Are you expecting a baby soon and worried about getting unsightly stretch marks? While this is a normal part of pregnancy, it can still cause many women to feel self-conscious. If that's the case, know that there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing them as well as treatments if they do occur. In this blog post, we'll explore what causes pregnancy stretch marks, preventive measures for avoiding them and available treatment options available. Keep reading for more information on how you can have smooth skin throughout your pregnancy!


What Are Pregnancy Stretch Marks?


Pregnancy stretch marks are a common occurrence for women during the later stages of pregnancy. They are caused by the rapid stretching of the skin due to the growth of the baby and a consequent increase in hormones. The marks usually appear around your belly, breasts, hips, and upper legs and can be either red, purple or silver-white in color. While pregnancy stretch marks are not dangerous and eventually fade over time, plenty of treatments exist to manage them including topical creams, laser therapy and microdermabrasion. It is important for pregnant women to take caution when applying these treatments as some may contain ingredients that could be harmful to the fetus. Getting enough nutrients and staying hydrated can also help manage pregnancy stretch marks during pregnancy.


What causes stretch marks during pregnancy?


Pregnancy stretch marks, sometimes referred to as striae gravidarum in medical settings, are raised stripes that can appear on a woman's abdomen, breasts, thighs and other body parts during pregnancy. They're caused by sudden shifts in skin elasticity as the pregnancy progresses and the body rapidly changes its shape. When the pregnancy hormones of progesterone and estrogen cause collagen fibers to be overstretched and broken down, pregnancy stretch marks occur. They are most common in the second or third trimester when a baby is growing quickly and the belly expands considerably. It's important to keep your skin moisturized throughout pregnancy with lotions designed specifically for pregnant women; however, even with diligent care pregnancy stretch marks may still appear by the end of pregnancy.


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How to Avoid Stretch Marks during Pregnancy?


Pregnancy stretch marks can be an unavoidable part of pregnancy for many women, leaving them with a reminder of their pregnancy long after the baby is born. However, there are several tips to help avoid pregnancy stretch marks as much as possible. Eating a balanced diet high in antioxidants can help keep skin healthy and supple during pregnancy. Additionally, keeping the skin well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and applying topical hydration creams can prevent pregnancy stretch marks from developing by helping the skin better adapt to growing or shrinking body parts during pregnancy. Lastly, regularly exercising and performing stretching exercises on muscles that get stretched during pregnancy can reduce tension on those particular areas of skin and decrease the chances of pregnancy stretch marks appearing.


First Trimester


The first trimester of pregnancy is a critical developmental period for your baby. During this time, your baby’s organs, bones and muscles form and the pregnancy hormones that are released can have an influence on your skin and cause pregnancy stretch marks to appear. It is important to keep your skin moisturized as this can help prevent the pregnancy hormones from affecting it. Daily exercise can also benefit you; if you feel comfortable doing so consider pregnancy yoga or other low-impact exercises like walking which can be beneficial for both mom and baby during this period. In addition to exercise, eating a healthy diet is essential for development during pregnancy; mainly focus on nutrient dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and lean proteins to ensure that you and your baby get the necessary vitamins and minerals needed in order to stay strong and healthy throughout the pregnancy journey.


Second Trimester


The second trimester of pregnancy is often an exciting time for expectant mothers as pregnancy symptoms subside and the baby begins to show more development. During this time, women should still take extra steps in order to keep themselves healthy. Generally, it's recommended that pregnant women consume nutrient-rich food and exercise regularly. They may start to experience pregnancy stretch marks at this point in the pregnancy, though these are normal and nothing to be concerned about; rather than focusing on them, it can be helpful to focus on any physical changes as part of the pregnancy process. Additionally, some women find that pregnancy massages can help with pregnancy-related aches and pains and bring a sense of relaxation during this busy time.


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How can I prevent stretch marks?


Stretch marks can be one of the most frustrating physical changes that come from pregnancy. To prevent pregnancy stretch marks, exercise and hydration are two key elements. Aiming to maintain a healthy weight with regular aerobic activities helps keep your skin toned, while increasing blood flow to the body's core. Additionally, drinking plenty of water will help keep the skin moisturized, decreasing the risk of developing stretch marks when expecting. Be patient though; pregnancy weight gain comes in waves and increasing fruit and vegetable intake can boost overall nutrition significantly. With proper attention and care taken, you can minimize or even avoid pregnancy stretch marks all together.


How to Remove Pregnancy Stretch Marks?


It is natural to experience pregnancy stretch marks as skin stretches and regains its form while your pregnancy progresses. While these marks may cause a feeling of insecurity, there are a few methods that may help diminish their appearance. An effective option for managing pregnancy stretch marks is through topical treatments like lotions, creams, oils, or silicone gel sheets. Whether you choose over-the-counter products or specialized treatments prescribed by your physician, it's important to start using them as early as possible to maximize their effectiveness. Additionally, eating well and drinking plenty of water can help keep the skin hydrated which can help reduce the visibility of pregnancy stretch marks. With a dedicated skin care regimen and healthy lifestyle habits, pregnancy stretch marks don’t have to stand in the way to reclaiming your pre-pregnancy body!


Conclusion


Taking care of your body during pregnancy is a very important task. Stretch marks can be an unwelcome surprise that appear on your skin, but thankfully, there are ways to prevent and treat them. While it’s natural for pregnant women to gain some weight, try to focus on maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen to be more in control of the amount you gain. It helps keep your skin hydrated which can reduce the chance of stretch marks forming. If you do find that you’ve got stretch marks after giving birth, applying topical ointments or creams or seeking professional medical or beauty treatments can help diminish their appearance. You can also begin using scar-healing technology such as a derma roller or laser therapy if necessary. So don’t forget: give yourself grace while taking care of your body and enjoy this momentous occasion!


Please book an appointment with the best Gynecologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.


Source: https://instacare.pk/blog/pregnancy-stretch-marks-causes-prevention-treatment