Top to toe beautiful pregnancy guide - December 2024

Pregnancy can bring on a flood of emotions. There will be days when you feel overjoyed by the growing life inside you, yet there may be days when you feel frustrated at the sight of your swelling body getting bigger so much so that you can’t wait to give birth and be done with it! As your bosoms grow, your abdomen swells up and your waistline disappears, you may long for your pre-pregnant body shape back. If you cherish being pregnant but not so looking pregnant, then read on to count the ways to look and feel great during this special period of your life! Cease, O evil cellulite! The growing belly is a given… You expected the bigger breasts (and don’t mind them either!). You knew well beforehand about the roller-coaster hormones. Even the morning sickness didn’t come as any surprise. However, nobody told you about the additional cellulite that makes an outstanding appearance during your pregnancy. Well, there are some things in pregnancy that women can readily accept and deal with but for most women, cellulite isn’t one of them! By any other name While some people may like to call cellulite by a cutesy name like “fat dimples,” you know that cellulite is anything but cute. While the appearance of waffled skin on the back of your thighs, hips and buttocks is a perfectly normal part of being a woman, it’s still a part most women don’t care much for and can happily do without. But just what is cellulite? Basically, cellulite is a build-up of fat deposits. During your pregnancy weight gain, the fat cells under your skin become bigger and basically appear ‘stuffed’ under your skin, creating the infamous orange peel look on parts of your body. Interestingly, the term cellulite is actually not a medical one. It was coined back in 1973 by the spa and salon industry. According to the medical industry, though, cellulite is nothing more than normal body fat deposits. It’s a woman thing The causes of cellulite tend to vary according to who you are talking to. If it is your doctor, then the reason behind cellulite is simply excess weight, poor diet and/or lack of exercise. When you’re at your local spa, however, then you are likely to be informed that, in addition to a build up of fat, cellulite is caused by water retention, poor circulation and possibly even toxins in your body. Regardless of the cellulite cause, one thing is for certain: women get it far more often than men. This is due to the difference in the way fat, muscle and connective tissues are distributed in women and men. Moreover, your genes as well as the thickness of your skin play a large role in determining just how much cellulite shows up on your body. And if you rarely exercise and eat a poor diet, then you can bet your anti-cellulite cream and fancy massage gadgets that you’ll have some cellulite to contend with. Hence, the number one question on a woman’s mind is: “How do I get rid of this cellulite?” While we’re all looking for the miracle cellulite cure that will forever free our beautiful bodies of the vile invader, there is unfortunately no permanent cellulite remedy available. Since what you eat and your level of fitness are the main reasons behind cellulite, follow a balanced diet and do exercise to get rid of cellulite. Both aerobic and strength training exercises are good ‘cellulite treatments.’ While following a healthy lifestyle is always a good idea, when you are pregnant it is more necessary than ever. Not only will you reduce your cellulite, but you will also be ensuring the health of your baby. And let’s face it, that really is more important than a few unsightly lumps on your thighs. But let’s say you already follow a healthy diet (most of the time) and exercise at least three times a week, yet that cellulite is still there. What other options do you have? It’s an Anti-Cellulite World There are many potions and lotions, gadgets and gizmos out there claiming that getting rid of cellulite is as easy as using their product. Well, that depends on what you’re using and what sort of effect you’re going for. Cellulite cream is the most common choice for everyday regular women. It is the most convenient and affordable solution that can help temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. Usually made with a variety of ingredients, like herbal extracts and liposomes, cellulite lotion and creams require massaging action during application. Through massage, you are able to increase your circulation. And if cellulite is caused by poor circulation, as the spas claim, then giving your “trouble areas” a twice-daily massage will help to get that blood flowing. Of course, you could always book yourself in for a pregnancy massage and treat not only your cellulite but also your aching muscles and tired feet. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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