stretch marks in pregnancy

During pregnancy, the skin has to get used to the new conditions quickly. It stretches to accommodate the growing baby, so stretch marks are very common. These are particularly pronounced on the stomach. In fact, stretch marks are nothing more than small tears in the skin. These arise in the middle layer of the skin, the so-called dermis, which contains nerve and muscle fibers, blood vessels, and sweat and sebum glands. The dermis consists of strong connective tissue. If this is overstretched, irreparable cracks occur.

Initially, the stretch marks are reddish to bluish. Over time they fade and can only be seen as white scars. Stretch marks are completely normal and are part of pregnancy. They mostly occur in younger women, whose skin is firmer and less stretchy. The fact that women are affected differently depends on many different factors. These include a hereditary predisposition, rapid weight gain during pregnancy and a multiple pregnancy.

Stretch marks are only a cosmetic problem as they pose no risk to the woman’s health. However, the majority of women find stretch marks annoying. A strong expression can lead to a lack of self-confidence and an uneasy body feeling . Luckily, there are several ways to prevent or treat stretch marks .

What can you do about stretch marks?

There are several ways to prevent stretch marks and how to get rid of them after pregnancy.

Care during pregnancy: If you start taking care of your skin properly in the first few weeks of pregnancy, the stretch marks are usually less pronounced. Regular peelings ensure improved blood circulation in the skin, which counteracts the development of stretch marks. You should also apply lotion to your skin regularly, as dry skin is more prone to cracking. A simple but effective method is cold/warm showers. After such a shower, oil should be rubbed into the skin, as it then absorbs particularly quickly.

A healthy diet also plays an important role in preventing stretch marks . Expectant mothers should drink two to three liters of water or herbal tea a day and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Vitamins A, C and E strengthen the connective tissue. If you want to be on the safe side, take a special multivitamin preparation for pregnant women. Sport also strengthens the connective tissue. Long walks, yoga or short runs in the first few months of pregnancy contribute to the stretch marks being less pronounced later on.

Can stretch marks be removed?

Not all stretch marks can be removed. However, it must be said that a lot has happened in this area in recent years. After all, under the action of lasers, the stripes become brighter and contract. The Fraxel CO2 laser is particularly well suited for the treatment of stretch marks. Because each case is different, it is not easy to predict the number of treatments required. On average, five to six sessions are required to see positive results. The Rio method is much more aggressive. The procedure comes from Brazil and requires a two-week treatment of the skin with fruit acid peelings. The skin is then treated with a laser.

Another method used to treat stretch marks is microneedling. Here, tiny wounds are made in the skin to stimulate collagen formation. There are even derma rollers for home use that are designed to boost the healing process. A relatively new treatment method combines microneedling with ultrasonic waves. The latter are said to stimulate collagen formation more than is the case with conventional microneedling.

Conclusion

Stretch marks are normal and will fade over time. You can counteract the development of stretch marks by taking cold/warm showers and massages early in pregnancy. The skin should be regularly lubricated with oil or a rich cream, since dry skin is prone to cracking. Although stretch marks cannot be 100% removed, there are ways to make them less noticeable. The most commonly used treatment methods include laser and microneedling.