More than half of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Gravidarum Otherwise known as striae, stretch marks look like streaks on the surface of the skin, and may be varied in color depending on your natural skin color. Most women with lighter skin develop pinkish stretch marks, while women with darker skin tend to have stretch marks that are lighter than the surrounding skin.

Most women develop stretch marks on their abdomen during pregnancy, but it is also common to get stretch marks on buttocks, hips, breasts and thighs. In some cases up to 90 percent of women have stretch marks on some of their body as a result of pregnancy.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks form when the skin is stretched as it happens quickly during pregnancy. Most women develop stretch marks during the trimesters of pregnancy though some women are beginning to develop as soon as their bellies start growing.

Stretch marks are actually small tears that form in the tissue that supports the skin and helps stretch. Stretch marks represent the tearing or separation of collagen from the skin when tearing occurs. Stretch marks are not dangerous or painful and usually fade with time.

Who Gets Stretch Marks?

Many women believe that using lotions and creams help prevent stretch marks. Realistically however, the number of stretch marks you get depends on how your skin is elastic. The elasticity of your skin usually relates to your genetic makeup. The best thing you can do is know if your mother got bad stretch marks during pregnancy. If it did, you’re probably more prone to stretch marks than other women.

Keep in mind the weight, the more you earn during pregnancy more likely you are to have stretch marks. Normally, the skin is elastic and able to stretch a little, however, for some women the changes that occur during pregnancy are very drastic. These fluctuations rapid weight and skin stretching can cause stretch marks.

Women with multiples are more likely to have stretch marks because their bellies usually grow much larger than in women with a singleton pregnancy. Other women may develop stretch marks are women who earn a lot of weight quickly during their pregnancy and women who wear big children.

Here are some other factors that may contribute to your susceptibility to stretch marks:

* If you developed stretch marks before (like on your breasts during puberty) you are more likely to have stretch marks during pregnancy.

* If you had stretch marks during another pregnancy you will usually get them again.

* If you are overweight or gain more weight than recommended you are more likely to get stretch marks.

* The better hydrated and well fed, you are the less likely you are to develop serious stretch marks.

Stretch Mark Prevention

Most women believe they can avoid stretch marks by using creams and lotions. There are many formulations on the market today that claim to help prevent stretch marks. Some of these may help moisturize your skin and reduce itching. They may help reduce some stretch marks but there are no scientific studies that support this.

You probably know at least one parent however that swears by cocoa butter or other formulation to prevent stretch marks. If nothing else rubbing these creams into your belly provides your unborn baby with a light massage and comforting. They may also give you peace of mind knowing you have done everything possible to prevent stretch marks.

The best thing you can do to reduce stretch marks addition to using a cream or moisturizer you select is gaining the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy. Doctors recommend most women gain between 25 and 34 pounds. Earn much more than that can lead you to further develop stretch marks.

Remove Stretch Marks

Most women worry about stretch marks after they have their baby. Fortunately most stretch marks do fade with time. Usually, most after 12 moths postpartum stretch marks are lighter and less visible. May texture are different from the surrounding skin however. Many women find that their stretch marks fading into whitish lines that are barely visible.

Some women have very severe stretch marks that impact their self esteem after pregnancy. There are many treatments for women who want to improve the appearance of their stretch marks.

If your stretch marks are particularly bad, you may consult your doctor or dermatologist. Some topical treatments such as tretinoin cream may help reduce stretch marks. These creams must be used after pregnancy however, because they can cause birth defects in your unborn baby.

Most topical treatments available should be used shortly after delivery, before they begin to fade. The more time that elapses between the delivery and use of cream, they are less likely to be effective.

If breastfeeding is important to consult your doctor before using treatment stretch marks. Some treatments may impact your milk supply or pass through breast milk to baby.

Most creams available to reduce stretch marks do not help alleviate the sagging skin that also accompanies childbirth. There are some newer treatments including laser treatments however that may improve the skins elasticity and help reduce stretch marks. Some women also consider plastic surgery after they are done having children. A tummy tuck can help hide some stretch marks and reduce sagging skin.

Most women are able to forget joyfully stretch marks when they consider the miracle of life they bring into the world. For most the small annoyance even the worst stretch marks bring are well worth the joy of bringing a newborn into the world. Do what you can during pregnancy to maintain an appropriate weight and try not to worry too much about stretch marks. Many women wear them with pride, a “war wound” or “badge of honor” related to their pregnancy. Why not wear them with pride?

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