Aside from weight gain and labor pains, pregnancy stretch marks are one of the topmost dreaded things for first time moms. So, if you have a baby on the way, you are probably itching to find all the information about these unsightly scratches and how you can avoid them.
Here we have 5 of the most frequently asked questions about pregnancy-related stretch marks.
1. Why Does Pregnancy Sometimes Cause Stretch Marks?
Statistics say that more than 60% of pregnant women have the possibility of getting stretch marks. Here are the reasons why:
Genes – if there has been a family history of stretch marks, then there is a possibility that you’ll have them too.
Fast or excessive weight gain – women are advised to gain 25 to 35 pounds within the 9 months of pregnancy. This should be done slowly but in a slow pace, if not, your skin will be forced to stretch beyond its normal rate causing the tears in the epidermis, resulting in striae.
Large babies or twins – The elastic fibers and connective tissues in the middle layer of your skin may snap due to the abrupt stretch. Imagine how big a room it needs to create to accommodate the life or lives inside you.
Skin color – studies show that women who have darker skin have less chances of getting marks compared to women with fair skin where pink or red scratches obviously show.
Skin condition – dry skin lacks elasticity compared to well-moisturized skin, making it more vulnerable to having stretch marks.
2. How Can I Avoid This From Happening To me?
When it comes to stretch marks, there are no guarantees. However, a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do. There is no harm in trying to elude this childbearing mark. Some things are worth trying though, after all, doing something is better than doing nothing at all.
Moisturize Your Skin
As soon as you are planning to have a baby, make moisturizing a regular or daily habit.
Use a specially formulated pregnancy stretch mark cream. (Try Palmer’s Cocoa Butter, Mamma Mio or Revitol Stretch Mark Cream). Lather the cream on the “prone-zones” (known as your belly, breasts, thighs, hips and buttocks) daily and every after every shower or bath. These creams have ultra-moisturizing ingredients like cocoa butter, vitamin E and aloe vera. They also contains elastin and collagen that your skin needs to gain elasticity. It will also help soothe any form of itchy skin that you might have.
Follow a Pregnancy Diet Plan
Choosing the right food and getting enough nutrients are not just important for having a healthy baby, it is also essential for your health and will help you put on a safe weight in the recommended duration. No rapid weight gain means less chances of having stretch marks!
Your baby is expected to grow really fast during the 2nd and 3rd trimester; this means that you really have to watch your weight gain during the 1st trimester to not exceed the recommended weight that you have to reach until the end of your pregnancy. For more information on pregnancy diets, consult your doctor or nutritionist to be on the safe side.
Load up on Vitamins
Eating the right food is not enough. Prenatal vitamins will ensure that you’re getting the right amount of vitamins and nutrients to support you and your growing baby, with the added benefit of beautiful skin.
Hydrate Often to Keep Skin Moisturized
Drink lots of water. This will not only keep your digestive and excretory system work well, it will also moisturize your skin from the inside and out. A well-moisturized skin may help prevent stretch marks.
Improve Your Blood Circulation
A massage can keep your blood flowing underneath your skin and stimulate cell repair. Use a washcloth or body brush to gently massage your body. Massaging your skin while applying a stretch mark cream or lotion may also help.
3. Are Products Safe to Use during Pregnancy without Affecting the Baby?
Yes. There are a lot of products out there that are safe to use by expectant mothers. However, avoid large doses of Retin-A or Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, during or after pregnancy, especially for breastfeeding women. Even though the amount of Vitamin A in most stretch mark removal creams are small enough to pose harm to the baby, it is still recommended to consult your doctor before using any topical treatments.
4. How Do I Fade Stretch Marks after Pregnancy?
Stretch marks will eventually fade (but not totally) after 6 months or 1 year from giving birth, but the texture will be the same. If it used to be a reddish,, it will soon turn into a lighter shade than your natural skin tone and will become less noticeable. You can continue using stretch mark creams or you may consult a dermatologist for a recommendation on other treatment alternatives.
5. What Are the Best Postnatal Remedies?
There is no ultimate cure. But, there are cosmetic procedures that can significantly diminish some, but not all of it.
According to Heidi Waldorf, MD of Mount Sinai School of Medicine (in her interview for Oprah Magazine), non-invasive laser treatments such as “VBeam” or “Fraxel Restore” can normalize the color of fresh red marks or lessen the appearance of old white marks, respectively.
Lasers are more effective in getting rid of stretch marks because it can heat up the underlying skin layer to produce more collagen. Topical retinoid is also prescribed to enhance the procedure. But, take note that these procedures require several sessions and a lot of money in order for them to work. (VBeam – $400-$600/treatment, Fraxel – $1000-$2000/treatment)
Having a baby is one of the best experiences a woman goes through. No amount of pregnancy stretch marks should ever take away your joy of being a mom. So, relax, enjoy and take care of your body – not just for yourself but most especially, for your little bundle of joy!
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