Nobody wants to have stretch marks, but when you're pregnant you know that, along with nausea, backaches, fatigue and frequent urination, stretch marks are a very likely. In truth, from 75 to 90 percent of all pregnant women (90 percent of white women) get stretch marks during this period.

Stretch marks can begin to show around the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. Sadly, stretch marks also can appear on other areas as well. These include the upper thighs, buttocks, breasts and even arms, varying on the amount of weight gain, your genetic predisposition, and whether or not you make a real effort to prevent stretch marks.

So what can you do to beat the chances and prevent stretch marks? Specialists argue about what you can do for to prevent them, but one thing is fairly certain: genetics plays an important role in whether or not you are predisposed to acquiring stretch marks. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the possibility of getting stretch marks. Following these guidelines, all of which are good for your general health and the condition of your skin, will go a long way toward putting the chances in your favor.

How to Get rid of Stretch Marks

- Consume a healthy, varied and balanced diet that keeps your weight gain within the recommended range of 25 to 35 pounds. Excellent nutritional status is vital for your developing child, but it also contributes to the strength and health of the body's largest organ: the skin.

- Utilize a body brush or wash cloth to rub the areas where you have stretch marks, or want to prevent stretch marks from appearing- this will improve circulation to the area, which may be helpful.

- Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important for your general health and well-being as well as that of your growing baby, and it is vital to healthy skin.

- Take your vitamins. This is one more method to ensure proper nutritional status, which is vital for your general health and well-being, as well as wonderful skin and a strong baby.

- Maintain skin liberally and effectively moisturized hydrated beginning in the first or second trimester and through to your pre-pregnancy weight. It is a good idea to use one of the several oils and creams marketed specifically to make stretch marks go away instead of your usual moisturizer.

Remember that it is important to take care of yourself during the postpartum period as well. The dramatic weight loss makes your skin susceptible to stretch marks. Be careful to prevent additional scarring in this stage.

If you do remember all of these guidelines yet still can't prevent stretch marks, don't worry. They will disappear in time to small silvery lines, and become much less evident.