Stretch Marks After Pregnancy

Will I Get Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Statistically, half of pregnant women develop these marks of pride. It’s hard to say whether or not one will develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Yet some factors do put you at having higher chances of getting them.

Genetics is a major factor to consider when we speak of pregnancy stretch marks. Many women, who have had mothers sailing through pregnancies scar free, are likely not to have stretch marks during their own pregnancies as well. If your skin expands suddenly and rather rapidly, you are likely to develop stretch marks.

Some other factors that make you susceptible to developing stretch marks are:

• You experience sudden and a lot of gain of weight
• Your body had excess amniotic fluid
• You are carrying multiples or the baby is big

Pregnancy Stretch Marks Itch

A pregnant belly would likely be itchy as your pregnancy progresses, owing to the stretching of the skin and the dryness adding to it. Though very natural, itchy skin can be prevented by using milder soaps, refraining from wearing tight clothes and taking hot baths, and applying lots of lotions to keep the skin supple and soft. Avoid alcohol bases skin products and water laden with chlorine. Apply a nice moisturizer after patting your skin gent;y dry, but still slightly moist. If you have persistent itching, do see your doctor.

Preventing Stretch Marks In Pregnancy

As a matter of fact, nothing much can be done to prevent stretch marks. The only way to prevent them would be to gain no more than the exact weight required, and not gain too much of it suddenly. Mind you, stretch marks are here to stay – all those lotions, creams, etc may help to moisturize and keep itching in control, but stretch marks are not affected by them.

They will fade away gradually, but never completely disappear. Some women are lucky to do not have them naturally. Most have to bear with these natural ‘battle scars’ on their bodies which will become less visible 6-8 months post-delivery. Depending on your skin color, the pigmentation will fade and they will become lighter than the surrounding skin.

However, you can try to reduce them by keeping your pregnancy weight gain under check, and by eating a healthy balanced diet comprising plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Keep your skin supple and well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. Read more about weight gain during pregnancy here.

Treating Stretch Marks After Childbirth

Doctors suggest natural treatments are far better than applying topical ointments, especially if you are breastfeeding. Avoid applying Vaseline even as it is essentially ‘petroleum jelly’. The chemicals do seep through the pores of the skin to assimilate into your body. You have to avoid these from entering the elixir of natural milk for your baby.

How Will Pregnancy Stretch Marks Fade?

Unfortunately, stretch marks are going to stay, though they may look like dull, greyish-silverish lines once you deliver your baby. Look up the following simple remedies to have the stretch marks fade.

• Try organic products: You can find good organic cosmetic products to deal with stretch marks. They may be a little more expensive than conventional creams but are definitely the best solutions. You have to revitalize your skin in the stretched region and break in the deposits of cellulite. It can take some time, but it works miraculously well. Products rich in cocoa butter show great results in the stretched regions
• Use vitamin E creams: Ask for a good vitamin E cream suggestion from your doctor. The vitamin helps the skin to rebuild in the stretched zones very fast. Avoid products with synthetic fragrances and high chemical concentrations
• Try the natural remedies: There is a wealth of home remedies to alleviate stretch marks. A gentle massage with a concoction of vinegar and olive oil can do wonders! You can apply it as a night cream and put the lotion in your bath water. Other effective natural oils include coconut oil, castor oil, almond oil, and avocado oil. You can mix them according to convenience, or try any separately. When you apply oil, consider warming it a little bit. The lukewarm heat causes the body’s pores to absorb the oil amazingly. Aloe vera gel continues to be a miracle maker in dissipating collagen deposits.
• Other home remedies: Try remedies like potato juice, sugar scrub, lemon juice, and egg whites if you want to keep the treatment completely natural. Read about home remedies to treat stretch marks here.

Ladies, you need to realize that stretch marks do not make you ugly! In fact, a real lover may find these ‘scars’ as beautiful lines to kiss gently! Although the above remedies work wonders, you may have vague stretch lines always. Accepting these marks is a part of being a mother.