Stretch Marks…’Help!’
They are ugly, sneaky and bothersome. They take away confidence and it takes a lifetime to get rid of them. What therefore should a woman do to keep stretch marks at bay?
Nobody wants to develop stretch marks but when you are pregnant you know that along with nausea, fatigue, backache and frequent urination, stretch marks are another distinct unpleasant possibility. Between seventy five and ninety per cent of all pregnant women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. They appear mostly during the sixth and seventh month of pregnancy.
Known scientifically as striae gravidarum, stretch marks are small, depressed streaks in the skin caused by tiny tears in the elastic supportive tissues that lie just underneath the skin.
What causes stretch marks?
Despite being very common, it is not known for sure why stretch marks occur, but hormones are widely believed to play a part. Hormones are substances that exist in a living being to stimulate cells and tissues into action. They soften collagen ligaments in the pelvis (the large bony frame at the bottom of the spine to which the legs are attached) and allow the tissue to stretch more easily during birth. Collagen is the main structural protein in the fibre that connects tissue in the body. Oestrogen, one of the hormones active during pregnancy, also softens collagen in the skin making the skin more susceptible to stretch marks.
Stretch marks mostly occur when expanding skin is stretched to its limit and tiny tears appear in the supporting layers of skin.
Where do stretch marks appear most?
Stretch marks mostly appear on the belly when it is rapidly expanding to accommodate the growing baby. The growing baby stretches the skin to its limit.
They also appear on the upper thighs, buttocks, breasts, arms and hips. This depends on the amount of weight one gains or loses and one’s genetic history. If your mother developed stretch marks when pregnant chances of you also developing them become higher.
Can stretch marks be prevented?
Stretch marks are caused by lack of elasticity in the skin. Preventing their occurrence is virtually impossible, though doctors advise that good hydration (water intake), weight control and over-the-counter skin moisturisers can help reduce their extent and effects like itchiness. Some women are lucky to have great elasticity while the majority do not. If you are genetically prone to stretch marks, there is not much that you can do to prevent them.
The following tips can help some women but may not work for others:
0 You can avoid stretch marks by eating a healthy diet that keeps your weight gain within the recommended range. Eating foods high in vitamins C and E, zinc and silica will help your skin stretch better and also help your skin bounce back quicker after giving birth. Some of the foods rich in these food elements are fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, whole bread, fish, milk and legumes.
0 It is also advisable to drink plenty of water. Hydration is important for your overall health and well-being as well as that of your baby.
0 When pregnant, you should keep your skin effectively moisturised. This should begin in the first trimester until you regain your pre-pregnancy weight after delivery. These moisturisers will keep the skin supple and elastic. It is also important to take care of your skin during the postpartum period as well. The dramatic weight loss can once again make the skin susceptible to stretch marks.
END: PG 3/17