stretch marks during pregnancy
Categories: HEALTH
Stretch marks are a frequent side effect of pregnancy. They are streaks of pink, crimson, or purple colour that develop on the skin as it expands to make room for the developing baby. Stretch marks most frequently appear on the thighs, hips, breasts, and abdomen. In actuality, the majority of pregnant women will get stretch marks during pregnancy.
Being overweight and having a family history of stretch marks are some risk factors. While 50 to 90 percent of expectant mothers experience stretch marks at some point, many of these will disappear over time and become less apparent.
Hormonal changes and the actual stretching of the skin during pregnancy are the main reasons of stretch marks. The body produces more oestrogen and progesterone as the pregnancy goes on, which might have an impact on the skin's suppleness. Stretch marks also develop as the baby grows because the skin expands to fit the uterus' expanding size.
Why do stretch marks develop during pregnancy?
Stretch marks are actually very small tears in the tissue that supports your skin as it is stretched during pregnancy. The suppleness of your skin greatly influences whether or not you develop stretch marks. You can largely thank your genes. Stretch marks are more likely to appear on you if your mother did. A healthy diet and regular exercise also help to maintain the suppleness and health of the skin. How much weight you gain and how quickly during pregnancy also has a significant role in determining the likelihood of developing stretch marks. You become more susceptible to this pregnancy sign if you gain weight quickly. The likelihood of leaving a mark increases as your skin expands more quickly.
Stretch marks During Pregnancy: How To Reduce Their Appearance
Stretch marks cannot entirely be avoided, but there are some things you can do to lessen their appearance and encourage healthy skin while you're pregnant. Let's move on to the most effective methods for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy:
a. Moisturize: Applying a moisturiser or oil to your skin on a regular basis will help it become more elastic and less dry, which may help hide stretch marks. Look for products that have components like as vitamin E, almond oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter. It is the best way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy.
b. Stay hydrated: If you consume enough water to keep your skin hydrated and flexible, stretch marks may be prevented. It is the best way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy.
c. Maintain a healthy weight: If a pregnant woman gains weight gradually and steadily, stretch scars may be less severe. Be careful not to gain weight quickly or to fluctuate too much.
d. Eat a balanced diet: Good skin can be supported by a balanced diet that includes foods strong in zinc, silica, and the vitamins A, C, and E.
e. Exercise: Regular exercise improves blood flow and fortifies the supporting muscles, both of which may help to maintain supple skin. It is the best way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy.
f. Avoid scratching: Itchy skin is a common side effect of pregnancy, but scratching it can damage the skin and raise the chance of stretch marks. To lessen irritation, apply a little moisturiser. It is the best way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy.
Medical treatments of stretch marks:
With time, stretch marks frequently vanish. There are procedures that can help them look better if you don't want to wait. Just remember that no medication will entirely eliminate stretch marks. A dermatologist can provide additional advice on expert solutions for reducing the visibility of stretch marks, such as:
(i) Tretinoin cream: This treatment, sometimes referred to as Retin-A and Renova, works by rebuilding collagen, a fibrous protein that contributes to the elasticity of your skin. This cream works well on stretch marks that have recently appeared and are red or pink in colour. Skin irritation could result from this lotion. Tretinoin cream shouldn't be applied if you are pregnant.
(ii) Pulsed dye laser therapy: Collagen and elastin development is promoted by this therapy. Newer stretch marks often respond best to this treatment. If you have a darker skin tone, it could result in some skin discoloration.
(iii) Fractional photothermolysis: The skin's surface is being targeted with a laser for this. It functions similarly to pulsed dye laser therapy but poses less risk to the skin.
(iv) Microdermabrasion: In order to reveal new skin behind the more elastic stretch scars, the skin is polished with tiny crystals in this procedure. Older stretch marks may occasionally look better with microdermabrasion.
(v) Hyaluronic acid cream: When consistently applied to early stretch marks, this might be helpful. Most people are usually thought to be able to use hyaluronic acid safely.
(vi) Excimer laser therapy: Stretch marks more closely resemble the surrounding skin because this encourages the creation of the pigment melanin.
Once more, there is no assurance that a surgical operation or prescription drug would eliminate stretch marks. Also keep in mind that there is a chance that these procedures will cause side effects like swelling, skin irritation, or redness.
It's crucial to remember that stretch marks typically disappear with time and become less obvious after pregnancy. A dermatologist or other healthcare provider can offer treatments like topical lotions, laser therapy, or microdermabrasion if you're worried about how your stretch marks seem. However, it's imperative to go over any treatment plans with your doctor, especially if you're pregnant, as some treatments might not be appropriate at this time.
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