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Nobody wants to have stretch marks, but when you're pregnant you know that, along with backaches, nausea, 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 pregnancy.

Stretch marks can begin to show around the 6th or 7th month of pregnancy. Unfortunately, stretch marks also can show up 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 concerted effort to avoid stretch marks.

So what can you do to beat the odds and avoid stretch marks? Specialists talk about what you can do for to prevent them, but one thing is always 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 limit the possibility of getting stretch marks. Following these guidelines, all of which are good for your general health and the shape of your skin, will go a long way toward putting the odds 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. Optimal nutritional status is crucial for your developing child, but it also contributes to the strength and health of your 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 new baby, and it is vital to healthy skin.

- Take your vitamins. This is one more way to ensure proper nutritional status, which is vital for your general health and well-being, as well as beautiful 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 especially 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 great weight loss makes your skin susceptible to stretch marks. Be careful to prevent additional scars in this stage.

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