Stretch marks are said to be related to hormonal changes that happens during puberty, pregnancy, and muscle building. Stretch marks are the off-color scarring on the skin that is caused by the tearing of the dermis. This can disappear eventually but not fully. The possibility of developing stretch marks increases among pregnant women. In fact, 75 to 90 percent of women will develop stretch marks during their pregnancy.
For pregnant women, stretch marks will appear on the abdomen, the upper thighs, the buttocks, breasts, and the arms. The enormity and amount of the stretch marks will depend on the pregnant women's total weight gain, genetic history, and the effort that these women put into preventing the stretch marks. What should pregnant women do to prevent stretch marks?
Preventing Stretch Marks
If there is one thing that many pregnant women don't want to have as a souvenir of their pregnancy, it would be stretch marks. Genetics play an important role in whether or not a woman is susceptible to developing stretch marks. So if your mother ever got stretch marks when she was pregnant, there is a big possibility that you would get them also. There are many means in which you can prevent stretch marks from developing. Even if you are inclined to having them, you could limit the possibility by just following some simple guidelines. Here's what you should do:
* Develop a healthy diet. You should control your weight gain to a recommended range of 25 to 35 pounds. This will not only contribute to the general health of your skin but it will also improve the health of the baby. A controlled weight gain will minimize the stretching of the skin and therefore the enormity of the stretch marks will also be minimized.
* Locate the possible areas in which stretch marks will develop or the areas that you want to prevent stretch marks from appearing. Massage these areas using a body brush or a wash cloth to increase the circulation of the blood in that area.
* Hydrate yourself. Drink plenty of water as this helps in improving the health of the skin and the health of the baby too.
* Take vitamins such as Vitamin E. This will ensure the health of your skin.
* Moisturize your skin effectively especially during the first and second trimester. There are many oils and creams that are available for you to use and you can use any of them even without the prescription of your doctor or dermatologist. This will keep your skin elastic and supple as these act as food for your skin. The formula in these creams will enhance the production of collagen, supports the dermis, and still keep the skin intact despite the rigorous stretching.
* Don't forget to take care of your skin even after pregnancy in the post partum period. You will lose weight dramatically during this period and your skin will be more susceptible to stretch marks.
If you still develop stretch marks, don't stress yourself just yet. This will become unnoticeable over time. If you are still conscious about these unwanted marks, you could visit the dermatologist for a skin treatment.
1. Don't forget to moisturize. Keep your skin always moisturized in the first or second trimester and through your recovery to your pre-pregnancy weight. This may help in preventing stretch marks from developing. There are many creams and oils that are especially made just to do this. Massage these creams on the areas of concern. Typically these stretch marks develop in the lower abdomen but they can also show up on your breasts, buttocks, thighs, and arms.
Elasticity is important in preventing stretch marks. Using products with ingredients like vitamins E, A, & D3, emu oil, aloe vera, cocoa butter, lanolin, and squalene oil will help improve the skin's elasticity. These formulas are designed to enhance collagen production and support the dermis because if the dermis stays in tact, the formation of stretch marks will be avoided. However, experiences have shown that using creams and oils might have a limited effect on the skin. Therefore, it is important to use different preventive measures all at the same to achieve your goal of preventing stretch marks.
2. Increase your water intake. This will help keep the skin stay hydrated and pliable. Doctors believe that drinking a lot of water will increase the suppleness of your skin and make your skin clearer.
3. The prevention of stretch marks requires diligence and hard work. Massage the prone areas with a body brush or wash cloth. The increase in blood circulation on those parts can help you avoid unsightly marks.
4. Watch your nutrition. Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet can also be beneficial for you. A nutritious diet should contain plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods contain nutrients that will help your skin be more elastic and also help your skin return to its prenatal state after giving birth. Taking your prenatal vitamins will also give you the benefits of healthy and beautiful skin.
5. Watch your weight. When you eat right during pregnancy, you will also be rewarded with the added benefit of having control over your weight. The best way to go about this is to talk to your doctor to know how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. With this knowledge you will be able to avoid gaining too much because rapid and excessive weight gain will compound the problem of stretch marks.
Stretch marks are not uncommon. Between 75 and 90 percent of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks but that's not the worse thing about it because what's really bad is that once stretch marks have developed, they are permanent and rarely disappear. Another well known fact regarding stretch marks is that genetics play a role in whether or not you get them. This means that if your mother had them, there is almost a one hundred percent certainty that you will develop these marks as well. Therefore, following the five guidelines is your best bet against preventing stretch marks.
Both James Pendergraft & Rashel Dan are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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