^
A
A
A

Pregnancy and stretch marks: what to do?

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
 
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

08 December 2012, 10:45

Pregnancy is a happy time for every woman. However, few future mothers manage to avoid stretch marks after childbirth. Scars, which are formed from excessive stretching of the skin, look unattractive and, of course, very upsetting women. They can appear on the abdomen, hips and buttocks. Ilive wants to share ways that will help prevent and get rid of stretch marks.

Where do stretch marks come from?

During pregnancy hormonal changes and weight fluctuations occur. Due to the thinning of the surface layers, the skin loses its elasticity. The places of rupture of skin layers quickly overgrow with a connective tissue and thus stretch marks appear on the body . At first the stretch marks are pinkish in color, but then become less pronounced and whiten.

Preventing the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy

If you approach the issue of the appearance of stretch marks in advance, then later they will appear much less and the easier it will be to get rid of them.

  • Food

Future mothers often neglect the need to maintain a normal weight and eat a lot and, even more dangerous, a lot of unhealthy food. First of all, give up a variety of buns, pies and foods that provoke a sharp increase in weight. Moreover, it does not benefit the child, nor the child, nor his mother.

  • Vitamins

The organism of the future mother needs support, that is, additional intake of vitamins and minerals into the body. Ask your doctor what vitamin complex is right for you.

  • Water

Water

Drink water and as much as possible. Thus, you can keep the skin supple and elastic, and therefore reduce the risk of stretch marks. However, before this, be sure to consult a doctor for contraindications.

  • Overalls

This sounds somewhat frightening, but in fact it is a special bra, which helps to avoid stretch marks over the chest. During pregnancy, the breast increases and can stretch the skin, which is why stretch marks appear in this area.

  • Limit consumption of drinks that contain caffeine

If you are a passionate caffeine, then try to at least limit the consumption of coffee. Caffeine promotes the appearance of stretch marks. But its effect can be neutralized to some extent, if we drink water in about the same quantities.

  • Massage for the skin

In order not to let the blood stagnate, massage and rub the problem areas - the chest, stomach, thighs and buttocks.

  • Hardening

Hardening

The skin needs to be hardened, so the ice cubes and the contrast shower will be good allies in the fight against unaesthetic scars.

What if the stretch marks appeared?

  • Anti-Stretch Cream

The use of special anti-stretch marks will help reduce their number by stimulating collagen and elastin.

  • The sun will reveal all the defects

Unfortunately, sunburn does not lie exactly in those places where stretch marks appeared, because the connective tissue will not contain the pigment. Therefore, during a stay in the sun, it is better to observe the measure and not to sunbathe the daughter.

  • Radical methods of getting rid of scars

The most effective methods of removing stretch marks are cosmetic procedures and surgery, that is, getting rid of stretch marks by radical methods.

The most popular of them are: laser surgery, peeling, dermabrasion, mesotherapy and abdominoplasty.

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.