During pregnancy, a series of hormonal changes take place that can affect the skin, making it more sensitive, irritable and more prone to acne. To this is added, in addition, a greater propensity to chloasma (sun spots) and the appearance of stretch marks as gestation progresses.
Stretch marks occur when elastic fibers in the dermis break when stretched , leaving a scar in the form of whitish or purple sinuous lines. Normally, they usually appear on the abdomen and breasts, although it is also common to find them on the buttocks, thighs and hips.
But is being pregnant always synonymous with stretch marks? Is there anything we can do to prevent it from appearing?
How are stretch marks formed?
The skin has a great capacity to stretch, it can stretch up to ten times during pregnancy. This means that the skin that normally covers one centimeter in pregnancy can cover up to ten centimeters.
Stretch marks are formed when the elastic fibers of the dermis break , something that happens during sudden weight gain or loss, increased estrogen production at puberty or pregnancy, or diseases that affect normal formation collagen.
Thus, during pregnancy there are various causes that can lead to the appearance of stretch marks, such as an increase in the volume of the belly, the effect of hormones and the dryness of the skin typical of this stage.
Do all pregnant women get stretch marks?
According to some studies, nine out of 10 women present stretch marks between weeks 22 and 32 of gestation, the most frequent sites of appearance being the abdomen (60%), thighs (25%), hips (20%) and breasts (10%).
This means that although stretch marks do not have to appear always , it is quite likely that they do, especially if you have suffered stretch marks at some other time in your life or if there have been cases of stretch marks in the family during pregnancy, as there is a strong genetic component in its appearance.
The speed with which a woman gains weight during pregnancy also increases the risk of stretch marks , as well as an excessive gain of kilos, something that can also lead to other more serious problems.
How to prevent stretch marks from appearing?
In Babies and More you will find several articles dedicated to skin care during pregnancy and the recommendations that we can take to prevent the appearance of stretch marks, as far as possible.
However, we share again some key tips:
- Hydrate your skin with revitalizing creams, anti-stretch marks or natural oils such as rosehip oil, with great power to regenerate skin tissues.
- Apply the moisturizing or anti-stretch mark cream in the areas of greatest risk, and do it several times a day and always after the shower.
- Take care of your diet and include foods rich in magnesium (for collagen synthesis) and vitamins: vitamins A (dairy, carrots, apricots or medlars), E (vegetable oils, cereals, vegetables) and C (citrus, potatoes, lettuce, tomato ). These foods help to keep the skin in condition, hydrated and elastic.
- Control weight gain in pregnancy . There is not an ideal weight for all women, but what is always advised is that there is no excessive weight gain, which can lead to multiple health problems and not just cosmetic ones.
- Practice physical exercise and stay active.
If the stretch marks still appear , the normal thing is that with specific care and the passage of time the scars will soften, acquiring less strong tones and more similar to the rest of the skin.
In any case, if this problem bothers you, you can consult a specialist to indicate the best treatment to follow after delivery and to help minimize the effect of these skin marks.
Photos | iStock
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