Signs of stress. Striae Gravidarum. Signs of pregnancy. Call them whatever you want. But it is something that all women are afraid of as soon as they become pregnant.
But what are stretch marks anyway? And why do they occur?
Well, the reason lies in the anatomy of the skin. The skin has two layers - a thin upper layer called the epidermis, and a thick, lower layer called the dermis. The dermis contains scattered thin protein filaments called elastane that is able to pull when pulled like a piece of a rubber band. But just as a rubber band can only stretch and not stretch, so too can elastane fibers stretch to a limited extent. If it is increased further, they will collapse. During pregnancy, the growing part of the uterus causes the skin to stretch considerably, and the elastin fibers rupture. The torn elastin produces scars on the skin called Stria Gravidarum or Stretch Marks.
They are found in the lower abdomen of all pregnant women, right?
Right and wrong They appear in most pregnant women, but not in all, and not only in the lower abdomen. Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched in a very short time, such as during pregnancy or obesity. They occur:
In the lower abdomen during pregnancy.
Around the breast either in pregnancy or in obesity.
Upper thighs
Occasionally on the inner sides of the upper arms.
But can stretch marks be prevented?
Thankfully, the answer is yes, to some extent. Although some women are genetically predisposed to the development of stretch marks, it has been noted that athletes and women accustomed to heavy, strenuous physical activity are less likely to get stretch marks. It doesn't matter if they have stretch marks in their female relatives. This is because the abdominal muscles of these women are much better and stronger. These muscles can easily carry the weight of the growing uterus and prevent it from pressing forward on the skin - not wearing a strong muscle band under the skin. This way the skin is less stretched, less elastic fibers are damaged, and stretch marks are less.
Once again, soft, healthy, well-moisturized skin has the potential to stretch more without lasting damage. So if a woman can strengthen her abdominal muscles and keep her skin healthy and supple, then she is less likely to get stretch marks.
But how? How do I build my muscles and keep my skin moisturized?
Light exercise for the abdominal muscles can be started as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed or the pregnancy is being planned.
Exercise 1: Standing up straight, lifting both arms above the head. Slowly lean forward to touch your fingers. Hold the position to count to 100. Then slowly straighten. Do this exercise at least once a day.
Exercise 2: Stand up straight, raise both arms above the head, and hold your hands. Now slowly lean to your left until you feel comfortable. Hold on to count to 10. Slowly straighten and then lean to your right. Catch the count of 10. Straighten up Exhale while you are bending and breathing while straightening. It makes a set. Do at least 3 sets once a day.
Exercise 3: Stand up straight with your feet about 12 inches apart. Place your hands on your back at the waist. Lean back slowly, until you feel comfortable. Catch the count of 10. Straighten up Now slowly lean forward, keeping the position at 10 counts. Then straighten. Exhale while you are bending and breathing while straightening. It makes a set. Do at least 3 sets once a day.
These three exercises will strengthen the abdominal and lumbar muscles as well as gently stretch the skin. They also improve posture during pregnancy.
Skin Care: Moisturize the skin by applying oils on the skin of the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs - olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, or good baby oil. Massage into it with a broom stroke upwards. You can do this before exercising so that the oil is absorbed properly as the skin is stretched during exercise. This will make the skin soft and healthy and enable elastin fibers to be stretched without damaging it.
Good diet: Eat well with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and good fluids. And don't forget your daily vitamins. This will ensure healthy and supple skin.
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