Causes, Prevention and Treatment of Stretch Marks during Pregnancy
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In any woman’s life, pregnancy is a time of expectation and joy as you await your beautiful baby. However, along with the very exciting period of maternity, comes a host of health changes and challenges – some of which can seem overwhelming and often very unbearable. Stretch marks are one of those pregnancy side affects no woman ever cares for and hopes she does not develop.
The causes of
pregnancy stretch marks
may seem obvious, as your unborn baby grows and your body’s skin tissue expands or stretches in the dermis (the elastic-like middle layer of your skin). This layer is composed of collagen and it actually tears apart when stretched too quickly thus causing the dreaded purple-red lines to show up rather suddenly.
However, according to most obstetricians, as well as noted health and medical websites, stretch marks aren’t completely understood. This is due to the fact that not all pregnant women will get these reddish striations and no one really knows why.
The following details what we do know about stretch marks:
During a later stage of pregnancy, lines can appear on your body, either dark or light in color. Most often these lines, or stretch marks, show up as slight indents around the abdomen, but they can also appear on the hips, thighs and breasts.
Pregnancy hormones and heredity have been linked to stretch marks, so if your mother had stretch marks, you may too. You’re not alone – 50% to 75% of women will develop stretch marks during pregnancy.
Although it may sound surprising, weight gain while you’re pregnant doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get stretch marks.
There are a few things you can do to help guard against stretch marks, although there has yet to be a proven, foolproof prevention for stretch marks. However your diligence in following these tips could make a huge difference for you.
Be sure to drink plenty of water! Hydrating your body with lots and lots of fluids during pregnancy combined with cutting back on the caffeinated beverages may reduce your chances of getting stretch marks. Many Doctors, Nutritionists and even Pediatricians also recommend that you consume vitamin-rich foods including the proper amount of vitamin A and C, as well as proteins including eggs, nuts and fish.
You may have seen an ad in a pregnancy magazine for a special stretch mark cream or Vitamin E oil purporting to guarantee prevention of the dreaded red lines. Many body lotions and creams will help you if your skin is dry and itchy during pregnancy and they could aid in stretch mark prevention. Keeping your stomach well moisturized with Cocoa Butter lotions or Collagen repair creams will not only keep the region more pliable, these products are excellent collagen builders.
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Massaging your stomach may also help lessen your chances of having stretch marks. The circular motion will ease the tension being placed on the collagen layer and will increase the blood flow to this area. This in turn will help maintain the elasticity of the skin and diminish the possibility of over-stretching.
The good news is that those dark red or purplish stretch marks will fade to a much lighter color and get less obvious within 6 months to 1 year after you’ve given birth to your baby. So, given a little time, these unsightly reminders of your pregnancy will fade away.
Pregnant women are beautiful, but may not feel that way because of stretch marks. You deserve to feel your best, and the best news – besides the birth of your
new born baby – is that dermatologists and surgeons do perform a stretch mark treatment that will remove stretch marks.
When you meet with a doctor about the possible removal of stretch marks, you should discuss the following:
Your medical history, any hormone or steroid medications and prescriptions that could contribute to stretch marks.
All available stretch mark treatment methods including prescriptive creams and lotions, Cosmetics, laser surgery, Blue-Line procedures, Retin A, or plastic surgery.
If you choose a surgical option, check your insurance. Most companies consider stretch mark removal a cosmetic procedure, and may not cover the cost of the surgery.
You have some really important choices to make during pregnancy, including baby names! Focusing on the wonders of pregnancy can help you deal with stretch marks, so enjoy deciding on that baby name and guessing your pregnancy due date! Don’t waste your precious time on worrying about reddish lines in your skin. Remember – they will eventually fade away.
Motherhood all natural body butter moisturizes with aloe to relieve itchy bellies. elastin, soy, and collagen help to restore skin s elasticity. 8.5oz available in three great scents: jasmine, baby powder and natural
Palmers cocoa butter formula vitamin e scar serum combines five powerful ingredients to reduce the appearance of scars resulting from surgery, injury, burns, stretch marks, c-sections, etc. this concentrated serum penetrates quickly while forming a moisture-proof barrier. 1 fluid oz
Palmers post-natal firming lotion contains 100% pure cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin e, and co-enzyme q10 along with collagen and elastin to significantly improve skins firmness. firms and tones skin as it moisturizes, softens and improves skin elasticity. clinically proven to help increase skins firmness in 6 weeks. 8.5 fl/oz
The ultimate protection against third trimester, irreversible damage. Specially formulated to offer ultra defense, ultra elasticity and ultra elastin-building skin protection for the latter stages of pregnancy. 3.4 oz tube.
Try Erbaviva s new stretch mark cream with shea butter as well as other natural extracts combined with the same beneficial essential oils that are in the Erbaviva Stretch mark Oil for easy application.
Wonderfully rich oil to be used as soon as the belly begins to stretch. Massage into the tummy, breasts, and thighs, to help make the skin more elastic and adaptable to change. Organic ingredients will help keep skin soft and hydrated. 4 fl oz.
Gently massage this comforting oil onto your belly to soothe itchiness and minimize stretch marks. mildly scented with high quality, pure essential oils of lavender and neroli. this luxurious belly oil leaves skin feeling satiny-smooth, before and after childbirth. available in 6 oz.
Gently massage this comforting oil onto your belly to soothe itchiness and minimize stretch marks. mildly scented with high quality, pure essential oils of lavender and neroli. this luxurious belly oil leaves skin feeling satiny-smooth, before and after childbirth. available in 6 oz.
TriLastin uses an advanced anti-oxidant structural protein formulation containing high-potency ester C, elastin, collagen, and soy protein to prevent and treat stretch marks. TriLastin helps firm, repair, and rejuvenate damaged stretch mark tissue and is effective on all skin types. TriLastin is formulated for safe use while pregnant.
This skin care gift set for moms includes one 7 oz massage lotion for stretch marks, one 4.4 oz massage cream for stretch marks and one 5.1 oz soothing oil for itchy skin. bonus the best baby name book
Palmers (tm) Nursing Cream
This easy to apply combination of pure cocoa butter and pro vitamin b5 in a soothing, emollient base helps relieve sore, cracked nipples associated with breastfeeding.
1.1 oz tube.