How to avoid stretch marks during and after pregnancy

Everything around seems so harmonious and natural, and the expectant mother herself blossoms like a beautiful flower, revealing her best feminine qualities - kindness, tenderness, joyfulness and caring.

Many questions arise in your head, for example, how to properly care for yourself during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Can I use my usual deodorants and cosmetics? How to prevent the appearance of cellulite? How to get rid of stretch marks on your stomach?

Today we would like to talk to you about stretch marks - why they appear and what to do about it.

What are stretch marks?

Ideally, our skin should be firm and elastic, regardless of external factors. But for some reasons, which we will discuss below, stretch marks or stretch marks may form on it.

This means that the inner layer of the epidermis is torn, and over time, scar tissue forms at the site of the stretch. Our internal tailors are mending as best they can!

At first, the skin at the site of the stretch marks has a red and even purple tint, but over time it whitens to its normal color. Unfortunately for us, stretch marks are almost impossible to get rid of and even a tan will most likely not take them away.

Mesotherapy for stretch marks

Mesotherapy is especially effective in combating stretch marks. The sooner you start using this method, the more effective the results will be.

Mesotherapy is an invasive procedure, since during it biologically active substances necessary to restore damaged skin are injected directly into the skin layers. The injected drugs help restore fibers in deep tissues. As they begin to strengthen, the stretch marks begin to fade.

But you should remember that only fresh stretch marks can be removed using this method. If the damage appeared a long time ago, it will definitely not be completely removed. The skin fibers are already torn and this condition is very similar to a scar. The procedure will only help reduce the visibility of stretch marks.

Photo 1. Mesotherapy for stretch marks before and after

Photo 2. Mesotherapy for stretch marks before and after

Mesotherapy is carried out using a needle system. Microscopic punctures are made in the skin. The skin in the affected area then begins to heal, activating collagen production. The skin becomes more elastic and smooth.

Preventing stretch marks during pregnancy

In order to know what helps with stretch marks during pregnancy, let’s first get acquainted with the reasons for the appearance of stretch marks, there may be several of them.

Firstly, this is an increase in body weight and volume. If we do not properly monitor our skin and health, smoke, do not use moisturizers, etc., our chance of getting stretch marks due to breast and abdominal enlargement during pregnancy increases significantly.
Secondly, it's all about hormones. Hormonal changes or disruptions may disrupt the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Because of this, the properties of the skin change, which leads to the appearance of stretch marks.
Thirdly, stretch marks are also affected by how you eat. The lack of vitamins, proteins and nutrients has a particularly strong effect during pregnancy. A balanced and natural diet can help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. This may not guarantee complete elimination of stretch marks, but it significantly reduces the possibility of their appearance.
And fourthly, the cause of unwanted stretch marks may be a genetic predisposition. If your mother and grandmother do not have stripes on their stomach and chest, then you should not have them either.

How to prevent the appearance of stretch marks?

Eat right. Make sure you have enough protein, vitamins and minerals in your diet. Also drink more water.
Before pregnancy, take care of your physical fitness. This will help reduce the possibility of stretch marks appearing by almost half.
Take a contrast shower, which will have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.
Do physical exercise, yoga or simple walking.
Use special moisturizing and nourishing skin products before pregnancy and anti-stretch mark oils during and after pregnancy.
Following these simple steps will be the best way to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

How to prevent stretch marks from appearing?

Some women believe that if they have inherited a genetic likelihood of stretch marks, then this defect cannot be avoided. Actually this is not true.

For example, if at the beginning of pregnancy you start using creams containing vitamins A, C, E, which perfectly nourish and improve the condition of the skin, you can significantly reduce the number and depth of stretch marks and other defects. Products with aloe vera extract and coconut oil also work very well. These are completely natural products that definitely will not harm the baby.

Unrefined olive, almond or other vegetable oils are also suitable for skin care. They are best used after a shower, when the skin is still a little damp; it absorbs oils, creams, and lotions better.

How to prevent stretch marks

If you notice the first stretch marks, choose products containing peptides. Also look for products with Asian garlic. These ingredients help to intensively moisturize the skin, increase its elasticity, stimulate collagen production, and the skin begins to recover faster. Regular application of this product will make the skin much softer and more elastic.

It is also important to remember to eat a balanced diet. You need to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals from food. The skin needs vitamin A the most, as well as vitamins C and E. Also, eat more protein-rich foods. It is advisable to give up coffee, as caffeine reduces the elasticity of the skin.

Massage is also very useful, promoting skin regeneration processes. Thanks to it, blood circulation improves and the lymphatic system is activated. At the same time, the skin tightens and its condition improves. To perform a massage yourself, you can use a special massage glove. Rubbing should start from the feet and move up to the head.

Massage promotes skin regeneration processes

To maintain skin elasticity and prevent stretch marks, it is recommended to exercise and move as much as possible. While expecting your baby, you can choose special exercises for pregnant women.

When a belly appears, pregnant women need to wear a special belt that holds the belly and prevents stretching of the skin.

How to get rid of stretch marks at home?

