Pregnancy Stretch Marks - What Can Cause Them and How to Help Reduce the Effect of Them
If you're like 50-90% of all pregnant women, then you've noticed the spider webbing like lines on your belly.
It's scary how damaged your skin can get.
I remember during my pregnancy and trying to put cream on my belly as soon as I found out.
I remember looking in the mirror at 7 months and being surprised at what I saw.
I guess my brain blocked the image from my mind before because it was like I was looking at my belly for the first time.
All around my navel, about 4 finger widths on each side, were multiple pinkish lines.
For those of you that are early in your pregnancy here is a couple of points on pregnancy stretch marks: o Mostly appears in the lower half of your belly but can also be found on thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts and arms o They are pinkish in color in light skinned women and lighter in colour in dark skinned o Stretch marks reflect the separation of collagen of the skin o Can cause a tingling or itchy sensation Things that contribute to stretch marks are: o Family genes (if your mother or sister got them, chances are you will too) o Rapid or excessive weight gain (uh hum- like my 67 pound weight gain...
:p) o Nutritional status (well hydrated skin stretches better) o Ethnicity (African Americans tend to get less stretch marks) Here are some actions you can take that may help reduce the amount of stretch marks you get: o Eating healthy contributes to the healthy development of your largest organ, your skin.
So if you eat a healthy diet will contribute to the strength of your skin o Keep weight gain to the suggested 25-35 pounds (unless you were underweight before the pregnancy), but maintaining a healthy diet o Increase circulation to your skin, ( "but honey, you have to give me a massage, it'll reduce stretch marks.
") o Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water o Take vitamin supplements to keep your skin healthy o Keep skin moisturized with pregnancy creams (and ensure you're consistent about it) o Take care of your body Postpartum.
Dramatic weight loss can just as easily contribute to your stretch marks.
It's scary how damaged your skin can get.
I remember during my pregnancy and trying to put cream on my belly as soon as I found out.
I remember looking in the mirror at 7 months and being surprised at what I saw.
I guess my brain blocked the image from my mind before because it was like I was looking at my belly for the first time.
All around my navel, about 4 finger widths on each side, were multiple pinkish lines.
For those of you that are early in your pregnancy here is a couple of points on pregnancy stretch marks: o Mostly appears in the lower half of your belly but can also be found on thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts and arms o They are pinkish in color in light skinned women and lighter in colour in dark skinned o Stretch marks reflect the separation of collagen of the skin o Can cause a tingling or itchy sensation Things that contribute to stretch marks are: o Family genes (if your mother or sister got them, chances are you will too) o Rapid or excessive weight gain (uh hum- like my 67 pound weight gain...
:p) o Nutritional status (well hydrated skin stretches better) o Ethnicity (African Americans tend to get less stretch marks) Here are some actions you can take that may help reduce the amount of stretch marks you get: o Eating healthy contributes to the healthy development of your largest organ, your skin.
So if you eat a healthy diet will contribute to the strength of your skin o Keep weight gain to the suggested 25-35 pounds (unless you were underweight before the pregnancy), but maintaining a healthy diet o Increase circulation to your skin, ( "but honey, you have to give me a massage, it'll reduce stretch marks.
") o Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water o Take vitamin supplements to keep your skin healthy o Keep skin moisturized with pregnancy creams (and ensure you're consistent about it) o Take care of your body Postpartum.
Dramatic weight loss can just as easily contribute to your stretch marks.
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