If there is one thing women love, it is the tendency to have flawless skin all day long and whereby there is a trace of stretch marks, she becomes uncomfortable.
However, in our article today, you will be enlightened on simple ways you can control the spread of stretch marks as a pregnant woman.
First of all, let’s explain what stretch mark means or what stretch marks is all about.
Stretch marks are those visible marks that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy. Stretch marks seem to be one thing that all women fear so much as soon as they get pregnant.
What Causes stretch marks?
There are numerous causes of stretch marks that are dependent on individual skin type or texture.
There are two layers of the skin.
These include the below:
- The Epidermis: this is found in the upper layer of the skin which is regarded as the thin layer.
- The Dermis: This is found in the lower layer of the skin which is usually the thicker layer.
It may interest you to know that there are fine protein filaments that are scattered in the dermis just like a piece of two bands that can be easily stretched when pulled. These filaments are called Elastin fibers.
You must know that these elastin fibers can be stretched only to a certain extent and if stretched beyond their limits, they will get torn.
When a woman gets pregnant, her skin begins to stretch out due to the increase in the size of the uterus.
Well, it depends on the extent to which the elastin fibers are torn, some scars are left on the woman’s which are commonly known as stretch marks or Striae Gravidarum.
So, therefore, we can come to an agreement that stretches marks are caused due to the torn elastin fibers which have been overstretched to accommodate the size of the uterus due to pregnancy.
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Where do stretch marks occur?
Speaking of where stretch marks occur or happen, it usually takes place on the lower abdomen of a pregnant woman.
These appear in most pregnant women but not all women and not just in the lower abdomen alone because it can happen in any part of the body.
Stretch marks commonly occur when the skin is overstretched as stated earlier, it could be for a short period, during pregnancy, or due to obesity.
Stretch marks appear on the lower abdomen during pregnancy.
Stretch marks can be seen along the sides of the breasts, during pregnancy, or due to obesity. It can also be seen on the upper thighs.
Sometimes, stretch marks can be seen on the upper arms.
How can I control the spread of stretch marks?
The spread of stretch marks can be controlled to an extent.
However, you must know that some stretch marks are inherent due to genetic factors in some families.
Most women who are athletic and go through physical labor have a little trace of stretch marks or none at all. This is possible because their abdominal muscles are strong and well developed due to their daily exercises and flexible body.
As an impact of this, the weight of the maturing uterus can be held up by these muscles and stops it from pushing toward the exterior part of the skin.
As a result, the skin tends to stretch less, and a smaller amount of elastin fibers are destroyed which makes the stretch marks noticed on the pregnant woman few.
However, having healthful and well-moisturized skin tends to stretch more without any lengthy damage.
In addition, if only the abdominal muscles of a woman are strengthened and her skin is flexible, the possibility of developing stretch marks is slight.
How can you develop muscles and keep the skin moisturized during pregnancy?
- First Exercise:
Gently exercise the abdominal muscle. This exercise should begin immediately after you have been confirmed pregnant
- Second Exercise;
When standing erect, raise your both arms above your head and buckle your hands. Try to bend slowly to your left side to gain comfort and hold on for at least 10 seconds.
Try getting up and bending gently to your right and holding up for at least 10 seconds. Take a deep breath and exhale as you bend. Do these at least three times every day.
- Third Exercise;
Stand linear with your feet about 12 inches separated
Use your hands to hold your waist and slowly bend until you gain comfort.
Hold on till at least 10 seconds, do this three times every day.
These exercises will help support the abdominal and back muscles and also, helps the skin, it helps improve your posture when pregnant.
- Taking care of the skin;
Always keep the skin moisturized by applying oils like Olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, or any fine baby oil entirely over the skin of the abdomen, hips, and thighs.
Gently massage it with your hands. Make sure you do this before you carry on with your regular exercise so that the oil will be properly absorbed by the skin during the exercise.
This will help keep the skin supple and healthy and getting stretched without the elastin fibers.
- Have a good diet;
A good diet will reduce stress and keep you looking healthy. Take lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and adequate water with your vitamins for healthy and glowing skin.
How can I stop stretch marks from spreading?
One thing you must know is that stretch marks fade away over time.
However, stretch marks can be permanently removed from your skin by surgery.
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