An introduction:
Along with backaches, nausea, frequent urination and fatigue the most common possibility during pregnancy are the stretch marks. These marks mainly occur during the sixth or the seventh month of the pregnancy and cover the abdomen area. These marks can also appear on the areas which tend to expand during the pregnancy period and thus are not restricted to the abdomen area only. These marks can occur on the breasts, the upper thighs or the arms. Genetics also plays a major role in the formation of these marks.
Ways of preventing stretch marks:
All thou the formation of the stretch marks cannot be totally stopped there are certain guidelines that can actually restrict or limit the formation of these marks. Increasing the intake of healthy and balanced diet is the best thing that helps the expectant mother to gain some weight. The benefit of a steady weight gain is that it makes the skin stretch at a uniform rate that decreases the formation of the stretch marks. The second thing that is to be taken care of is to regularly brush the area that is to be affected by the stretch mark. Intake of a lot of water along with the other essential vitamins also goes along a long way in the limitation of the stretch marks. Proper hydration of the body is a crucial thing for the maintenance of a healthy skin. Keeping the skin properly moisturized during the first or the second trimester of pregnancy is also an essential thing. The skin can be kept moisturized with the help of the various oils and the creams available for the reduction of the stretch marks.
Causes of stretch marks:
The stretch marks are caused when the underlying tissues and the skin stretch beyond a limit. When they expand the collagen deposits situated deep in the tissues tend to break apart causing the skin to automatically rip and tear. The healing process of these tears cause a mark or a scar which appear as red, purple or brown lines in the skin. The stretch marks are the most visible during the pregnancy period but they gradually loose their colour or flatten after the delivery. The stretch marks also depends upon the genetic history of the family i.e. if the mother or the sisters of the expectant mother got the stretch marks than it is most likely for even her to get the stretch marks. The skin tone, skin condition and the weight gain during the pregnancy period also affects the formation of the marks. In the case of multiple pregnancies if the expectant is thin or is having a high concentration of amniotic acid in the body then there is a greater possibility of getting more stretch marks.
