Stretch marks during pregnancy: how to get rid of existing ones and prevent the appearance of new ones

For 9 months, the female body changes a lot. Diet and sports will help restore the previous shape after childbirth, but you will most likely have to put up with stretch marks during pregnancy. But it is better to try to prevent them.

What are stretch marks

Yoga for pregnant women is the best prevention of stretch marks and preparation for childbirth.

During pregnancy, due to the increase in the mammary glands, the breast changes to a larger size and the volume of the abdomen grows, because the unborn child requires more space. At the same time, the fibers of the dermis “spread” farther and farther apart, at some point they overstretch and can break.

In order to “patch” this gap in the network of connective tissue and reliably stabilize the affected area of ​​the skin, the dermis in a hurry produces connective tissue. So during pregnancy, stretch marks appear on the abdomen and stretch marks on the chest. They are also called striae.

Touch your palm to your thighs or stomach. If you feel like uneven paths or scar tissue under your fingers, these are striae.

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The main causes of stretch marks during pregnancy

Stretch marks, or, scientifically, striae, appear as a result of internal micro-tears in the skin. They are referred to as atrophic scars, which look like narrow sunken wavy lines. The hairs in these areas do not grow, the pigment is not formed.

If you touch your thighs or stomach with your palm, uneven paths are felt under your fingers. This is what striae are. They occur for various reasons, but during pregnancy, stretch marks are usually caused by:

  • rapid weight gain;

  • a sharp increase in body volume (especially in the last month);

  • hormonal changes;

  • genetic predisposition;

  • weakness of the abdominal muscles.

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How stretch marks appear during pregnancy

Scientists say stretch marks are hereditary. Look at your mom. If she had stretch marks during pregnancy, then, most likely, you cannot avoid this fate (unless, of course, the necessary actions are taken in time). Stretch marks are commonly seen in the chest, abdomen, and thighs.

Fresh striae are usually red. They are most often located radially or parallel.

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At what stage of pregnancy do stretch marks appear?

As a rule, the first hints of the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy (one of the indicators is itching of the skin in the abdomen, thighs and chest) occur in the second trimester of pregnancy, when the stomach and breasts begin to rapidly increase in size.

Therefore, long before that, it is worth starting to fight them with the help of cosmetic care. How to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy with the help of cosmetics, we will describe below.

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Causes of stretch marks on the abdomen during pregnancy

Stretch marks, as we have already found out, appear as a result of internal microtraumas of the skin due to overstretching. They occur for various reasons, stretch marks in pregnant women most often appear due to such reasons.

Weight gain

During pregnancy, women can gain weight from 3-6 to 30 kg. The norm is 1 kg for each month of pregnancy. But even with minimal weight gain, the skin is under stress. And as the volume of the body increases, the skin is stretched, which can lead to the appearance of stretch marks on the chest and abdomen.

Hormonal imbalance

Waiting time for a baby is responsible in every sense. While the expectant mother is preparing for the birth of a child, serious changes are taking place in her body. All processes are aimed at creating the best conditions for the growth and development of the fetus. Metabolic processes are accelerated, the rate of cell division increases. Often the body does not have time to adjust with rapidly changing changes.

Genetic predisposition

As we said above, scientists believe that the hereditary factor is often to blame for the appearance of stretch marks in pregnant women.

Insufficient skin hydration

Alas, many women are frivolous about stretch marks. But in vain. In order to help the skin to be more elastic, effective and regular moisturizing and nutrition is necessary – this is how you can prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. We will talk about what exactly you can smear the stomach during pregnancy from stretch marks a little later.

Weakness of the abdominal muscles

Pregnancy is not a disease. Do not forget about fitness and sports. However, before you start exercising, consult your doctor.

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Risk factors during pregnancy

Of course, no pregnant woman is immune from stretch marks. However, there are factors that increase the risks.

  • Large fruit.

  • Multiple pregnancy.

  • Наследственность.

  • Age of the expectant mother.

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How to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy

Today it is no longer a secret that during pregnancy, women need not only to walk more and eat right, but also to take care of their bodies. Every month the stomach grows, the skin stretches, itching appears in the places of stretching – all this requires certain actions.

If you overeat, make sure it’s “healthy” food.

Power adjustment

During pregnancy, weight gain is unavoidable. But it is important to ensure that it does not go beyond the norm. That is why a woman’s diet should be balanced. Include in the menu foods rich in vitamin E, protein, omega-3, -6, -9 fatty acids, namely:

  • green lettuce;

  • vegetables;

  • cereals;

  • beans.

Replace foods high in animal fats with liver, lean fish, soy, wheat germ.
Eliminate coffee, and prefer pure still water to black tea. If there are no medical restrictions, drink 1-2 liters of water a day, this will help maintain skin elasticity.

