Pregnancy Stretch Marks Got You Down?
Bring up pregnancy to any woman and chances are that stretch marks will eventually come up in the conversation. Stretch marks are one of the primary fears for woman both before and after pregnancy. Stretch mark creams have now become a staple in most pregnant women’s daily routine, but do they work?
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks, also called striae gravidarum when they are a result of pregnancy, are of course caused during rapid changes in the weight of pregnant women. Women who are overweight or obese are also very likely to have issues with stretch marks.
Stretch mark development occurs in two phases. Initially, stretch marks are deep and either a red or purple color. This is the time when they are most responsive to treatment. Once the acute phase has healed, the stretch marks lessen in size and become much lighter, a silver or white color. Once they’ve reached this phase, stretch marks are very resistant to treatment.
Decreasing Your Chances
The best way to manage pregnancy stretch marks is to prevent them from happening. Because they are the result of stretched and dry skin, it is critical to keep the abdominal skin extremely well moisturized during the entire pregnancy in attempts to avoid them altogether.
Use a moisturizing lotion, which contains cocoa butter or shea butter, at least three or four times a day. Apply not only to the abdominal area, but also the hips, buttocks, breasts and thighs. In addition, make sure to drink adequate amounts of water to help keep the skin moist, supple, and pliant.
These measures alone will not entirely prevent stretch marks, but can help. Though this can’t be entirely mitigated during pregnancy, try your best to avoid rapid and large changes in weight.