Stretch marks in pregnancy. Striae gravid arum. Pregnancy marks. Call them what you will do. But they are something that all women fear as soon as they are pregnant.
What are stretch marks in pregnancy? And why are they?
The reason for this is the anatomy of the skin. The skin has two layers – a thin upper layer called the epidermis, and a thicker, lower layer called the dermis. Scattered across the dermis are fine protein filaments called elastin, which are capable of being stretched when stretched like a piece of a rubber band. But just as a rubber band can only be stretched so far and no further, these elastin fibers can also be stretched to a certain extent. If pushed forward, they snap. During pregnancy, due to the increase in the volume of the uterus, the skin is stretched to a great extent and the elastin fibers are torn. Cracked elastin causes scars on the skin called stria gravid arum or stretch marks.
There are lower abdomens in pregnant women.
Most often appear in pregnant women, but not at all and not only in the lower abdomen. Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched over a short period of time, such as in pregnancy or obesity. They are:
Lower abdomens in pregnancy.
The sides of the breasts, either in pregnancy or in obesity.
Upper thighs.
Sometimes on the inner parts of the upper arms as well.
This stretch marks can be prevented. Although some women are genetically prone to develop stretch marks, it has been observed that athletes and women accustomed to heavy physical exertion get little or no stretch marks. It does not matter whether their female relatives have stretch marks or not. The reason for this is that the abdominal muscles of these women are quite developed and strong. These muscles can easily take the weight of the growing uterus and prevent it from pressing forward on the skin – rather like wearing a strong muscular belt under the skin. Thus, the skin is less stretched, fewer elastin fibers are damaged, and there are fewer stretch marks.
Again, a supple, healthy, well-moisturized skin is able to stretch more without causing any permanent damage. So if a woman can strengthen her abdominal muscles and keep her skin healthy and supple, she is less likely to develop stretch marks.
As soon as the pregnancy has been confirmed, pregnancy planned, gentle exercises for the abdominal muscles can be started.
Exercise 1: Standing straight and raise both hands above the head. Slowly lean forward to touch your toes. Stay in this position to count to 100. Then slowly straighten up. Do this exercise at least once daily.
Exercise 2: Standing straight, raise both the hands above the head and clasp the hands. Now slowly bend on your left side as far as you feel comfortable. Pause to count to 10. Slowly straighten up and then bend to your right side. Hold till the count of 10. Make it straight, Lean in while exhaling and inhale straight up. This makes a set. Do at least 3 sets once a day.
Exercise 3: Stand straight with feet about 12 inches apart. Keep the hands on the back on the waist. Slowly lean back as far as you feel comfortable. Hold till the count of 10. Make it straight Now slowly bend forward, hold this position for a count of 10. Then go straight. Lean in while exhaling, and inhale straight up. This makes a set. Do at least 3 sets once a day.
These three exercises will strengthen the abdominal and back muscles as well as gently stretch the skin. They also improve posture during pregnancy.
Skin care: Keep the skin moisturized by applying oil – olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil or any good baby oil – to the skin of the abdomen, hips and thighs. Massage it by moving it upwards. You can do this before exercising so that the oil gets absorbed properly as the skin stretches during exercise. This will make the skin supple and healthy and will be able to stretch without damaging the elastin fibers.
A good diet: Eat a good diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and enough fluids. And don't forget your daily vitamins. This will ensure a healthy and supple skin.
But what if stretch marks are already there? How do I get rid of them?
The good thing about stretch marks is that they tend to fade over time. When they first form, they are red or purple, but later they become thin silver lines that may not be visible at first glance. The bad thing about stretch marks is that they can only be permanently removed with surgery. The growth of elastin and collagen can be stimulated to a lesser extent by cocoa butter, vitamin E, wheat germ oil and lanolin. But laser surgery, blue light therapy and other surgical treatments are the only options to completely remove the scars. Many creams and lotions available in the market also claim to be able to remove stretch marks, but are not yet clinically proven.
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