Cosmetics for prevention

From 2-3 months of pregnancy, daily prevent stretch marks. To help you:

  • cosmetic oil;

  • cream with a dense texture;

  • milk or gel.

The composition should be essential oils, proteins, moisturizers and nutrients.

Every day after a shower, apply the product on the skin with light massaging movements, paying special attention to places where stretch marks may appear: thighs, buttocks, abdomen, chest. If there is no special product on hand, use any moisturizing or nourishing body cream.

Cold and hot shower

In general, a contrast shower is a useful procedure in every sense. Changing the temperature of the water strengthens the skin cells, stimulates their work, gives the skin firmness and elasticity. A contrast shower combined with a light massage with a natural bristle brush will give excellent results. After showering, apply moisturizer or beauty oil to your skin.

One “but”: during pregnancy, doctors do not recommend sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, your contrast shower is a soft alternation not of ice and hot water, but of cool and warm.

Light physical activity

Pregnancy is not a disease, but a wonderful state during which small physical activity is welcome (check with your doctor if you have any contraindications).

If you go to a fitness club, find out if there are maternity groups.

  • Usually in such classes they practice yoga – it strengthens muscles and teaches you how to breathe correctly, which is useful during childbirth.

  • Doctors advise pregnant women aqua aerobics and swimming: during the classes, all muscle groups work, in addition, it is easier to move in the water.

  • Don’t forget about muscle strengthening exercises abdomen, thighs, arms and chest. To keep in shape, it is enough to exercise 2-3 times a week.

  • If you can’t go to the gym, go for a walk daily, and not slow, but vigorous enough (if there are no contraindications).

    There are special yoga classes for pregnant women

Massage

Massage during pregnancy is different from the usual:

  • pressing movements are excluded;

  • the stomach and chest are not massaged at all, only stroking is possible.

Make sure that the master knows the technique of massage for pregnant women – then there is no reason to refuse.

Massage is generally good for the body, and especially for pregnant women. During the procedure, oils are applied that make the skin supple. They will also help to some extent to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

Bandage from stretch marks during pregnancy

The bandage makes life easier for expectant mothers and prevents the skin from overstretching.

A bandage in the form of a belt helps not only to support the fetus, but also prevents the appearance of stretch marks on the abdomen during pregnancy. A prenatal bra with wide straps provides reliable support for enlarged breasts. Regarding the need for use and the size range, it is better to consult your doctor.

“As soon as the stomach began to grow, the skin on the sides became dry, itching appeared. Sometimes the skin stretches as if it’s about to burst at the seams.”

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Ways to deal with stretch marks during pregnancy

What if stretch marks on the stomach and chest have already appeared? How to get rid of them? We’ve put together a few practical tips for you. Take note.

Stretched Prevention

Do not forget to apply a moisturizing or nourishing body cream to the skin every time after a shower or pool. This will help to prevent stretch marks or even prevent their occurrence.

Home recipes

In case there are no suitable ready-made products at hand, you can use olive oil. Pour a little oil into the palm of your hand, warm it in your hands and with stroking soft movements, walk it through problem areas.

Exercise for stretch marks in pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is very important to pay attention to breathing. Learn to breathe properly. Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Also, try to breathe in your belly. You will feel it. Thus, not only enrich the body with oxygen, but also strengthen the abdominal muscles.

Cosmetic procedures for stretch marks

During pregnancy, you can fight stretch marks only with cosmetics, but after childbirth, after 4-6 months, in the beautician’s office (consult your doctor when you can start). To do this, it makes sense to resort to such procedures.

Laser therapy

With the help of a laser beam, the upper layer of the epidermis is removed, as a result of which it evens out the texture of the skin. To achieve a visible effect, one procedure is not enough, you will need a course.

Mesotherapy

Injections of vitamin preparations are injected near or directly into the area of ​​stretch marks. The cocktail contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and B vitamins, as well as peptides that stimulate the work of fibroblasts, which are responsible for the synthesis of collagen and elastin. The course consists of 3-5 procedures, one in 10-14 days. Stretch marks fade and become less pronounced.

Microdermabrasion

With the help of a special crystal, problem areas of the skin are polished. Thanks to this controlled damage, the cells receive an impulse to renew and regenerate.

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Funds overview

Melting body milk, with bifido complex and aloe vera, Garnier It is instantly absorbed and moisturizes the skin for a long time, restoring its comfort and elasticity.

Intensive regenerating and nourishing body cream for dry and very dry skin Nutrix Royal Body, Lancôme due to royal jelly, hazelnut peptides and natural oils nourishes and moisturizes the skin up to 24 hours after application.

Body milk Lait Corporel Body Milk, Biotherm with thermal plankton extract and vitamin E in the composition intensively saturates the skin with moisture, makes it supple.

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