Motherhood, every women embraces in her life and cherishes the moments of her pregnancy through out the life time. As the baby grows in the womb, stretch marks start appearing. Pregnancy stretchmarks also known as ‘striae gravidarum’ and most visible in most of the expectant mothers. Though the appearance of these marks are natural, normal it turns out to be skin concern after the arrival of the baby with the increased appearance. Let us understand their cause and know how to treat them in their appearance with effective treatments.
What Causes Pregnancy Stretch Marks?
Pregnancy stretchmarks occur due to the rapid stretching of the skin with significant changes in the body. During the pregnancy a woman’s body grows to accommodate the growing baby that leads to rapid skin expansion. The expansion can be visible around the belly, breasts, hips and thighs. The gradual stretching of the skin causes the underlying collagen and elastin fibers to stretch which gives the skin its strength and elasticity to tear. When the fibers tear, stretch marks are formed as the skin heals
Hormonal changes during the pregnancy also play a vital role in the development of stretch marks. Increased levels of cortisol adrenal gland, a hormone released during pregnancy weakens the collagen fibers, that makes collagen fibers tear. Increased estrogen and progesterone during this time also contribute to the development of stretch marks.
Who Is at Risk?
While pregnancy stretch marks are natural part of the pregnancy for every woman, certain factors can increase their chances of development. They are only visible and no one is at risk with the marks. The reasons for formation of stretchmarks would be
Genetics
As you all know, we inherit genes from our parents. It could be genetically inherited from your mother and grandmother.
Multiple Pregnancies
Women with multiple pregnancies often experience high chances of developing stretch marks as their skin must have stretched multiple times.
Weight Gain
Weight gain can during pregnancy can contribute to the formation of stretchmarks as skin stretches quickly.
How to Treat Pregnancy Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are harmless and fade over time. Most women want to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and try different ways to fade them away.
1. Moisturizing and Hydration
A well moisturized skin can improve its elasticity, and it can reduce the severity of stretch marks. Use products with cocoa butter, shea butter or hyaluronic acid due to their hydrating property.
2. Topical Treatments
Certain creams and oils like retinoids or vitamin C help skin regeneration and promote collagen production. Using products with these ingredients can be of help to reduce the marks. There are many stretch marks removal creams in the market that can fade them.
3. Laser Therapy
In certain cases, people opt for laser therapy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
4. Micro Needling
This process uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. The micro injuries stimulate collagen production and gradually reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Micro needling will be effective after pregnancy, after the skin is healed completely.
5. Patience
In some woman, stretch marks will fade to lighter, silvery color over the time and they may never disappear completely but becomes less noticeable in the months following delivery.
Conclusion
All women should accept that pregnancy stretch marks are natural and part of the body’s changes during the journey of your baby’s growth. Taking measures to prevent the stretch marks like staying hydrated, moisturizing and using topical treatments can reduce their visibility. Embrace the stretch marks as your baby’s gift and cherish the wonderful moments of your pregnancy with your partner to make it memorable. Have a wonderful journey with your little one growing inside you!!
