Why do they appear?
Essentially, stretch marks are scars that appear on the inner layer of the epidermis. This is the result of collagen rupture and separation. Why is this happening? Usually due to heavy stress or hormonal changes in the body when there is not enough collagen.
It is he who responds to firmness and elasticity, and its deficiency provokes rupture. And this is the main cause of stretch marks during pregnancy. Most often, stretch marks appear on the chest, abdomen and thighs, but they can also appear on the back. By the way, stretch marks are not only the prerogative of pregnant women.
They are companions for people with diseases of the endocrine system. If a teenager grows quickly, the skin does not keep up with this process and there may also be stretch marks on the thighs. But they become invisible with age. Another observation is that stretch marks almost always appear in mothers who had cellulite before the “interesting situation.”
When stretch marks appear, what happens to the body? When the skin loses collagen, it becomes thinner and you can see blood vessels. Soon the internal gaps will be filled with connective tissue. So, we have found out that during pregnancy this occurs due to mechanical stretching of the epidermis.
The reasons are as follows:
- rapid weight gain, usually in the 2nd and 3rd trimester;
- with gestosis.
The reason may also be high levels of steroid hormones. If a woman has a large amount of estrogen, the skin becomes like thin rubber - it stretches and loses the ability to return to its original state.
Causes of stretch marks
The pregnant belly grows so quickly that the elastin fibers of the epithelium cannot withstand the load and tear. Microtraumas are indicated by abdominal pain and itching. This is the first symptom of damage. If measures are not taken, the result will be unsightly stretch marks and pregnancy scars of varying shades and depths on the abdomen, often requiring surgical treatment. Causes of stretch marks on the abdomen:
- active weight gain;
- hormonal disorders;
- poor nutrition;
- heredity;
- bad habits;
- illness;
- not of childbearing age;
- having many children.
Too rapid stretching of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy is most often associated with unplanned weight gain. In some cases, the cause is polyhydramnios or a large child, which greatly stretches the uterus and, accordingly, the abdomen. In such situations, you need to be observed by a doctor with increased responsibility, strictly following the recommendations.
- Hormonal imbalances for pregnant women are an inevitable problem, starting from the first trimester and continuing into the second and even third, when stretch marks appear. Progesterone, which helps maintain pregnancy and prevents uterine tone, negatively affects the condition of the skin. It loses elasticity on the stomach, chest, and buttocks, and stretch marks appear during and after pregnancy.
- Poor nutrition is the most common cause of stretch marks. Pregnancy does not mean breaking all nutritional rules and blindly following your whims. You can and should eat, but only what is necessary for the normal growth and development of the baby.
The diet must include foods rich in protein and vitamins, as well as seafood high in omega-3 acids. But it is better to exclude harmful semi-finished products and especially fast food from the diet during and after pregnancy.
- Heredity and the stage of pregnancy at which stretch marks appear are related. If the expectant mother, like her grandmother, great-grandmother or aunt, has thin, dry skin prone to damage, she is unlikely to be able to avoid the appearance of stretch marks from the second trimester. At the same time, awareness of the risk will help to prepare for work to prevent microtraumas of the skin in pregnant women at the stage of planning conception.
- Bad habits, especially smoking, negatively affect not only the health of the baby and the mother herself, but also the beauty of the skin. Violation of the synthesis of elastin and collagen is associated with exposure to nicotine, so if maintaining beauty and youth after the birth of a child is really important to you, stop smoking once and for all!
- Moms at risk under 18 or after 35 years are also susceptible to stretch marks on the abdomen. Pregnant women who are too young do not have sufficiently stable hormonal levels; in women over 35 years of age, collagen synthesis is greatly slowed down. Both of these can cause stretch marks to appear not only in the lower abdomen, but throughout its entire surface.
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Mothers with many children are also at risk. For the body to recover, at least two years must pass between pregnancies. If the mother does not adhere to this rule, the body will be weakened, experiencing an acute lack of iron, calcium and vitamins. In turn, this will affect the elasticity and firmness of the skin, including the most vulnerable place - the abdomen.
Women with impaired metabolism before pregnancy, diabetes mellitus and a number of other chronic diseases that weaken the body, for example, dermatitis, psoriasis, systemic scleroderma, etc., are susceptible to the formation of scars on the skin.
The appearance of stretch marks is also affected by limited physical activity. Lack of minimal exercise, including regular walking, will not only lead to the appearance of scars on the abdomen, but may also cause the development of fetal hypoxia. The more active and regular a woman was in sports before pregnancy, the less likely there is to be microtrauma to the skin fibers on the abdomen, even with a large fetus, twins or polyhydramnios.
Vertical or horizontal
Many people say that the cause of stretch marks is heredity. Quite possible. But it seems to me that this has more to do with the characteristics of the skin. Women often talk about this on forums when discussing the problem.
Moms noticed that stretch marks are different:
- vertical;
- horizontal.
The first are the consequences of rapid weight gain, most often appearing on the butt. The latter are associated with hormonal imbalance. And they almost always leave their mark on the back. More precisely on the lower back.
It is also interesting to watch the color change. At first the stretch marks are pinkish, then gradually turn purple, then turn pale again. And after a while they can become invisible. True, if you sunbathe, the stretch marks will remain light and will be noticeable.
Scabies of pregnant women
Scabies is a parasitic disease that causes severe itching. The tick moves slowly inside the skin and leaves passages behind it. You can become infected through contact with other people, including during pregnancy.
The main symptoms of this disease are itchy skin, which often intensifies at night. Certain wounds can be seen on the skin. Often several people in a family are affected by this disease at the same time.
