Belly Balm While Pregnant

To accommodate a growing baby bump, the skin on your belly has to stretch considerably. This can be uncomfortable and itchy, and streaky stretch marks often appear toward the end of pregnancy. Belly balms marketed to pregnant women will not prevent or reduce stretch marks, but they will make itchy, dry skin feel better. Check with your doctor before self-treating pregnancy-related skin conditions.

Belly Balms

Belly balms are emollient salves or lotions intended for pregnant women. They often contain beeswax, cocoa butter, almond oil or other natural oils. Some contain vitamin E or pleasant-smelling essential oils. Manufacturers claim that these products improve skin elasticity and prevent stretch marks, but medical authorities agree that these claims are spurious. The balms may still be worth using, but don't expect them to minimize or prevent stretch marks on your abdomen, hips or elsewhere.

Stretch Marks

Some pregnant women are prone to stretch marks, while others don't get a single one. Genetics may play a role; if relatives get stretch marks during pregnancy, you are likely to get them, too. The only way to prevent stretch marks is to avoid rapid or excessive weight gain. Instead, aim to gain gradually a healthy amount of pregnancy weight, about 25 to 35 pounds. Other factors, such as the size of the baby and the amount of amniotic fluid that you carry, are beyond your control. After you give birth, stretch marks tend to fade naturally.

Irritated Skin

As your abdominal skin stretches, it may become tender, itchy and red. Belly balms will soothe and moisturize the skin, preventing irritation and discomfort. For this purpose, belly balms work effectively, and they usually contain only natural, pregnancy-safe ingredients. Also, a gentle massage with belly balm is a relaxing, pleasant self-care ritual.

Recipe

Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar recommends making your own belly balm. Melt together equal parts cocoa butter and coconut oil, a half-part almond oil, and small amounts of grated beeswax and lanolin. If you like, add a small amount of vitamin E oil and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Use the balm as needed to keep skin soft, smooth and pliable. Gladstar also recommends drinking lots of water to keep skin healthy.