Cellulite forms when fat cells collect under the skin causing a dimpling effect. The dimpling effect can leave the surface of the skin looking bumpy or lumpy, not an effect many women are comfortable with. Though scientists and doctors continue to look for a definitive cause as to why some women have more cellulite than others, no answers have been found. Cellulite treatments aim to reduce the look of cellulite without actually promoting weight loss or fat loss. The effects are temporary and in some cases costly.

Kinds of cellulite treatment

There are two general kinds of cellulite treatment - topical and heat/laser. Topical treatments are known as cellulite creams. Cellulite creams use caffeine and other stimulant ingredients to draw water from the space between fat cells. The dehydrated space allows fat cells to nest closer together leaving skin looking smoother. Cellulite creams are not considered safe for use during pregnancy.

Laser or heat-based cellulite treatments are available across the United States, but none claim to be safe for pregnant women. In actuality, use on pregnant women was never mentioned because cellulite removal is considered an elective procedure and most medical professionals will not perform elective procedures of any kind on pregnant women. 

Oral cellulite treatments

While most cellulite treatments are applied to the skin as a means of instant slimming, some products claim all-natural ingredients work from within the body to melt away or release fat to slim cellulite. These supplements are nothing more than diet pills packed with caffeine and other stimulants. Pregnant women should never take over the counter diet pills or supplements of any kind without first speaking with an obstetrician. Ingredients like guarana, green tea extract, theobromine, xanthine, and methylxanthine are all sources of caffeine. Supplements are sold under lax regulations and may contain undeclared ingredients posing risk to the fetus.

Reducing cellulite naturally

The best way to reduce cellulite is to lose weight, which is not exactly the best option during pregnancy. Cellulite forms on women of all shapes and sizes. Cellulite is also not reserved for overweight or obese women, therefore weight loss may not be a viable option. Some diet and beauty experts believe drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can reduce the look of cellulite. These suggestions parallel healthy lifestyle choices promoted by obstetricians to maximize health during pregnancy.

You may not love your cellulite but you will have to live with the healthy diet and exercise program during pregnancy rather than hitting the local clinic for cellulite laser treatment or the latest cellulite cream. Cellulite treatments, of any kind, are not safe for use during pregnancy.