant and want to avoid getting stretch marks.

Teething: Tips & Tricks for helping Baby through this Trying Time

Teething is the process of growing new teeth. Babies start teething when they are about 6 months old, but it can happen as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. Most babies have all 20 of their primary teeth by the time they’re two years old. Here I'll discuss some teething tips and tricks to help you through the journey.

Signs your Baby has Started Teething

Every baby is different, but these are some common signs that your baby has started the teething process.

-Your usually happy and content baby may become fussier and cry more than normal. Let's face it - teething can be painful, so crying is just a normal way for your baby to express his frustration.

-You may notice that your baby's gums are swollen.

-Your baby wants to chew on things. This is the time to be extra vigilant about keeping small items that your baby could choke on out of reach. Your baby chews when teething to relieve the pressure on her gums. Make sure you're stocked with lots of suitable teething toys.

-Your baby has diarrhea. Teething babies generate more saliva, and that can cause stomach irritation and loose bowel movements.

-You'll notice more drooling or a rash around your baby's mouth. Babies drool much more when they are teething. This constant flow of saliva around the mouth and down the chin can lead to a rash in that area. You can help control the rash by using an ointment like Vaseline or Aquaphor which can protect your baby's skin from the drool. You can also use beeswax ointments to treat this rash, but stay away from lotions.

-Your baby's sleep patterns may change. He make take shorter naps, have trouble settling down to sleep, and could start waking up in the middle of the night even if he has been sleeping through consistently.

-Your baby might start rubbing and pulling on her ears. Teething pain can spread across your baby’s face and into the area near the ears, so pulling and tugging at the ears is your baby's way of trying to relieve that pain.

Ways to Soothe your Teething Baby

Teething is a natural process and usually no cause for alarm, but there are some things you can do to make it easier for your baby.  Below you will find some fantastic teething tips and tricks.

Teething Toys

-Some babies like softer teethers, and some prefer ones that are more firm. Try out a couple of different options to see which ones your baby seems to like best. Keep these things in mind when shopping for teethers.

-Know what's in your teethers. Some popular teething toys can contain harmful ingredients like BPA, latex, lead, or phthalates, to name a few.

-Search for teething toys made from natural substances, like untreated wood, natural organic fabrics, or 100% food-grade or medical-grade silicone.

-Try out teething toys with bristles, bumps, and other textures. Some babies like these better than a smooth teether.

-Try cool teething toys. Many teethers are designed to be cooled then given to baby. You can even use a washcloth. Just wet it, cool it in the fridge, then let your baby suck and chew on it.

-Try frozen breast milk to soothe your teething baby. Just pop a cube into a teething mesh and allow your baby to chew and suck on it.

-If your baby will allow it, try massaging his gums with your finger.

-Select teething toys that are easily washable, then wash them frequently with hot water. If possible, boil your teething toys. Just check the packaging first to make sure the material is strong enough to withstand the heat without melting.

Teething Necklaces

Over the last several years, teething necklaces have become a big hit for new parents trying to soothe their teething baby. These teething necklaces are commonly made from beaded amber, wood, marble, or silicone and warn by mom or baby. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns parents against using these teething necklaces. These necklaces pose both strangulation and choking hazards to your baby. The necklaces can break and the beads can get lodged in your baby's throat. And the necklaces can also strangle a baby if it becomes caught too tightly around his little neck.

Baby Teething Medications

There are lots of medications, oils, and gels available to parents whose babies are teething. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you not use any medications on baby's teething gums, saying there's no proof they offer any real comfort, and they can come with some nasty side effects. Medications that numb the gums can reduce the blood flow to them, which can cause serious side effects.

Teething Cookies & Biscuits

Teething cookies and biscuits are a great way to help soothe your teething baby. They can provide a little comfort and help to ease the pain. Plus, they're a fun snack for baby to chew on!

There are lots of recipes for teething cookies and biscuits available online. You can try out a few different recipes to find one your baby likes best. Just make sure the ingredients are safe for babies and try to avoid ones with added sugar.

Moms share their Teething Tricks and Tips

Those Dr. Brown all-natural teething tablets worked for my baby. I also bought this specific teething toy they sold at target that was a rubber star and when the baby chews on it, it vibrates. I bought it for two of my kids because it worked so well.

-Elizabeth Sneed, Indianapolis

We used natural organic clove oil on the gums, frozen breast milk cubes, frozen applesauce cubes, and frozen fresh fruits in mesh teethers were always a win for our babies.

-Bella Duncan, Indianapolis

Frozen pancakes!

-Mel McMahon, Indianapolis

We used the Baltic amber bracelet under a sock! Make sure it’s certified and not just beads.

-Rachel Bowles, Indianapolis