More than half of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Also known as striae gravidarum, stretch marks look like streaks on the skin’s surface and can vary in color based on your natural skin color. Most lighter-skinned women develop pink stretch marks, while darker-skinned women tend to have stretch marks 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 in some part of the body as a result of pregnancy.
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks form when the skin stretches rapidly, as it does during pregnancy. Most women develop stretch marks during the last trimesters of pregnancy, although some women start to develop them as soon as their bellies start to grow.
Stretch marks are actually small tears that form in the tissue that supports the skin and helps it stretch. Stretch marks represent the tearing or separation of collagen from the skin when the tear occurs. Stretch marks are not harmful or painful and usually fade over time.
Who has stretch marks?
Many women believe that the use of lotions and creams helps prevent stretch marks. However, realistically speaking, the number of stretch marks you have depends on how elastic your skin is. The elasticity of your skin is generally related to your genetic makeup. The best thing you can do is find out if your mother had severe stretch marks during her pregnancy. If she did, you’re probably more prone to stretch marks than other women.
Keep in mind that the more weight you gain during pregnancy, the more likely you are to get stretch marks. Normally the skin is elastic and capable of stretching quite a bit, however for some women the changes that occur during pregnancy are very drastic. These rapid fluctuations in weight and stretching of the skin can lead to stretch marks.
Women with multiple pregnancies are more likely to get stretch marks because their bellies tend to grow much larger than women with singleton pregnancies. Other women prone to stretch marks include women who gain a lot of weight quickly during pregnancy and women who have large babies.
Here are some other factors that may contribute to your susceptibility to stretch marks:
* If you developed stretch marks before (such as on your breasts during puberty), you are more likely to get stretch marks during pregnancy.
* If you had stretch marks during another pregnancy, you will usually 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.
Prevention of stretch marks
Most women believe that they can prevent stretch marks by using creams and lotions. There are many formulations on the market today that claim to help prevent stretch marks. Some of these can help moisturize the skin and reduce itchiness. They may help reduce some stretch marks, however there are no scientific studies to back this up.
However, you probably know at least one parent who relies on cocoa butter or some other formula to prevent stretch marks. If nothing else, rubbing these creams on your belly gives your unborn baby a light, comforting massage. They can also give her peace of mind knowing that she did everything she could to prevent stretch marks.
The best thing you can do to minimize stretch marks, aside from using whatever cream or moisturizer you select, is to gain the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy. Doctors recommend that most women gain between 25 and 34 pounds. Earning much more than this can cause you to develop more stretch marks.
remove stretch marks
Most women worry about stretch marks after having their baby. Fortunately, most stretch marks fade over time. Usually after 12 months postpartum, most stretch marks are mild and less noticeable. However, its texture may remain different from the surrounding skin. Many women notice that their stretch marks fade into whitish lines that are barely noticeable.
Some women have very severe stretch marks that affect their self-esteem after pregnancy. There are many treatments available for 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 like tretinoin cream can help reduce stretch marks. However, these creams should be used after pregnancy, as they can cause birth defects.
Most of the available topical treatments should be used soon after delivery, before they start to fade. The more time that passes between delivery and use of the cream, the less likely they are to be effective.
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s important to check with your doctor before using any treatment for stretch marks. Some treatments can affect your milk supply or pass through your breast milk to your baby.
Most of the creams available to reduce stretch marks do not help relieve the sagging skin that also accompanies childbirth. However, there are some newer treatments, including laser treatments, that can improve skin elasticity and help reduce stretch marks. Some women also consider plastic surgery after having children. A tummy tuck can help hide some stretch marks and reduce sagging skin.
Most women can gleefully overlook stretch marks when they consider the miracle of life they bring into the world. For most, the minor annoyance that even the worst stretch marks bring is well worth the joy of bringing a newborn baby into the world. Do what you can during pregnancy to maintain a healthy weight and try not to worry too much about stretch marks. Many women wear them with pride, a ‘war wound’ or ‘badge of honour’ related to their pregnancy. Why not wear them proudly?
