Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

It is estimated that 75% of women get stretch marks during pregnancy. If the finer, less noticeable stretch marks are included, the percentage may be as high as 90%. Factors that affect the development of stretch marks during pregnancy include skin type, hormones, weight gain, and elasticity of the skin.

Stretch marks usually become noticeable around the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. They first appear as red or purplish lines that thicken and look like scars. It can be unsettling for women to discover them. They may be unnoticeable at first depending if the woman can see them easily (it is harder to see low stretch marks that are under the belly). Stretch mark creams help prevent and reduce the development of stretch marks, but you need to use them twice daily to get the best results. Try Murad Firm and Tone Serum or Belli Elasticity Belly Oil

Once stretch marks develop there are limited options to treat stretch marks. Stretch marks won’t always have the purplish red color that they do on onset. The color will fade and eventually whiten. Scar treatments sometimes lighten the color sooner than if left untreated. Tummy tucks remove some of the stretch marks that are below the navel. Pulse dye laser treatment can be done to improve the appearance of stretch marks.

There will be some women, no matter what they do or how little their baby is, they will have stretch marks. Especially fair-haired women tend to have problems with stretch marks. There are some things that can be done to reduce the chances of stretch marks:

· A healthy diet high in protein can improve the elasticity of the skin.

· Slow and steady weight gain will help prevent the undue stress on the skin with a weight-gaining spurt.

· Keep hydrated, dry skin is more susceptible to damage

· Use creams and lotions to keep the skin moisturised and nourished.

· Aloe Vera and vitamin E oil will help with the ability of skin to heal and some women report less and smaller stretch marks

Stretch marks can be a seen as a negative or as a positive. It is up to the individual woman if she sees her body in the mirror and sees the stretch marks as a symbol of lost attractiveness or she looks in the mirror and sees the stretch marks as a symbol she had the privilege of becoming pregnant (there are many woman who suffer from infertility who would love to look in the mirror and see stretch marks).

Stretch marks may not be able to be controlled fully, but a woman can control her acceptance of stretch marks and her attitude towards stretch marks. Looking into a baby’s eyes for the first time can make it all worth it!