Stretch marks and pregnancy usually come hand in hand. Just like backache, tiredness and morning sickness, stretch marks are an expected side effect of pregnancy.
As the term of childbearing progresses (usually during the 6th or 7th month) around 80% of all women can expect to find red itchy stretch marks to appear on their stomach. Depending on the degree of change in weight gain, the stretch marks aren’t confined to the tummy area but can also develop on the upper thighs, waist and breasts.
Some dermatologists attribute the susceptibility to stretch marks in pregnancy to heredity, so some women may be at greater risk than others. Whatever the case, there are several steps you can take that can increase your chances of avoiding stretch marks. Since the stretch marks and pregnancy connection has been discovered, a lot of research has gone into tackling the problem.
Pregnancy related stretch marks can definitely be prevented and almost certainly minimized with the right precautions. For instance, pregnancy need not and should not equal indefinite and uncontrolled weight gain – which is the main reason for stretch marks in pregnant women.
In other words, it is important that the mother-to-be maintains a strict nutritional regimen. At any stage of the pregnancy, weight gain should stay within 20 to 30 pounds. A proper diet should also be supplemented with regular exercise like walking and stretching. With these precautions, weight gain will follow its naturally appointed course and the skin will not be subjected to abrupt stresses which it cannot accommodate.
Maintaining proper hydration by drinking enough water will ensure that the skin stays supple, thereby maintaining its elastic qualities and eliminating a major cause for stretch marks. Many expectant mothers also massage with oils, ranging from vitamin e oil, coconut oil, emu oil and many others.
