Your growing belly during pregnancy might leave you with unwanted stretched skin after you have your baby. Although there is no way to definitively and completely eliminate stretched skin, you can help prevent it from stretching more and gradually reduce its appearance.
Step 1
Lose weight gradually. Losing weight too quickly after pregnancy can contribute to an increased amount of loose skin. A healthy amount of weight to lose is about 1 pound a week, and you can achieve that by reducing your portions and eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
Step 2
Exercise daily. Abdominal exercises, like crunches, can tone the muscles under your skin and make your skin appear tighter. Drink water before and after your workout.
Step 3
Moisturize your skin at least once a day with lotion, and keep it hydrated by drinking plenty of water. According to iFit & Healthy, creams that promise to lift sagging skin are not likely to work. Instead, try to keep your skin hydrated and healthy to encourage the production of collagen, which improves elasticity.
Step 4
Discuss elective surgical options with your doctor. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, abdominal wall surgery, also referred to as a tummy tuck, can improve the appearance of sagging muscles and skin. Your doctor may think you are a candidate for surgery if diet and exercise are not helping, and if your skin is not regaining its normal tone.
Tips and Warnings
- It may not be possible to get your skin back to the condition it was in before pregnancy. Avoid being too hard on yourself during the process.
- Avoid skipping meals, which La Leche League International says can slow your metabolism. Stop exercising if you experience signs that you are overdoing it, like pain, shortness of breath or dizziness.
Things You'll Need
- Lotion
