Stretch marks are a common problem that can happen to anyone. While almost anyone can experience the appearance of stretch marks, they most commonly occur during pregnancies due to excessive and rapid weight gain. So, what are stretch marks, and how can you prevent them during pregnancy?

What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are streaks that develop around the stomach, hips, thighs, and breasts due to the stretching and snapping of collagen and elastin, the fibers that help your skin remain tight and taut. While most stretch marks are pink, they also occur in white, purple, or red. Stretch marks develop due to the pressure of quick weight gain and typically develop in nine out of ten pregnancies during the sixth or seventh month.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

During pregnancy, your hormones are all over the place, some of which soften the fibers of your skin, making it more susceptible to stretch marks.

Stretch marks will usually appear on your tummy as your baby grows as that stretches your skin, and you can also develop them on your breasts and thighs as you gain weight during your pregnancy.

Neither are stretch marks harmful nor do they cause any medical problem. They might cause slight itching, but that’s just it.

Can I Prevent Stretch Marks During My Pregnancy?

You can’t always prevent stretch marks from occurring during your pregnancy. Women who experience rapid and more than average pregnancy weight gain are even likelier to get stretch marks. Genetics also play a role in the occurrence of stretch marks. If your grandma or mom developed stretch marks during their pregnancies, the chances are that you will, too. While stretch marks aren’t harmful, they do affect your confidence and self-esteem.

Gaining weight steadily during pregnancy can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but you should never attempt to lose weight while you’re pregnant, as it can harm you and your baby.

Fortunately, there are a few other healthy ways that might help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

How to Prevent Stretch Marks during Pregnancy

The best chance of reducing stretch marks is when they’re pink and new. It can be extremely difficult to treat the scars once they fade to white.

Here are a few safe and healthy ways you can employ to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

First Trimester

You should start paying attention to your skin as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. The ideal way to go about this is to regularly and thoroughly moisturize the areas where stretch marks are likely to develop, such as your breasts, stomach, hips, and belly. Since stretch marks occur due to damaged skin fibers, a moisturizer can help the skin maintain its elasticity, making it less likely to tear as your body expands. You can try the Angel Bio Therapy Body Milk for Dry Skin & Stretch Marks to help your skin retain its softness and suppleness. Enriched with various plant oils, this body milk prevents moisture loss, helping the skin feel rejuvenated.

Second Trimester

If you still notice red lines on your body despite your finest efforts during the first trimester, take comfort in the fact that you have the best chance to reduce stretch marks when they’re new. Take charge and invest in a good stretch mark removal cream that you use diligently and regularly to reduce the appearance of these pink strips.

After the Baby Arrives

Once you’ve delivered your baby, you should consider incorporating a safe, firming serum into your skincare routine to help tighten up your flabby skin. After your delivery, stretch marks tend to fade to a light, silvery hue, which is hardly noticeable, but if you’re still unhappy with them, then it’s best to consult a dermatologist. Most dermatologists usually prescribe Retin-A or Renova creams to minimize stretch marks.

Wrapping Up

Stretch marks are a normal occurrence that impacts more pregnant women than you think. So, while there’s no need to fret about these stripes of bravery, most women don’t feel confident due to their appearance. There are a few ways to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, as listed above. Still, it’s highly recommended not to take any out-of-the-ordinary routes to reduce their appearance during your pregnancy.