06/10/2021
"STRETCH MARKS IN PREGNANCY"
Stretch marks are a common annoyance during pregnancy.
These are narrow streaks that appear on the abdomen, breast, hips, buttocks and thighs during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy.
They are not painful or harmful but we don't like the way they make our skin look
Why do they occur ?
1) During the pregnancy, whenever there is a rapid weight gain, there is massive stretching of skin .This causes elastic fibres just under the surface of skin (dermis) to break at places leading to appearance of these stretch marks.
2) Hormonal changes occurring in pregnancy affect these elastic fibres, softening them leading to easy breakage.
3) More likely to happen if the weight gain in pregnancy is much more than average gain and also if there is rapid gain.
4) Proper hydration, if not maintained, also leads to greater tendency to formation of these marks.
5) If before pregnancy, you have not been into the practice of regular exercises, then the elasticity of your skin is low leading to increased chances of getting stretch marks.
6) Finally, there's always a genetic predisposition as well.
7) As we age, our skin's natural collagen and elastin levels begin to decline, losing its firmness, flexibility and so increased chances of breaks in elastin fibres.
Why do they itch ?
Fresh stretch marks itch a lot as skin is thinner and has less collagen support .Also dermal tears harm the nerves.Once the skin starts healing, the damaged nerves are stimulated, causing itching sensation
Is prevention possible ?
They start out as reddish or purplish streaks and later fade to white or gray
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent them from appearing but we can do certain things to minimize their appearance. Also, the best chance of reducing stretch marks is before their appearance.
1) Certain oils like cocoa butter, almond oil, olive oil have anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties.Regular massage with these will keep skin hydrated and promote skin healing and skin barrier repair. They also help maintain the skin's elasticity, making it less likely to tear.
2) Nourish your skin from inside. Keep taking prenatal vitamins.
3) Include lots of vitamin C in your diet. Have lots of oranges, sweet lime, lemon, amla, kiwi etc in your diet
4) Vitamin E is also a very good antioxidant. Include dark green leafy vegetables in your diet
5) Aim to gain weight slowly and steadily.
After delivery :
These stretch marks would slowly fade .lf they bother you too much, you can take help from a qualified dermatologist who can help you with various modalities like
1) Creams containing retinol A for local application.
2) Skin peeling
3) Laser
To know more,
👇Book Appointment
🌐https://www.drneerumehra.com/
👉gynaedr.neerumehra@gmail.com
🤳9810487852
📍Gurugram, Haryana
