Your body will change during your pregnancy. Body changes are a natural part of pregnancy. That doesn’t mean they will be easy to cope with.
We prepared a list of tips to help you cope with one of the most common changes you will go through: stretch marks. Let’s first understand the basics.
What are pregnancy stretch marks?
Stretch marks are a very common occurrence during pregnancy, affecting about 90% of women. While they may be unsightly, they are actually harmless and will usually fade after pregnancy. However, if you do get them, embrace them and be proud of you and the amazing thing you are doing right now!
Stretch marks are a form of scarring that occur when your skin stretches or shrinks quickly. They can happen during pregnancy as your skin adjusts to accommodate your growing baby. They often show up as streaks in the skin that are darker than the surrounding area.
You may be more likely to get stretch marks if you:
- Are pregnant with twins, triplets, or more
- Have a family history of stretch marks
- Are carrying extra weight
How do they start?
There are actually quite a few factors at play.
It all starts with the body’s natural response to the stretching of the skin during pregnancy. The same hormones that help the baby grow in the womb also cause your skin to stretch out quickly in order to accommodate the growing baby bump. The quick-stretching leads to a breakdown of collagen and elastin, the two components that give skin its flexibility and strength. This breakdown is what causes the tear in the tissue and leads to the development of the classic marks.
The likelihood of getting stretch marks during pregnancy depends on hormonal and genetic factors. There’s no way to predict whether or not you’ll get them during pregnancy, but many factors can influence the growth of stretch marks. Women who have experienced them in the past (such as during puberty) are likely to see them re-emerge during pregnancy. Additionally, women who have any type of hereditary skin condition are at an increased risk of developing stretch marks.
Where do they appear?
While stretch marks are more likely to occur in certain areas, such as the abdomen, breasts, and thighs, they can show up anywhere on the body. Many women feel self-conscious and want to know how to get rid of them.
Are they preventable?
Unfortunately, there is no sure-fire way to prevent or get rid of them. However, there are some things you can do to help minimise their appearance.
- First, try to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. Gaining too much weight can cause your skin to stretch more, which can increase your risk of stretch marks.
- Second, keep your skin well-moisturised. Moisturised skin is more elastic and better able to withstand stretching.
- Finally, don’t despair if you do end up with stretch marks. Remember, they are a totally natural part of pregnancy. Know that your stretch marks are a badge of honour of your amazing accomplishment of growing a human inside you!
Can I make them go away?
Yes, pregnancy they can go away. They typically occur in the latter half of pregnancy when the skin is stretched the most. They can also occur during puberty and after drastic weight loss.
Stretch marks usually appear as pink, red, or purple streaks in the skin. They can be itchy and uncomfortable. During pregnancy, your skin stretches a lot. The line or mark is where the tissue has torn.
After you give birth, the marks may fade, but they won’t disappear completely.
The good news is that there are things you can do to help prevent them or make them less noticeable.
If you’re pregnant and think you might be at risk for stretch marks, talk to your doctor. They can offer advice on how to prevent or reduce the appearance.
If you happen to have them, you can talk to your dermatologist about the possibility of reducing their visibility postpartum with laser therapy or topical tretinoin. But remember to wear them with pride, you are doing the extraordinary job of bringing life!
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