You should not be worried when you develop stretch marks during pregnancy as a woman. You are not alone! A large percentage of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. These stretch marks tend to develop very fast during the last trimester of pregnancy when the baby has developed almost fully, but it can also develop during the early stages of pregnancy.
What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks come as a result of the rapid growth of the body in a rate that the skin cannot keep up with meaning that the skin extends to the limit which it can no longer tolerate. They form scars which develop within the skin layers and begins typically at a purple color which later fades to silvery or white color. These stretch marks are not harmful as they cause no pain on the skin, but most women do not like it as they bring discomfort to them and also lower their self-confidence. [1]
Stretchmarks may diminish over time, but will not disappear completely. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
If you are feeling down as a result of stretch marks, you should not worry because you are not alone. Stretch marks during pregnancy can be a sign of a wonderful growing baby which is an achievement to the mother. [2]
Most affected areas
Stretch marks have no specific place where they form on the body, but there are the most affected parts in women during pregnancy. Because the baby grows in the stomach, the most affected region will be the stomach. The breasts also due to rapid growth will be affected by stretch marks. Other areas which could be affected by stretch marks include the buttocks, thighs, the lower side of your back and the other regions on the body.
When do they start to develop?
Some stretch marks may develop during the early pregnancy symptoms as a result of breasts enlarging even as early as 6 weeks which they will continue growing throughout the pregnancy period. So, you will notice stretch marks on them. Stretch marks on the stomach may begin immediately when your baby bump starts to show while stretch marks on the back may begin during the late stages of pregnancy. There is no specific time when stretch marks appear as women are different.
Ways to Avoid Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
The best ways to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy is to stay hydrated, moisturize your skin with olive oil or coconut oil, and to avoid sudden weight gain. The trick of how to prevent stretch marks on your body is by making your skin resilient against stretch marks. Here are the ways:
Stay Hydrated
A pregnant woman is usually recommended to take 8 cups of water daily. This will help the body to stay hydrated, and in turn, the skin will become supple. Supple skin is not subject to stretch marks as it is soft and elastic.
If you have problems with morning sickness especially, you should try your best to sip little water from time to time to maintain your hydration. Drinking plenty of water not only ensures that your skin remains soft but also helps maintain the urinary tract. This can help you avoid urinary tract infections. Water intake also helps relieve headaches and prevents constipation.
Eat Well
Pregnant women can have difficulty in eating food especially during the early symptoms of pregnancy like morning sickness. The craving for food reduces but the woman has no choice but to try her best to eat well. She should eat food that enriches the skin instead of taking supplements. These food include fatty acids like omega-3 which are mainly found in the fish, zinc, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. You don’t have to eat food for two. Eat your regular diet as advised by the doctor and improve your nutrition and you will see how stretch marks will reduce drastically.
Manage Your Weight
Weight gain during pregnancy is normal and it can’t be avoided. Doctors suggest that for health reasons, mothers-to-be should manage their weight and not exceed the required limit. This can be done by eating well and doing exercises. By doing this, you will prevent extra strain on the skin and this reduces the formation of stretch marks during pregnancy on the body. [3]
Get Plenty of Vitamin D
Including good levels of vitamin D in the body can help reduce stretch marks. The best way to get it is by basking in the sun and eating foods rich in vitamin D.
Coconut oil is composed of nourishing fatty acids. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Moisturize
You need to apply tropical oils to the most likely affected areas to avoid stretch marks as the oil will improve hydration in the area. This will make the skin resilient and heal the damaged skin tissues. Therefore, you need to apply topical cream or oil regularly on your skin.
Use Natural Home Remedies
You can use natural organic ingredients which are locally found to reduce stretch marks. You can use coconut oil and olive oil. [4]
