How to Prevent Stretch Marks in Pregnancy

How to Prevent Stretch Marks in Pregnancy? A mother-to-be has many positive emotions, and her body undergoes many changes: her abdomen becomes rounder, her breasts become more sensitive. One of the natural consequences of nine months of pregnancy can be the appearance of stretch marks. If stretch marks on the skin are a cause of anxiety for the mother-to-be, you can use our recommendations on how to prevent stretch marks in preparation for motherhood.

What are stretch marks

The human skin is very elastic, it can stretch and contract quite well, but to a certain extent. Stretch marks on the skin (stretch marks) are scarring formations that occur in places that are most affected by growing fatty tissue. Thread-like scars appear in most pregnant women. They can form on various parts of the body (abdomen, breasts, legs, buttocks, back), but they will be expressed in varying degrees. The intensity and size of superficial mini-abrasions depend on individual genetic features and predisposition to the appearance of scars.

Stria is not a disease, does not affect the work of the body, does not cause pain, but it can cause some grief to women. The color of the scars can vary from pearly, soft pink to purple and purple. In some cases, stretch marks that appeared during pregnancy become slightly convex and protrude above the surface of the epidermis.

Causes of stretch marks

There are many factors that influence the formation of stretch marks during pregnancy. They can combine: mechanical stretching, genetic heredity, hormonal imbalance, lack of physical activity. But the main reason is still the mechanical stretching of the skin, due to the sharp weight gain in a relatively short period of time.

The abdomen and breasts in pregnant women are most often subject to stretch marks. The volume of these body parts increases so quickly that the skin has no time to stretch and regenerate. In this case, the top layer of skin becomes thin, the subcutaneous tissue is torn, and in place of the micro-overgrowth of connective or fatty tissue. This is how the skin is treated. Blood vessels, which shine through under a thin layer of epidermis in the areas of stretch marks, cause the scar to turn purple. After some time, active blood flow ceases, the blood vessels become dilapidated, and the tears become pale.

During the preparation for delivery the disruption of a woman’s hormonal background also has a significant impact on the properties of the skin. Indicators such as density, moisture and elasticity decrease. In the body of a pregnant woman, there is a sudden jump in estrogen and progesterone levels, provoking a fall in collagen production, which is responsible for the density and elasticity of the skin. The above causes, in turn, directly affect the formation of ruptures.

An important role in the formation of stretch marks on the abdomen during pregnancy is played by hereditary factors. If scars appeared in the close relatives of a woman, it is possible – and her body will show a tendency to this feature.

How to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy

There is currently no way to guarantee that skin stretching will not occur. However, the risk of their occurrence and manifestation can be minimized.

An imbalance of vitamins and minerals in the body has a negative effect on the condition of the skin. A pregnant woman carefully monitors the diet, so it is easy enough to make the necessary adjustments. The content of antioxidants in the products consumed will help protect the skin from adverse effects. To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, regularly replenish your refrigerator shelves with fresh fruits and vegetables! Add spinach to your meals, and eat strawberries instead of cookies or candy for dessert. Nuts, avocados and broccoli are high in vitamin E, which will benefit the elasticity of your skin. Vitamin A from carrots and pumpkin will help repair damaged tissue. Seafood is rich in the true elixir of youth, omega 3. Fish, oysters and fish oil will prevent premature aging of cells. Avoid dehydration to help the epidermis cope with stress. Drink herbal teas, decaffeinated beverages and plain water.

Try to lead a low-stress but active lifestyle. Water aerobics for pregnant women, yoga and some types of dance exercises tone the body to the right degree and have a beneficial effect on the metabolism. Before choosing a dynamic class, be sure to get a consultation from your doctor.

In addition, there are a large number of cosmetics designed specifically for pregnant women for skin care, affecting its elasticity and elasticity, and at the same time containing an optimal amount of active substances, so as not to harm the baby. It is recommended to use such products from the very beginning of pregnancy.