Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

"A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone." ~Anonymous.

Pregnancy is indeed one of the most awaited moments of a woman's life. But the despicable and depressing stretch marks also come along, often like an unsought add-on. These marks can appear on different parts of the body. Initially, they look red or purplish in color but turn into gray and silverish indented scars with time. It is very common for girls to get stretch marks on their breasts, thighs and buttocks during puberty. And the same is with guys, since there is a sudden growth of the tissues. Though the skin is elastic, it fails to cope up with the massive stretch of skin. The collagen breaks which gives way to these marks. But stretch marks during a pregnancy are more intense and vivid.

Why Do We Get Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?

Lot of women do not get any sort of stretch marks during their pregnancy. But research and studies show that 75% to 90% women experience this condition. There are indeed many factors which determine, if at all you will get stretch marks during pregnancy. Here are some basic factors which delineate their causes.

• The genetic or hereditary traits can be termed as one of the most important factors of stretch marks. If your mother had them during her pregnancy then you are genetically inclined to develop the same.
• The elasticity of your skin also plays a major role. The more elastic it is, less are your chances of getting stretch marks. And if you had such marks during your puberty, that again adds to the chances of their occurrence during pregnancy.
• The rapid growth and sudden stretching of tissues is itself a factor causing stretch marks. You are all the more prone to get these if you are overweight. Their occurrence also depends on the size of the baby. If you are carrying a baby that is larger than usual or if you are carrying more than one baby, then your chances of getting stretch marks are more. You can also get them if you have already had them during your previous pregnancies.
• If your body is not well hydrated, then your possibilities of getting stretch marks are more since your skin is not well nourished.
• If your body is deficient of certain nutrients like zinc, magnesium, vitamin E and B6, then you have more chances of suffering from this condition.
• Certain medications used during pregnancy can also lead to stretch marks. Reports say that the intake of hormonal medicines is one such reason.
• Some studies even say that women who have good levels of melanin in their skin are less prone to develop stretch marks than those whose melanin levels are low.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?

It is almost impossible to get rid of stretch marks completely if you already have them. But you can always reduce them to quite an extent and take measures to diminish their chances of occurrence. We know that there are a lot of ointments and creams available. Though these creams claim to eradicate the stretch marks, they are not really effective. So instead of wasting your money and time you should rather think of other options available. Most importantly, you should know how to prevent them naturally. Here are some methods to prevent and lessen those hideous stretch marks during pregnancy.

• The most prevalent and well-known remedy for stretch marks is cocoa butter. The moment you discover that you are pregnant, keep a fair stock of cocoa butter and keep applying it in abundance to your abdomen, hip and lower back areas till you deliver the baby. Cocoa butter works wonders for stretch marks. It even keeps you mentally pacified since you know that you are taking some measures to prevent them. And yes, it definitely helps!
• Keep your skin hydrated. How do you do that? Just keep your body hydrated. Increase the intake of liquids. Precisely, drink loads of water and juices.
• Take proper care of your diet. Increase the intake of food items which contain zinc, vitamin C and vitamin E. You should also ensure intake of a healthy and nutritional diet for the baby. Following a nutritional diet regime will prove beneficial for your skin as well.
• You can apply ointments which are rich in vitamin E and vitamin K. Emollients containing collagen, zinc, silica and centella asiatica extracts also help. All you need to do is keep your skin moisturized and hydrated all the time. Instead of using supplements, apply vitamin E ointments or increase its intake in your food.
• Also take care that you don't put on a lot of weight. As doctors suggest, maintain your weight in the range of 25-35 pounds. The more the weight, the more are the chances of getting stretch marks.
• Regular exercise also helps since it increases blood circulation of the body and in turn keeps the skin healthy and nourished. Even scrubbing and massaging the affected areas with olive, jojoba and wheat germ oils make these marks fade away with time.
• Don't lose hope if you get stretch marks even after taking all the possible measures. There are certain ways which can help you get rid of them even after pregnancy, not completely though. You can always opt for microdermabrasion and other plastic surgery or laser treatments. But that should be the last option, provided you are too desperate to get rid of them.

"Think of stretch marks as pregnancy service stripes." ~Joyce Armor.

On that note, the best thing you can do about those obnoxious and surly marks is, ignore them! Don't be depressed if they don't seem to go away even after all your diligent efforts. There's always some solution and if nothing, then camouflage those unsightly stretch marks. There's a range of concealers available in the market. Just pick up a good waterproof concealer, take a bountiful amount, exuberantly apply it on the affected areas and you are all set to get into your swimsuits and party wears. You can't be over obsessed with them. Keep all your depressing and paltry thoughts aside and just cherish every moment. Don't let any depressing thought bother you when you know that you are taking all the possible precautions. Savor all the beautiful memories because you know these moments are never going to come back; not even for the child inside you. Be optimistic and make yourself the coziest hub any baby can ever dream of. Happy Pregnancy!