Most of the women develop stretch marks in some stage throughout their pregnancy. Appearing of stretch marks is an important matter that for most of the expectant mothers. Even you may be one of them. Stretch marks mostly appear on abdomen however, some have them even in their buttocks, breasts, and on thighs.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks or striae, as they are called in dermatology are streets on the skin, due to rapid enlargement of certain areas. The color of it depends on the color of the skin you have, but always lighter than your skin color. If you have a lighter skin it may appear as in pink color.
Stretch marks appear not only in abdomen but also in places where there are more of the fat stored like, thighs, upper arms, hips, and buttocks. Where do you have them?
What are the causes of stretch marks?
They are caused by tearing of tissues in dermis; which is the middle layer of your skin. The elastic tissue that helps to stretch your skin, which is present in dermis, makes some changes that cause the tearing.
The tearing of skin is also caused when there is a rapid enlargement of the skin due to weight gain or obesity, muscle enlargement due to body building, and during pregnancy due to enlarging of the tummy, as your baby grows inside. You can also get stretch marks during pregnancy, if you gain more weight, if carrying a big baby or multiples, as your tummies will grow much larger than others. What do you thing is the cause of your stretch marks?
Stretch marks that develop during pregnancy are also known as striae gravindarun.
Although stretch mark, when they start developing seems that it will last as it is forever, they usually fade over with time.
What can be done to prevent stretch marks?
Although most of the studies doesn’t show that oils and creams can prevent stretch marks, some studies show that applying a cream containing vitamin E and elastin, result in fewer stretch marks than those who doesn’t apply anything. It also keeps your skin moisturized and reduces itching, which usually cause due to developing of the stretch marks. However do consult with your doctor before applying one.
The best way to prevent developing more stretch marks is to control your body weight. Always try to keep your weight between 24 – 35 pounds as recommended by your physician. Discuss more with your weight with him.
Most of all drink plenty of water to avoid de-hydration, which can cause more stretch marks.
Can I remove or reduce the stretch marks?
While some women develop miner stretch marks that fade into very light color with time, some women have severe ones that fades only a little. Whether it is mild or severe, most of the women have the worry of stretch marks and want to get rid of them. Hey! No need to worry much, as there is a variety of treatments available now that helps to decrease the appearance of them, like laser treatment. Consult your doctor or a dermatologist or a dermatologist surgeon, who will examine you first, and explain you about the treatments regarding your case. But do remember that most of the treatments are not safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Your doctor will also explain this to you.
Have you answered the questions that I have asked you? If not find the answers now that will help you on reducing stretch marks and move to do an appointment with your doctor and discuss about the treatments, without just worrying.
Remember worrying won’t help in any matter, rather worsens some matters especially during pregnancy, as stress is not good for you and for your baby.
Originally posted 2007-12-06 03:50:03.
