Stretch marks during pregnancy: what to do, how to avoid?

2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14

Many women and even men are familiar with stretch marks, or striae arising from a sharp increase in weight. Especially girls during pregnancy are susceptible to such micro-damage to the skin. To prevent the formation of stretch marks on the abdomen, you need to understand the reasons for their appearance and take preventive measures.

What are stretch marks, why do they occur

During pregnancy, the skin gradually adapts to the increase in body volume. But often due to an imbalance of hormones, the production of elastin and collagen deteriorates. As a result, the skin changes its properties, becomes thinner and loses its elasticity, reacting to stretching with micro tears. Another important factor affecting the formation of stretch marks is the genetic predisposition of the skin (thin, rough, not elastic).

At first, stretch marks look like deep blue scars with a purple tint - as a result of recently ruptured connective tissue through which blood vessels are visible.

After a few weeks, the skin hardens, the shade of the scars changes to pink. Scars are visible even with intense sunburn in a solarium.

How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy

There are creams that are designed specifically for pregnant women. The composition should contain special emollients and moisturizers, as well as vitamin E.

Effective stretch marks oil can be made at home. To do this, you need to mix:

• 70 ml of olive oil;
• 30 ml of aloe juice;
• 10 drops of vitamin E;
• 5 drops of vitamin A.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Store in a dark container with a lid in the refrigerator for no more than 30 days.

It is important to use cosmetic products regularly, in combination with other preventive measures.

Physical exercises

Fitness clubs have a variety of programs specifically for pregnant women. They are designed to tone the muscles of the breasts, thighs, abdominal region, preventing, among other things, the appearance of stretch marks on the skin.

Bandage and special underwear

A bandage to support the lower abdominal muscles begins to be worn in the second trimester. This area of the female body is exposed to maximum stress. To prevent striae on the chest, which is increasing every month, it is advisable to use bras made of natural materials with wide straps.

Cold and hot shower

In the morning, it is recommended to alternate hot and cold water drenching, ending with a lower temperature. This strengthens the skin and, in addition, hardens the body.

Healthy food

A correct, balanced diet during pregnancy, the menu of which contains foods rich in vitamins and minerals, prevents stretch marks. During this period, it is important to include a maximum of proteins that are responsible for the synthesis of collagen and elastin. The emphasis is on eating fruits, vegetables, chicken, beef, nuts. It is worth refraining from confectionery and bakery products.

Vitamin complexes

Vitamins promote cell regeneration and the elimination of harmful substances in the connective tissues, which also serves as the prevention of stretch marks.

Regular massage

The increased blood flow caused by the massage contributes to the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

How to remove stretch marks after childbirth

If stretch marks do appear on the abdomen, you can resort to cosmetic procedures, which will make striae less noticeable or completely eliminate them. Popular procedures:

1. Abdominoplasty - excision of abdominal scars. Eliminates stretch marks completely. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
2. Laser removal of stretch marks - direct exposure to the affected area of the skin.
3. Mesotherapy is a sequential injection of a special solution under the skin. The depth of exposure is determined by the stage of development of stretch marks. Thanks to such injections, the lack of nutrients and vitamins is replenished, the production of collagen and elastin increases with complete or partial reconstruction of tissues.
4. Also recently, cryodestruction has been popular - direct exposure to low temperatures on the affected area. The damaged cells (stretch marks area) are destroyed during the freezing process, as a result of which the growth of stretch marks stops.
5. Home treatments using folk remedies are also quite effective, but they will take time and patience.

If the size and depth of stretch marks is small, start by applying special corrective creams and gels. You can make a folk remedy based on mummy and aromatic oil. To do this, melt 100 g of the product in a water bath and add a few drops of your favorite flavor. Apply the finished ointment to previously scrubbed skin.

Ground coffee beans, sea salt, candied honey can be used as a scrub.

Hormone-based absorbents can also help with stretch marks. In the normal course of pregnancy, it is advisable to use them in the initial stages of the appearance of stretch marks. They not only smoothen rough skin, but also improve blood flow, collagen production, and nourish the epidermis.

To avoid the appearance of stretch marks, it is recommended to take preventive measures even at the stage of pregnancy planning.

If stretch marks did not appear during the period of bearing a child, you must consult a doctor to rule out serious diseases (metabolic disorders, diseases of the endocrine system).