When you realized you were pregnant, you expected the big breast and the addition of weight, but cellulite was not one of those things you planned for. For most women, cellulite has never been a problem until they get pregnant. Others will have it but will notice it’s prevalence or increase after pregnancy. It causes awkward and embarrassing moments with some women refusing to wear shorts, go swimming or even be seen naked. Either way, many women will notice that cellulite gets worse during pregnancy.
What is it?
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This elephant in the room is formed when fat collects inside pockets that are found beneath the skin. The skin is connected to the fat by collagen fibers that stretch or break down making the fat cells visible. The skin gets a dimpling effect which makes it look bumpy or lumpy.
It mostly forms on the hips, thighs, bottoms, on the tummy, upper arms, and knees. I want you to understand that this is not a disease, it’s just something that affects how your body looks and, in the process, maybe your self-confidence. The good news is that one can minimize the cellulite during pregnancy.
Why is there increased cellulite during pregnancy?
Cellulite causes differ from one woman to the next, but the following are some of the reasons you get it during pregnancy:
- Estrogen which makes the body store fat which is vital during pregnancy.
- Fat accumulates in areas where connective tissues loosen to aid in easier delivery.
- Excessive water retention during pregnancy.
- Hormonal changes.
- When pregnant, one grows fat within and this will cause cellulite development.
- Low consumption of water during pregnancy.
- Genes and skin thickness. If your mother had it then chances are that you will also get them. How thick your skin is will also determine if it shows or not.
- Toxins and poor blood circulation.
- Excess weight, poor diet and not exercising.
How to prevent pregnancy cellulite
Like I said earlier, there is some good news in all these problems in that, one can prevent them or minimize their appearance. You can do that by:
1. Minimizing the intake of cellulite-causing foods.
This includes foods like cheese, fatty meat, fast foods, fried foods, sausages, marinades and confectionary products. Avoid foods with artificial flavorings or dyes. Instead, eat healthy foods like skinless poultry, lean meats, and fish.
2. Eat fruits and vegetables
When pregnant, make sure you increase your vegetables and fruits intake. Make sure your healthy diet includes them since they help eliminate toxins. If the toxins accumulate in the fatty tissue cells they cause this bumpy skin appearance.
They contain low-calorie content, fiber, water, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. If you take raw vegetables like greens, cabbage, and lettuce, then your nutrients and fiber intake increases. Fruits, on the other hand, contain cellulose that is essential for healthy skin and cell structure. Fruits and vegetables that are rich in alkaline balance the toxins acidic nature, improving the skin tone and texture. Eating healthy will also keep your baby strong and healthy.
3. Watch your weight gain
Try as much as you can to only gain the recommended weight during pregnancy. The more you gain, the more chances of getting cellulite. If you decide to lose weight during pregnancy, consult your doctor first about it and do it under supervision.
4. Treat yourself to massages
A massage when pregnant will get rid of toxins and improve blood circulation. This improves your complexion and reduces the chances of getting cellulite. A good massage will also relieve stress, reduce water retention, lower blood pressure and improve your sleep quality.
Those with cellulite on legs during pregnancy can also use pressotherapy. This is a detoxifying treatment that minimizes them and water retention. It is, however, only safe on hips and legs.
5. Exercise and start prenatal yoga
Exercising helps clear out toxins and cleanse the skin. Underlying muscle tissues also get toned and this reduces cellulite. Exercising during pregnancy helps you keep this skin condition away. Try cardio exercises like walking, some light strength training, and low impact aerobics to tone your body.
Prenatal yoga will help you maintain proper shape and protect your ankles from getting swollen. This also prevents cellulite formation.
6. Stay hydrated
Make sure your body is hydrated by consuming more fluids and water to reduce cellulite. The body, when hydrated, flushes out toxins that can cause its formation. Staying hydrated also keeps your skin glowing and fresh.
7. Reduce your salt intake
Salt dehydrates the body and is highly acidic causing cellulite removal to become a hard task. Take healthy foods with little salt.
8. Skin brush the cellulite affected areas
Online and health stores sell special skin brushes that one can use to remove cellulite. Brush your skin using circular motions and with time, the cellulite will reduce.
Treatment options to avoid when pregnant.
There are treatment options available to treat cellulite that you should avoid during pregnancy. They include:
1. Creams
Cellulite creams should not be used during pregnancy since they contain caffeine and stimulating contents, used to draw out water found in the spaces between fat cells. The result is a dehydration space that makes fat cells to stay close to each other which makes the skin smoother.
When used during pregnancy, the active ingredients contained in the cream get into the blood circulation and the fetus absorbs them. This could put the baby at risk.
2. Laser treatments
Laser cellulite treatments or any kind of heat treatments are elective according to doctors and pregnant women should not undergo any elective procedures.
3. Oral treatments
Oral cellulite treatments when taken melt it away. These oral medications contain supplements with caffeine and other stimulants. The supplements should not be taken by pregnant women since they may be a risk to the baby.
Will cellulite during pregnancy go away?
Yes, it will. The best and most natural way to get rid of cellulite is by losing weight. This, however, is not recommended during pregnancy but after giving birth, you can start on it. In the meantime, consume a healthy diet, stay hydrated and perform exercises under supervision. The following tips will help you overcome the pregnancy cellulite:
- If obese, try and cut out some weight before conceiving.
- Stay fit while pregnant.
- Walk a lot. Do it fast and choose uphill walking. This is the best form of exercise for pregnant women since it maintains your fitness, boosts your metabolism and ensures quick labor.
- Avoid water retention by consuming foods like oily fish, vegetables, and berry fruits.
- Cut down on excess carbs.
- To maintain your skin’s health and suppleness, eat foods with vitamin E and C. Flax seed can help keep your skin supple since they contain omega three fatty acids.
- Stay away from coffee.
If you hate cellulite but want to get babies, my advice would be simple: lose weight before getting pregnant and stay fit. Continue exercising and eating healthy after getting pregnant to keep it at bay.
More references
- http://www.eatthis.com/foods-that-cause-cellulite/
- https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/healthy-weight-gain#1
- https://shawellnessclinic.com/en/shamagazine/pressotherapy-what-it-is-and-what-it-does/
- http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/prenatal-massage/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-yoga/art-20047193?pg=1
- The Cellulite Cure by Lionel Bissoon
- https://www.babymed.com/lifestyle-and-beauty/cellulite-creams-during-pregnancy