The baby's on it's way and you're over the moon! What a wonderful feeling...
but, hang on, what's that? What's happened to your cute butt? You were prepared for the cravings, the extra weight, the morning sickness, the nausea, and the extra bra size, but the cottage cheese thighs? No way! "Can I have a bump with no lumps, please?" Cellulite during pregnancy is a fairly common affliction among most women and it can be a source of real frustration.
People will often tell you not to worry about it, but that's easier said than done, right? Fortunately there are simple steps that you can take to help avoid and reduce cellulite during pregnancy.
The cellulite itself is basically a build up of small pockets of fat that bulge against the skin, causing the classic "cottage cheese" or "orange peel" look.
There are varying ideas as to the causes of cellulite.
Many doctors think it is due to excess weight, poor diet and / or lack of exercise.
It can also be caused by water retention, poor circulation and possibly even toxins in your body.
Hormonal changes can contribute to and worsen the effects of cellulite, and is therefore quite common among pregnant women, along with the sudden weight gain, and long periods of rest.
Since cellulite during pregnancy is a fairly common affliction there's no need for you to feel alone and self-critical.
In many cases the problem of cellulite during pregnancy will reduce or virtually disappear after the baby is born, particularly if you maintain an active lifestyle with good diet and regular exercise.