What To Do So You Don’t Get Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Stretch marks during pregnancy are a common occurrence. They are also medically referred to as striae gravidarum or striae distensae. These marks come in different colors and shades of purple, red, black, or silver. In women, they often appear during pregnancy around the chest, hips, thighs, stomach, and bottom areas.

However, apart from the pregnancy phase, many persons get stretch marks at different phases of their lives. It is also a family trait, meaning that you have a high chance of getting stretch marks if your parents have it.

No one likes the indention stretch marks give to your skin. But can they be prevented or controlled? In this article, you will find answers to these questions and more! Let us get started!

 

What To Do So You Don’t Get Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Even during pregnancy, every woman wants to look her best – to others, but especially to herself. So, it is understandable if you are looking at what to do so you don’t get stretch marks during pregnancy.

Yes, there are healthy, trusted, and tested ways for you to control stretch marks effectively, and it is best that you carry out these precautions early enough. This is so that the stretch marks do not start getting whitish – and are challenging to treat.

Stretch marks often appear in certain areas around the breasts, stomachs, and hips when your skin fibers stretch and snap during pregnancy. It can also occur when you are adding weight or experiencing changes in your body.

It is best to start treatments early in order to get good results. Below, we have highlighted some tips on what to do to prevent stretch marks. You can also apply these tips if the stretch marks are in their early stage.

7 Tips to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

1. Be Conscious of Your Weight

Whether you are pregnant or not, one of the ways to prevent or control stretch marks in their early stage is to watch your weight. When your skin grows quickly as a result of weight gain, you are likely to experience stretch marks.

You should eat healthily and exercise regularly to keep fit and control your weight. However, when you notice an unexplainable weight gain, you should consult your medical adviser.

2. Always Remain Hydrated at all Times

We can never over emphasize the importance of drinking enough water and staying hydrated. You have a higher chance of developing stretch marks when your skin is hard and dry.

According to experts, your recommended consumption of water should be around 104 ounces for men daily and 72 ounces for women every day. If you are someone who takes a lot of caffeine drinks and beverages, you should increase your water intake also.

3. Eat Balance Diets at All Times

There is a high possibility of developing stretch marks if you are not taking a balanced diet and lack some essential nutrients. Conversely, good food and balanced diets make your skin healthy and reduce the chances of getting stretch marks during pregnancy.

I advise women to opt for unprocessed food as much as possible and always try to make your plate as colorful as possible. Enrich your plate with vegetables, berries, and nuts, and build exciting meals.

4. Be Conscious of Vitamin C

A healthy intake of Vitamin C helps to keep the skin strong and elastic, thereby preventing every chance of developing stretch marks. Even when you experience a slight weight gain, the Collagen in your system will help your skin adapt.

Fruits and vegetables have a high concentration of Vitamin C, so it is always advisable to take a good balance of them always. You should consciously include fruits and vegetables in your daily nutritional choices.

5. Get a Good Dose of Vitamin D

According to studies, Vitamin D is good in preventing and controlling stretch marks on the body. It is advisable that we get a good dose of Vitamin d in our bodies for a healthy balance.

One of the commonest and easiest ways of getting Vitamin D is through exposure to the sun. There is a good dose of Vitamin d in the early morning sun. It is also contained in cereals, low-fat milk, and yoghurt.

6. Take Foods that are Rich in Zinc

As you already know – or should, zinc is an essential nutrient in the human body. It helps to speed up the healing of injuries and also reduces inflammation in the human body.

Although it has not been medically proven that zinc supplements can help heal stretch marks during pregnancy, it is good for the skin. You can find zinc in nuts and fish – you should try to include them in your diets.

7. Treat Stretch Marks at an Early Stage

Ensure that you take measures to treat stretch marks as soon as they appear. When you notice signs of stretch marks around your body, consult your doctor or dermatologist for assistance.

However, you should ensure that you do not engage in chemical products as a measure to treat stretch marks. Also, the goal should be to correct the defects causing the stretch marks. The aim should not be to eradicate the stretch marks without paying attention to the possible causes.

READ ALSO: Can I Have Tapioca Pearls When Pregnant

 

Early Signs of Stretch Marks

The best time to treat stretch marks is when they show early signs or appear for the first time. But many people are not always able to identify the early signs of stretch marks. In this session, we will discuss how you can identify the early signs of stretch marks.

One of the first signs you will notice when you are about to have stretch marks is itchiness. You will notice that the areas will start to scratch you continuously. You will also notice that the skin around those areas appears thinner.

However, you should note that stretch marks are not harmful in any way and do not lead to any form of medical concern whatsoever. In most cases, after the birth of the baby, stretch marks in pregnant women will gradually disappear.

 

Types of Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Stretch marks have both classifications and types. There are two major classifications of stretch marks, and this is based on their mode of formation and appearance. But there are about four types of stretch marks. In this section, we will highlight both the classifications and types for your convenience.

2 Classifications of Stretch Marks

The two major classifications of stretch marks are:

1. Striae Rubrae

This represents the first acute stages of stretch marks as the skin begins to stretch initially. It usually appears in pink or red. You will notice that the epidermis becomes flattened, while the collagen fibers become increasingly thick and densely packed. With time, the length and width of the marks will become longer, wider, and more visible.

2. Striae Albae

Here, the stretch marks are already appearing whitish and are in their more chronic stages. This is a more chronic stage of the stretch mark development as opposed to the Striae Rubrae. In most cases, it begins to appear as wrinkles and scars. It also leads to the evident loss of elasticity in the skin – especially in the affected areas.

Types of Stretch Marks

1. Striae Gravidarum: These are also called pregnancy stretch marks. They occur as a result of pregnancy and often disappear after the delivery of the baby.

2. Striae Nigrae: These are the type of stretch marks that often appear on people who are dark-skinned. The marks are usually black or dark grey in color.

3. Striae Caerulea: This type of stretch mark also appears on people with a dark complexion. It is usually dark blue or purple in color.

4. Striae atrophicans: This type of stretch mark develops in people with Cushing’s Syndrome. It is a result of the long usage of products with corticosteroids or if the person has engaged in a surgical procedure in the past.

 

Is It Possible To Have No Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?

Yes, it is possible to have no stretch marks during pregnancy. However, research shows that 90% of women experience stretch marks during pregnancy. But the reality remains that there is still 10% of people who do not experience stretch marks during pregnancy. What makes it even more surprising is that there is no scientific explanation for this – yet.

 

Why Don’t I Have Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?

You have stretch marks during pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes that occur in your body when you are pregnant. It occurs when the dermis becomes stretched or broken as a result of the growth the stomach is experiencing to accommodate the baby. The elasticity of your skin will determine how severe the stretch marks will become, and how long they will last.

 

No Stretch Marks First Pregnancy – How to Achieve It

Yes, this can be achieved if you control your weight and remain hydrated. Also, as we discussed in the early part of this article, you should eat a balanced diet at all times.

You should also get enough Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc. Also, you can apply natural stretch mark remedies to keep your skin oiled and supple.

 

Conclusion: What To Do So You Don’t Get Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, you need to start early moisturization of areas where the stretch marks are likely to develop. You should also control your weight and engage in light exercises to make your body flexible.