More than half of all pregnant women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Also known as striae gravidarum, stretch marks seem to surface scratching and skin color can vary depending on their natural skin color. Lighter skinned women develop stretch marks pink, while darker skinned women tend to have grooves that are lighter than the surrounding skin.
Most women develop stretch marks on their abdomen during pregnancy, however, it is also common to have stretch marks on the buttocks, hips, breasts and thighs. In some cases up to 90 percent of women have stretch marks on some part of your body as a result of pregnancy.
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks are formed when the skin is stretched rapidly as happens during pregnancy. Most women develop stretch marks during the later trimesters of pregnancy though some women begin to develop as soon as their bellies start growing.
Stretch marks are actually small tears that form in the skin tissue that supports and helps stretch. Stretch marks represent the tearing or separation of skin collagen tear occurs. Stretch marks are not harmful or painful and usually fade over time.
You get stretch marks
Many women believe that the use creams and lotions help prevent stretch marks. Realistically speaking however, the number of grooves that get depends how elastic is the skin. The elasticity of the skin usually relates to your genetic make up. The best thing to do is find out if your mother has bad stretch marks during pregnancy. If so, you are probably more prone to stretch marks than other women.
Note the weight gain during pregnancy is likely to stretch marks. Normally the skin is elastic and able to stretch a bit, but for some women the changes that occur during pregnancy are very drastic. These rapid fluctuations of weight and skin stretching can cause stretch marks.
Women with multiples are more likely to get stretch marks because their abdomen usually grow much larger than women with single pregnancy. Other women likely to develop stretch marks include women who gain a lot of weight quickly during pregnancy and women who carry big babies.
Here are some other factors that may contribute to your susceptibility to stretch marks:
* If you develop stretch marks before (like on your breasts during puberty) you are more likely to get stretch marks during pregnancy.
* If you had stretch marks during another pregnancy usually you get them again.
* If you are overweight or gain more weight than recommended you are more likely to get stretch marks.
* The better hydrated and well nourished you are the less likely you are to develop serious stretch marks.
Preventing striae
Most women believe they can prevent stretch marks creams and lotions. There are many formulations on the market that claim to help prevent stretch marks. Some of these may help moisturize the skin and reduce itching. They can help reduce some stretch marks however there are no scientific studies to support this.
You know at least one parent however, swears by cocoa butter or some other formulation to prevent stretch marks. If nothing else rubbing these creams into your belly provides your baby with a light and comforting massage. You can also give peace of mind knowing you did everything possible to prevent stretch marks.
The best thing you can do to minimize stretch marks in addition to using creams or moisturizers you select is gaining the recommended amount during pregnancy weight. Doctors recommend most women gain between 25 and 34 pounds. Gaining much more than this can cause further develop stretch marks.
Remove stretch marks
Most women worry about stretch marks after having her baby. Fortunately most stretch marks fade over time. Usually after 12 months postpartum more flutes are lightweight and less noticeable. The texture may remain however different from the surrounding skin. Many women notice their stretch marks fading into whitish lines that are minimally sensitive.
Some women have very severe stretch marks that affect their self-esteem after pregnancy. There are many treatments available to women who want to improve the appearance of their stretch marks.
If your stretch marks are particularly bad, you can check with your doctor or a dermatologist. Some topical treatments such as tretinoin cream can help reduce stretch marks. These creams should be used after pregnancy however, because can cause birth defects.
Most topical treatments available should be used shortly after delivery, before they start to fade. The more time that elapses between the delivery and use of cream, less likely to be effective.
If you are breastfeeding it is important to check with your doctor before using any stretch mark tre
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