Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Pregnancy stretch marks often appear in 50-90 percent of pregnant women. Men and women who are bodybuilders, athletes, and adolescents who experience sudden growth spurts are also likely to develop stretch marks. Actually, anyone who had sudden rapid growth or gained weight in a short period of time can have stretch marks.

Pregnant women often have stretch marks when they are already on the second trimester of their pregnancy. This means that the skin on their stomach has already been stretched past its limit, causing tearing on the dermis of the skin. Some women also have stretch marks on their upper arms, breasts, lower back, buttocks, hips and thighs. Stretch marks are often seen on areas that have the most deposits of fat.

Many factors can influence the likelihood of getting stretch marks. One of the most powerful influences is heredity or genetics. If your sister or mother had stretch when they were pregnant, there is an increased chance that you will also have them. Aside from genetics, ethnicity or skin tone, diet, skin state, and the amount of weight gain can also play a part in the formation of stretch marks. Fair-skinned people are more likely to develop stretch marks, as are people who have poor diet and dry skin.

There are many different ways to prevent stretch marks from occurring during pregnancy and after giving birth. Maintaining the healthy or normal range of weight, or gradual gaining of weight, can often spell the difference between stretch mark formation and keeping yourself stretch mark-free. Rapid and excessive weight gain will only aggravate the problem and cause more stretch marks on your skin.

A well-moisturized skin is another key in preventing stretch marks. If you are in your first trimester, moisturize using lotions or creams. You can apply nourishing lotions, creams, or oils every morning and before you go to bed at night will provide moisture to your skin. It can also reduce itching. Look for products that have vitamin E, vitamin A, cocoa butter, emu oil, lanolin, and wheat germ oil will aid in providing your skin with enough elasticity to prevent the occurrence of stretch marks. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of oils, creams, and lotions have been limited in terms of preventing stretch marks.

A healthy diet will not only be good for your baby, it will also be good for your skin. Lots of fruits and leafy green vegetables will help your skin become stronger and more supple. Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C, E, silica, and zinc will also add elasticity to your skin, as well as help it bounce back once you have given birth. Make sure to take prenatal vitamins and drink plenty of water to ensure a healthy baby and gorgeous skin.

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tara millsm - pregnant

|12.10.219.xxx |2009-08-18 21:06:00

I'm generally not a lotion person - it just seems like too much work.

In my
second pregnancy I've had some really itchy skin on my belly and breasts and my
mother bought me the Made from Earth Aloe & Jojoba Creme Therapy (as posted by
MT above) for me to try. It has eliminated my itchy skin (though it returns the
next day if I don't use the lotion).

My stretch marks seem to be lighter,
but I suppose that's probably due to the fact that they're more moisturized than
usual.

The scent is pleasant and the texture is wonderful. It's not greasy
or overwhelming in any way, but it is nice and thick. I'm someone who struggles
with the decision to buy a $4 bottle of Curel, but I'll absolutely pay $25 for a
tube of the Made from Earth Aloe Therapy.

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