Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Stretch marks during pregnancy are caused by a sequence of factors. First, as an inner layer of skin, known as the dermis, is stretched, it inhibits the production of collagen. When collagen production is stopped, the skin tissue begins to be permanently destroyed, resulting in scar tissue. These pieces of scar tissue are known as stretch marks, and most often appear initially as reddish or violet, jagged lines along the skin. Over time, these scars turn to a whitish color, although they retain a noticeable texture.

While the dermis and human skin in general is very elastic, however when it is stretched too quickly for a period of time, the dermis begins to cease collagen production. In pregnant women, this most often occurs along various parts of the breasts, and along much of the stomach as well as the buttocks and thighs.

Prevention is the ultimate way to handle stretch marks, and during pregnancy, it is usual for the mother-to-be to try the most natural products first. Home remedies and improving overall health and nutrition is a step in the right direction for stretch mark prevention and also to avoid more marks and recurring marks in future.

• Apply cocoa butter to the stomach and affected areas before and during the pregnancy as well as after delivering the baby.



• Increase the amount of foods in your diet rich in vitamin K, such as tomatoes, leafy vegetables, dairy products and liver.



• Continue with gentle exercise as appropriate throughout the pregnancy, and make sure you do toning exercises to work stomach muscles regularly.



• Apply creams rich in Shea Butter on the stomach, buttocks and breast, as well as any other areas where stretch marks start to appear.



• Boost your dietary intake of antioxidant rich foods that help improve skin condition and to reduce the incidence of stretch marks during pregnancy.



• Add small helpings of nuts and seeds to your diet to provide zinc which can help prevent stretch marks.



• Keep well hydrated with plenty of water which also hydrates skin to prevent dryness leading to stretch marks.

Stretch Mark Removal Creams

Using one of the types of stretch mark removal creams on the market will help you to avoid getting stretch marks.

These products help to prevent and hide signs of stretch marks on the stomach, arms, breasts, buttocks and other areas.

They are likely to contain ingredients such as cocoa butter to help improve elasticity and skin tone, plus vitamins such as vitamin E which improves skin condition and helps the skin to eliminate stretch marks and prevent them from worsening.

Additional Reading:
How To Get Rid of Stretch Marks on Breasts

To cover stretch marks, many women use body makeup such as foundation or concealer to make the scars less visible to the naked eye. However, there are others who have had luck with tanning treatments, using sunless tanning lotion and creams.

Laser Stretch Mark Therapy

Laser therapy is one of the most advanced medical treatment for stretch mark removal, however this new technology can be an expensive option and should only be done after giving birth. If you have white stretch marks on your belly on breasts, you'll find the laser therapy works best on these types of stretch marks.

Microdermabrasion Treatment

Another possible option for women to reduce the appearance of stretch marks after their pregnancy is opt for microdermabrasion. This treatment procedure exfoliate the the top layer of skins that are afflicted by stretch marks, promoting new skin tissue growth over the old scars thereby resulting in a reduction of the stretch marks.

Tummy Tuck

For women who are afflicted by severe stretch mark scars around the belly as a result of pregnancy, a tummy tuck procedure can aid in the removal of stretch marks by removing the excess skin from the middle and lower abdomen.