Every year, thousands of women develop stretch marks as a result of pregnancy – and many of them feel self-conscious about them after they have given birth. The marks are completely harmless – but lots of women desperately seek ways they can reduce the appearance of their stretch marks, or prevent them from appearing altogether! Check out our top tips for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are basically just light streaks on the skin, which develop when your body grows very quickly in a short space of time. The fibers just under the surface of the skin can break when your stomach grows during pregnancy, causing what’s known as a stretch mark.
They’re often pink or purple in colour when they first appear, and once the skin has returned to its normal state after pregnancy, it’s likely that they’ll fade to white and become far less noticeable. Many women refer to stretch marks as ‘tiger stripes’ because of their similarity to the markings on the majestic big cat.
Will I get stretch marks?
It’s almost impossible to predict accurately, but if your family members have experienced them, it’s likely you’ll also develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Some doctors believe that the overproduction of a certain hormone (corticosteroid) causes stretch marks, because it decreases the amount of collagen available to the skin. Collagen is the stretch protein which keeps our skin elastic and youthful – without it, stretch marks and wrinkles can appear much more quickly.
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So how can I prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?
There are a number of hints and tips you can follow in order to reduce your risk of developing stretch marks during pregnancy – but be warned; none of them are completely guaranteed!
- Maintain a healthy diet. If your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs during pregnancy, you’re more likely to enjoy healthy skin all over. Try to choose fresh foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals to give yourself the best possible chance of avoiding stretch marks.
- Drink plenty of water. Water is essential for youthful skin which retains its elasticity. If you’re dehydrated, your skin can become dry and parched, creating ideal conditions for stretch marks to form.
- Moisturise regularly. There are no miracle creams to prevent or remove stretch marks, but keeping the skin properly moisturised can certainly help. They will keep the skin nice and supple, offering extra hydration and ensuring your skin doesn’t dry up.
- Massage the area. This stimulates blood flow, and the blood brings plenty of vitamins and minerals with it. Invest in a massage glove, or teach your partner to massage the skin, boosting circulation and encouraging the growth of new tissue.
- Reduce weight gain as much as possible. Everyone gains weight during pregnancy – it’s normal, natural and healthy. But the myth that pregnant women should be ‘eating for two’ is one that has caused many ladies to develop stretch marks during pregnancy. In reality, you only need an extra 500 calories per day to nourish your unborn baby – that’s a small supper or a light lunch. Try to ensure you put on weight gradually throughout your pregnancy, and that you exercise gently and moderately to lose the weight slowly after you’ve given birth.
References
http://www.supernanny.co.uk/Advice/-/Pregnancy-and-Birth/-/Pregnancy-by-trimester/How-to-Avoid-Stretch-Marks.aspx
http://www.parents.com/advice/pregnancy-birth/my-pregnant-body/how-can-i-prevent-stretch-marks-during-pregnancy/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-3296417/What-500-calories-REALLY-looks-like-10-indulgent-dishes-prove-healthy-doesn-t-boring-s-not-lettuce-leaf-sight.html
http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/body/diet-nutrition/g3226/what-500-calories-looks-like/
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/stretch-marks-pregnant.aspx
http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/stretch-marks#1
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