The clinical practice guidelines in Australia ensure evidence-based advice to maternity service sources and to the customers who require this care. These guidelines make sure that babies are delivered with stable, good quality, and fact-based care. This includes pregnancy skincare too. One of the problems faced by women during pregnancy is stretch marks. Stretch marks are small scars found in the intermediate layer of the skin that is seen on the top surface of your skin.

The stretch marks form due to hormonal changes and quick gain of weight. They stretch the outer layer of skin beyond its capability to mend itself. A pregnancy belly cream is the best means to prevent stretch marks in the course of the pregnancy period. It gives a great feeling when applied and keeps your skin free from stretch marks. The other ways to stop stretch marks from forming in the course of the pregnancy period are:

1) A healthy diet

Having a healthy diet is the first step in decreasing the presence of stretch marks during the pregnancy period. Stretch marks occur because of the quick gain of weight. It isn't easy to prevent weight gain. Therefore you can keep your intakes within healthy limitations.

A balanced diet includes:

· Whole grains like wheat bread and oatmeal (7-11 ounces in a day)

· Lots of fruits and veggies (4 servings in a day)

· Dairy products for calcium (1000 mg in a day)

· To fill nutritional gaps, a prenatal vitamin

Pregnancy for each woman is different. Be sure to consult your doctor regarding a diet for yourself and your baby.

2) Hydrate your skin twice daily

The significant way to prevent stretch marks in the course of the pregnancy is to make sure your skin is hydrated. You might already be doing this to your face or neck, but then you have to begin hydrating other parts of the body.

Applying a hydrating pregnancy belly cream twice a day to your stomach, chest, thighs, and hips will increase the elasticity of your skin. By doing this, your skin will grow and stretch without damage.

3) Drink lots of water

It's essential to hydrate your body from the inside. Staying hydrated will help your body function normally. This involves keeping your skin hydrated too. The skin cells will repair themselves and function properly only if you drink lots of water. This, in turn, helps your skin defend against the stretch marks. It's recommended to drink hot tea, cucumber water, or lemon water all through the day if you find difficulty in drinking lots of water.

4) Massage your skin

Applying a pregnancy belly cream will only take 1 to 2 minutes. You can create a hindrance to the formation of stretch marks in your body by using these products in a massage for 10 minutes onto your skin.

The benefits of massaging the areas prone to stretch marks are:

· It pushes the cream far down into the epidermis where it does most good.

· It leads blood towards the skin to retain its health

· It keeps your skin flexible

· It breaks and obstructs any stretch marks that have started to build

To see more remarkable results in your belly cream massage, it is recommended to apply a drop of cream to the tip of your fingers. Then, rub this cream on your skin by using light pressure and circular or round movements.

Author Bio: Ester Adams is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry.  She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.