Pregnancy Stretch Marks: Causes, Prevention, and Remedies

Stretch marks may show up as thin, streak-like lines on the skin's surface. They can be brown, pink, red, purple, or purple depending on your skin tone. Stretch marks occur often during pregnancy, affecting around eight out of ten expectant mothers.

These marks usually appear on your stomach as your pregnancy progresses and your bump increases in size, but they can also occasionally appear on your upper thighs and breasts. The first sign you may notice might be itching around a skin area that has thinned down.These stretch marks may eventually turn into lighter scars and lose their prominence after your child is delivered. However, and most likely, the marks won't go away entirely.

No health risk is associated with stretch marks. They don't cause health problems, and there isn't a specific treatment for them.

What Causes Pregnancy Stretch Marks¹?

Stretch marks can impact anyone whose skin has been stretched due to gaining weight or bodybuilding, for instance. The dermis, or the skin’s top layer, is usually strained as a result of stretching, thus presenting what is similar to cracks in the skin. Stretch marks may appear on your skin during pregnancy and may worsen due to hormonal changes. Whether or not you get those marks ultimately depends on your type of skin and its elasticity.  

Nevertheless, if you gain more weight than normal while pregnant, the likelihood of developing stretch marks increases. Every woman gains weight differently, and the amount of weight you gain may depend on your pre-pregnancy weight. It's important to remember not to try to reduce your calorie intake when you're pregnant. It's essential to have a balanced diet when expecting.

How can Pregnancy Stretch Marks be Prevented?

Many women check for stretch marks that may have developed during their pregnancy while standing in front of the mirror. Stretch marks are a frequent condition that many people encounter. 

You may, however, try your best to avoid stretch marks by making the appropriate lifestyle and health choices. Here are a few ways you can prevent stretch marks: 

• Keeping your skin supple and moisturized is the key to avoiding pregnant stretch marks. In this way, even though your body is changing quickly throughout pregnancy, your skin remains soft. A woman must maintain her health and the health of her unborn child by eating substantial, well-balanced meals.

• Additionally, cut back on foods like sugar and processed carbohydrates that can exacerbate inflammation and interfere with the body's normal creation of collagen².

• It's simple to overlook drinking enough water while you're busy getting ready for your baby's birth. But staying hydrated is essential to avoiding stretch marks³. Make sure you consume a lot of water throughout the day when pregnant.

• Furthermore, since your body is growing throughout pregnancy, it's critical to moisturize effectively to avoid stretch marks. Your stomach, hips, chest, buttocks, arms, and thighs should all be moisturized. Stretch marks might appear in each of these places. Shea butter and avocado oil-based creams are excellent for maintaining the skin's suppleness and moisture. 

• Another excellent strategy to reduce pregnant stretch marks is to exercise⁴. Your workouts don't need to be difficult or time-consuming. Throughout pregnancy, a lot of the activities you like will be good for your body and mind. Engaging in physical activity may fortify the muscles surrounding your abdomen, thighs, and hips.

What are Some Remedies for Pregnancy Stretch Marks? 

Well-known remedies have not proven to be effective. Researchers discovered that when women rubbed vitamin E, almond oil, cocoa butter, or olive oil into their stretch marks, none of them disappeared⁵. However, despite this, some anecdotal records called for trying particular ingredients, such as sugar, aloe vera, coconut oil, Centella, and hyaluronic acid, among others. 

  Also Read: Body Changes During Pregnancy  

Embracing Stretch Marks 

Accepting your pregnancy stretch marks is a great way to honor your amazing journey as a mother and the amazing changes your body goes through to support a growing child. These patterns, which are sometimes called "tiger stripes," are evidence of the tenacity and sturdiness of the female form. Many women prefer to regard them as badges of pride, emblems of the amazing process of bringing a new life into the world rather than as flaws.

References:

1. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/stretch-marks/

2. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-concerns/prevent-pregnancy-stretchmarks/

3. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-concerns/prevent-pregnancy-stretchmarks/

4. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-concerns/prevent-pregnancy-stretchmarks/

5.  https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/stretch-marks-why-appear