One of the most dreaded things that pregnant women face is the formation of stretch marks. Most women will develop stretch marks during the latter part of their pregnancy, specifically within the third trimester. According to a study, 50% of women will develop stretch marks in their bellies, hips, buttocks, and even breasts.
What causes stretch marks during pregnancy?
As we all know, pregnancy lasts for nine months. During this time, the skin stretches to give space to the growing fetus. Because of this, there will be tearing in the dermis that will result to stretch marks. These marks are usually red or purple in color and will eventually fade to grey or white in time.
Aside from the stretching of the skin, weight gain, size of the baby, and hormonal changes are also responsible for stretch marks during pregnancy.
Ways to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
• According to a study, massaging the skin with cream or lotion can help prevent stretch marks. There are many good creams in the market. Most women prefer creams over other anti-stretch mark remedies because they are generally safe and inexpensive.
We review a new stretch mark cream each month. Click here to read our Latest Stretch Mark Cream Review.
• Make sure that your weight gain is within normal range. Being pregnant does not warrant you to gain all the weight that you want. It is important to follow the advice of your doctor to ensure that your weight is within the normal limits for your height.
• A healthy diet can help you prevent stretch marks too. It is important to include Vitamins C and E in your diet. In addition, include foods high in zinc that helps in the skin’s elasticity. It may also be wise to avoid caffeinated drinks. Always remember that a stretch mark-free skin always starts with proper diet. If you are healthy, your skin will be healthy too.
• It is also vital to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, unless contraindicated. Aside from improving your overall health, water can help keep the skin moisturized and healthy. It also improves skin’s elasticity.
• After your pregnancy, there are various treatment options that you may try such as laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. Of course, these are all good options. However, these can be expensive. The costs may depend on many factors such as treatment and location.
These are just some of the ways to prevent stretch marks. As always, it is best to ask for the advice of your doctor about the treatment options available. You should talk to your health provider even before the stretch marks form. Always remember that it is easier to prevent than to treat.