Stretch Marks In Pregnancy | Causes Prevention and Treatment

One of the most prevalent occasions for women to develop stretch marks in pregnancy.  According to estimates, between 50 and 90 percent of expectant mothers will get stretch marks before giving birth. 

So, what is best for pregnancy stretch marks?

You might be relieved to learn that stretch marks will eventually go away if you do get them during pregnancy. 

The red or pink hue will eventually turn into a light silver or white hue.

Stretch marks are caused during pregnancy 

Hormones

Hormones may increase the risk of developing stretch marks in pregnancyAccording to some experts, stretch marks are prevalent, especially in the third trimester

Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause the skin to become more hydrated, which would relax it and make it more prone to tearing when stretched.

Your cortisol level may also be vital. Cortisol is a hormone generated by the adrenal gland. Increased levels weaken elastic fibers in the skin and can cause stretch marks in pregnancy.

Weight gain

Much of the extra weight is related to your baby's growth, but your body is also storing fat in preparation for breast milk production after birth.

Genetics

According to research, genetics plays a role: if your mother or sister developed stretch marks in pregnancy, you are more likely to develop them as well.

Other causes of skin stretching

- Carrying multiples.

- A large baby.

- An overabundance of amniotic fluid.

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Prevention of stretch marks in pregnancy

Gradually, you should be able to considerably lessen the appearance of stretch marks in pregnancy by combining these preventative suggestions with products in your skincare routine.

Massage

Using natural oils or lotions to massage the area can help increase blood flow, lower inflammation, and hydrate the skin.

Using Bio-oil

To improve the extensibility of the abdomen skin, oil-based skin care products, such as edible olive oil, should be applied and massage gently.

This helps to keep the skin moisturized and stop moisture loss. pregnant women have to use natural oils like:

Coconut oil 

It contains fatty acids that assist in deeply hydrating the skin and decreasing the appearance of stretch marks. 

Olive oil 

It helps hydrate skin and increases suppleness, reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

It is preferable to choose skin care products with a qualified physician's advice.  Increased skin suppleness is another benefit of vitamin E.

Seventy-eight percent of participants in a recent study by BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth (Trusted Source used a solution to avoid stretch marks. 

With Bio-Oil being the most commonly utilized product, one-third of these ladies reported trying two or more items. Nevertheless, stretch marks appeared on 58.5 percent of the women who used this oil.

Vitamin C serum

Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis and can enhance skin tone while diminishing the visibility of stretch marks when applied topically.

Retinoid cream

Retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Avita), can help to improve the appearance of stretch marks that are less than a few months old. 

When Tretinoin works, it helps to rebuild a protein in the skin known as collagen, making stretch marks appear more like normal skin. Tretinoin might irritate the skin.

If you are pregnant or nursing, see your doctor about alternate treatment choices, as retinoid creams’ negative effects may impact the infant.

Weight gain management during pregnancy

The best way for pregnant women to prevent stretch marks in pregnancy is to gain weight gradually. 

You can create a diet and exercise plan with your healthcare provider that will keep you from gaining too much weight while still giving you and your unborn child the nutrition you need.  Consume a nutritious diet.

Pregnancy BMIs indicate the range of weight gain during pregnancy.  In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, it is recommended that women with an average pre-pregnancy BMI do not gain more than 0.3 kg per month. 

Individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI 24.0 kg/m²-27.9 kg/m²) should not gain more than 1.2 to 1.6 kg per month.

Engaging in Regular physical activity

Maintaining a healthy pre-pregnancy weight by regular physical activity (BMI 18.5 kg/m²-23.9 kg/m²).

If you are healthy and have no issues during your pregnancy, keep up this level of exercise until it becomes uncomfortable for you to do so.

Maintaining a healthy weight gain during pregnancy can reduce the rate of abdominal skin expansion and reduce the probability of having more stretch marks in pregnancy

Using supporting belts

Pregnant women can avoid skin stretching from belly sagging by using professional abdominal support belts in the middle and late stages of pregnancy to avoid stretch marks in pregnancy 

Light and laser therapy

A range of light and laser therapies are available that may stimulate collagen development or improve suppleness for improved elasticity and a smoother appearance.

Your healthcare practitioner can advise you on which strategy is best for you.

Microneedling

 This therapy uses a handheld device with small needles to induce collagen formation. 

This procedure has a lower risk of skin color changes than laser therapy, hence, it is the favored initial option for persons with darker skin.

Stretch Marks In Pregnancy Causes

There are many tips to consider when treating stretch marks

Doctor consultation

Consult your doctor about a well-balanced diet. To improve the smoothness and suppleness of your skin, eat more foods high in protein and stay away from sweets, fried foods, and salty foods.

Furthermore, natural omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help prevent more recent stretch marks in pregnancy and keep your skin hydrated.

Cold shower

Cold showers can also help with stretch marks.  Cold water constricts blood vessels, improving circulation and reducing inflammation.  

Cold showers can help tighten skin tissues, which promotes the healing process of stretch marks.

Over-the-counter lotions and creams

Many over-the-counter lotions and creams can also help minimize the look of stretch marks in pregnancy by reducing inflammation, increasing circulation, and moisturizing the skin.

If over-the-counter products don't appear to be working for you, you should contact a dermatologist or skin care specialist who can help you establish an effective treatment plan.

Conclusion

marks in pregnancy can generally be lessened in appearance, and more pregnant stretch marks can be avoided by a combination of food, lifestyle modifications, topical treatments, vitamins, and home remedies.

Under the observation and consultation of your healthcare provider, you should see considerable improvements in the appearance of stretch marks if you are patient and persistent.

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