To cure the disease, you should see an infectious disease specialist. After this, you need to scrape the skin to identify the scabies mite. Next, patients are prescribed ointments, medications and thorough bed treatment.
Three stages of development
If you are observant, you will notice that stretch marks on the stomach can be much more aggressive than on the legs. It all starts with itching and the desire to scratch the skin. If you look closely, you can see that the coda is thin and after you scratch it, pink stripes form on it. This is usually where it all starts. Then comes the second stage.
It is at this time that the stretch marks become larger in length and width. The length can be about 10 cm, and the width - 5 mm. The shape of the streamers resembles flames. If they have already appeared, but have not entered the third stage, then they can still be effectively dealt with. Provided that the vessels are functional and fibroblasts are present.
The main thing is that the scarring process does not begin. This is the third stage, which is known as atrophic. After childbirth, stretch marks on the body may decrease in size and become whiter than the rest of the skin over time. It is important to remember that the more time has passed since the birth of the baby, the more difficult it is to deal with the problem.
remedies for stretch marks during pregnancy
Our mothers have never heard of remedies for stretch marks during pregnancy. But the beauty industry is evolving. And now every self-respecting woman follows the latest beauty trends.
To be honest, I don’t really believe that any cream can protect you from stretch marks, but it certainly won’t make it worse. If you have a hereditary predisposition to stretch marks, then, unfortunately, you will probably have them too. But why not try to protect yourself from this trouble. In addition, do not neglect breast care before feeding.
During my first pregnancy, I used anti-stretch mark products from Medela, Mustela and Sanosan. But now, alas, I don’t even remember anything about them.
This pregnancy I decided to try products from other companies. I’ll say right away that during my first pregnancy I didn’t have stretch marks. Now I'm expecting twins, and besides, the time of year requires hydration for the skin.
1. Mama comfort oil spray for stretch marks
Manufacturer: Our mother (Russia)
Volume: 250 ml.
Ingredients: betaine, oat extract, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, mountain plant extracts
The composition of this oil is absolutely water, so it is very difficult to call it an oil. The smell is pleasant, but this is the only positive factor of this spray. Because I didn’t see much benefit from this product. The product dries quickly. The feeling that you didn’t smear anything.
An inconvenient spray bottle that broke very quickly.
2. Mama comfort Balm-gel for stretch marks
+ breast skin care gel
I don’t even know why I bought 2 products from the same company. Probably because of the cute box.
The gel has a pleasant smell, is quickly absorbed, and does not leave marks on clothes. The tube ran out quickly because the consumption was very high. As I said above, I didn’t expect any special effect.
3. My favorite this time is Camelox oil
I accidentally saw this oil in the pharmacy among other remedies for stretch marks. I just decided to try it. The price of oil is approximately 300 rubles.
Compound
Vitamin E, wheat germ oil, rosemary essential oil.
This oil has a specific smell. I don't really like it. But the smell disappears, but the effect remains. This product has one more small drawback: it takes a very long time to absorb. Therefore, it is better to use it at night to avoid leaving marks on clothes. But the benefits are obvious: small pimples on the body heal after 1-2 uses, the skin becomes smooth and beautiful. The product can be used during pregnancy. But now I know for sure that I will continue to buy this oil. Because no body moisturizer has ever given such an effect.
What do we have to do
The first question that women have is what can they apply to their stomach for stretch marks?
Opinions are divided here:
- creams;
- oils
Oil shows itself better as a means of prevention, and creams have a dual purpose. They can prevent stretch marks and reduce the problem if stretch marks have already appeared. “Baby Line”, a gel for stretch marks on the breasts and other parts of the body, performs well.
Identical in effectiveness to Sanosan Mama. Both products are made in Germany. Many mothers have appreciated the topical cream for stretch marks with vitamin E. If we talk about oil for stretch marks, then you can safely buy “La-Cri Mama” here. You can also use regular olive oil.
Everything is important here - the composition, usually those sold through the pharmacy chain, have a composition that is safe for mommy. As well as the motions you use to apply it. This is necessarily a massage that also affects the inner layers of the skin. This way you can perfectly protect yourself from stretch marks, including those on your legs.
Genetics takes its toll
Very often, expectant mothers rely on the fact that after pregnancy they will be able to restore the surface of the skin with the help of special creams and lotions. However, in fact, even the use of those same creams during pregnancy cannot affect the number of stretch marks. And the whole reason lies precisely in the individual elasticity of the skin, which is genetically determined. And if, even before pregnancy, a woman had small stretch marks on her skin, for example, due to weight gain, then the tendency to form stretch marks during pregnancy increases.
You need to start preventing stretch marks long before your planned pregnancy.
Mumiyo and aloe
What can you do at home? Shilajit performs excellently, but only that which is obtained naturally; pharmaceutical tablets in this matter are completely meaningless.
The cream is created like this:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of warm water and 5 grams of mumiyo well, the process will be long;
- add 100 grams of baby cream.
You can add some flavored oil. Must be stored in the refrigerator. Use morning and evening, after a shower, when the skin is steamed. Aloe is a well-known antioxidant. Everything is simple here.
To remove stretch marks, you need to remove the skin from the plant leaf and rub the juice on the problem area. Repeat day after day. How to remove stretch marks? Of course, it’s better not to let it come to this, but if they appear, then try not to aggravate the situation.
What will help:
- contrast shower - alternate warm and cool;
- proper balanced nutrition.
Physical activity helps a lot, but in moderation. An excellent solution - a bandage that supports the tummy reduces the load. And the best solution is massage.
