Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and dynamic changes that a woman goes through. Sometimes this excitement feels short because it also comes with drawbacks as well, which can be a huge blow to the appearance and the mood of a pregnant lady. Yes! we are talking about stretch marks, these marks usually appear in the belly, breasts, thighs, and hips. They can make you feel anxious which can make you unconfident and maybe sometimes ruin your good mood. In this blog post, we will examine why pregnancy stretch marks occur and some things you can do that may help minimize or prevent their appearance.
What are stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are the type of scar or lines that usually make an appearance due to sudden and excessive growth of body size. The most common area where it makes an appearance are arms, thighs, abdomen, and hips. These marks usually appear red, pink, and purple in color but eventually become paler and silvery after healing. While stretch marks are a normal occurrence for most women during pregnancy, they are not bad and do not harm the health of the baby or the mother; however, they are an emotional challenge as they alter the look of your skin.
Why Do Stretch Marks Happen During Pregnancy?
Stretch marks take place when the skin is stretched beyond its limit causing collagen and elastin fibers to tear in the dermis. They appear as lines or scars on the skin. The main causes of stretch marks in pregnancy are:
Rapid Stretching of the Skin
As your baby grows, it causes rapid changes in the body. The skin stretches to accommodate the expanding uterus, most especially in the abdominal area. The faster your skin stretches, the chances of developing stretch marks are the higher.
Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy causes a large increase in hormones, primarily cortisol, which can weaken the elastic fibers of the skin and make it more likely to stretch. This hormone reduces the ability of the skin to regenerate and, therefore, repair itself; this contributes to the formation of stretch marks.
Genetic
Genetics can also determine your risk factors for developing stretch marks; you are likely to get them if your mother or some close relatives got them when they were pregnant.
Increased Weight Gain
Even though the fetus needs some weight gain in its mother’s womb, extra pounds may increase the chances of stretch marks. The reason is that the skin must stretch to accommodate the expansion of the body, and when this occurs rapidly or significantly, there might be stretch marks.
Skin Type
Stretch marks can appear differently on dark or light skin tones but absolutely anyone may get the marks, and they are more about the reaction of the skin to stretching than the natural color of the person’s skin.
Can You Avoid Pregnancy Stretch Marks?
While it is impossible to prevent stretch marks completely during pregnancy there are several things that can be done to make them less noticeable or even avoid their occurrence altogether:
Maintain a Healthy, Steady Weight Gain
Gradual gain in weight to the expected amount can help reduce strain on your skin. The quicker you gain weight, the more it increases the pressure on your skin, which has a greater risk of developing stretch marks. You should monitor your weight gain, along with a doctor or nutritionist, to make sure that you are maintaining a balanced healthy diet.
Moisturize Your Skin
Keep your skin moist, and it will remain elastic. The more hydrated the skin, the more it can stretch without breaking. Consider oils and creams with shea butter, cocoa butter, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid, which are highly soothing and hydrating for the skin. Some women like to massage these moisturizers into the skin, which tends to improve circulation and prevent dryness.
Creams for Stretch Marks
There is no miracle cream to prevent the formation of the marks, but there are some remedies that can be applied to the skin, and which diminish their appearance or lessen their severity. The products applied to the skin, mainly those containing retinoids promote collagen production, but these are forbidden in pregnancy due to possible detrimental effects on the fetus. You can instead use products that are made for pregnancy stretch marks and are safe to use.
Exercise Frequently
Regular exercise enhances blood circulation, keeps your skin firmer and stronger, and encourages healthy weight gain. Moreover, it often improves the tone and elasticity of your skin. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are great during pregnancy.
Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Having a diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help keep your skin healthy and its ability to stretch. The skin especially needs vitamins A, C, E, and zinc. Eating a nutritionally balanced diet with a rich concentration of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and protein will give your skin what it needs to be strong through this pregnancy.
Avoid overexposure to the sun
Sunlight is a good source of vitamin D, although overexposure to sunlight damages the skin and makes stretch marks more noticeable. UV radiation damages and discolors the skin; hence, when going out, apply sunblock especially if you have stretch marks on your skin surface.
DIYs to Control Stretch Marks
Some DIY remedies using natural products will come in handy for controlling or even minimizing stretch marks. Some include the following:
Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants. It hydrates your skin and improves elasticity. Apply coconut oil to the affected areas every day to keep the skin moist.
Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and might reduce inflammation if applied directly on stretches. Apply fresh aloe vera gel to the stretch marks and let it sit on for almost 15 minutes before rinsing.
Sugar Scrub:
Take sugar and mix it with olive oil and almond oil. Scrub gently on the targeted areas with the aim to remove dead skin cells and increase blood flow, thus reducing stretch marks in the long run.
Vitamin E Oil:
This vitamin is known for its healing properties, improves skin texture, and fades out scars. It can be applied directly on stretch marks daily.
Remember consistency is important but there is no guarantee that you will avoid and reduce the stretch marks completely, the results depend on the person to person.
Final Thoughts
Stretch marks are a completely normal and even common feature of pregnancy among several women. Some stretch marks may not be fully preventable, but there are numerous strategies you can take that can minimize their occurrence: manage your weight gain, moisturize your skin, and eat a nutrient-rich diet. Remember that stretch marks are just a part of that amazing journey of your body; though it feels like a change on the surface, they represent beautiful growth and transformation within.