Starting from the third month, when the tummy begins to grow, it is worth paying special attention to preventing stretch marks. In addition to the tips that we have already mentioned above, I would like to say a few words about oils for stretch marks during pregnancy and special bandages for pregnant women.
From the second trimester, it is worth stocking up on several supportive bras with wide straps that will help avoid the appearance of unwanted stripes and a belly band. The latter is best used only as prescribed by a doctor. It is suitable for mothers with many children and women with weak abdominal muscles. Also, to prevent stretch marks on your own, natural oils and creams will be our best friend.

When do stretch marks appear during pregnancy?

Everyone wants to know: when exactly do stretch marks appear during pregnancy? It's different for everyone. Often stretch marks occur in the later stages - as the skin stretches with the increase in the size of the uterus and abdomen. For some, they appear in the second trimester, for others - around the 30th week, and for others - only in the last weeks of the third trimester, and for others they do not occur at all.

Elimination of stretch marks in plastic surgery

There are no separate techniques for removing stretch marks yet, but scars can be removed during a complex intervention:

Abdominoplasty. Corrects the abdominal area, returning it to its correct, aesthetic shape. The recovery period takes about 6 months.
Mastopexy. Solves one of the most pressing problems of women who have given birth - sagging breasts. The surgeon corrects the shape and removes excess skin, including stretch marks. And the remaining stretch marks become less noticeable due to the tension of the chest. Recovery may take about a year.
Femoroplasty. This is a correction of the volume and condition of the skin of the thighs: areas with atrophic scars are removed, excess fat is pumped out, and a clear line is created. Recovery lasts about 8 months.

Of course, stretch marks are unpleasant, but don’t despair - regular body care and cosmetic procedures will help restore your skin to its former beauty. You can share your experiences and get valuable advice from those who are facing the same problem in the support chat of our online course “Easy Childbirth Without Fear.” In it, course students from all over the world exchange experiences and talk about what helped them.

And, as you can see, there are a lot of ways to combat stretch marks. The main thing is not to start the process, because the older the scars, the harder it is to get rid of them. Be more attentive to changes in your body, regularly moisturize your skin with oils, do self-massage, and eat foods rich in vitamins. Your task is to take care not only of the baby, but also of yourself. The obvious truth: a satisfied, calm mother means a joyful and healthy baby.

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How to Avoid Stretch Marks

Ideally, our skin is elastic, elastic, can stretch and easily return to its previous state. Due to sudden changes in weight and hormonal changes during pregnancy, the skin becomes thinner. Hormonal imbalances caused by pregnancy can reduce elasticity. The uterus gradually enlarges, the fetus grows rapidly, and the skin does not always keep up with these changes.

If an excess of the hormone estrogen occurs in the blood of a pregnant woman, the amount of amino acids in skin cells decreases. But it is from amino acids that collagen and elastin are produced. As a result, the elasticity of the skin decreases sharply. Sometimes this can lead to ruptures of its internal layers. The rupture sites are quickly replaced by connective tissue, after which stretch marks or striae form. Initially they have a reddish or pink tint, and then take on the appearance of whitish stripes on the skin. Stretch marks can appear not only on the stomach, but also on the chest, hips and buttocks. During pregnancy, the skin of these areas definitely needs additional hydration.

Stretch marks in pregnant women are much easier to prevent than to cure. You shouldn’t wait for them to appear; you need to use special moisturizing creams for stretch marks in advance. Apply the cream with massage movements to risk areas: chest, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, armpits. Alternate stroking and pinching - this tactic gives a good effect and prevents the appearance of stretch marks on the stomach. It is better to rub your thighs and buttocks with a terry towel. The main thing in the fight against stretch marks is systematic and constant skin care. Start active procedures for the prevention of stretch marks from the first days of pregnancy. If stretch marks have already appeared, you cannot fight them at this stage with any other methods other than using special cosmetics. Therefore, stretch mark cream is the best helper during pregnancy.

Thanks to their special composition, creams for stretch marks: increase skin elasticity, reducing the risk of stretch marks, accelerate cell division, intensively moisturize and soften the skin. The most important thing is that the cream for stretch marks does not cause allergies, is non-toxic and safe.

Proper nutrition will also help you avoid stretch marks. Try not to gain more than 10-12 kilograms during pregnancy. Under no circumstances should you eat for two, as loving mothers and grandmothers advise us. And, if the doctor does not limit you in physical activity, move a lot. Include more whole grains, vegetable oils, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, legumes, eggs, liver, meat, fish, dairy products, fruits and vegetables in your diet. With proper nutrition, weight is gained gradually, which means the risk of stretch marks is reduced.

Also, special physical exercises for pregnant women will help against stretch marks, as they improve blood circulation. Don't forget to use prenatal belts and bandages. It is recommended to take a contrast shower, directing the water jets to both the thighs and the stomach. You can also perform a light massage with stroking movements on those areas of the body where stretch marks may appear.

In addition, do not forget that stretch marks appear not only during pregnancy, but also in the first time after childbirth. We are talking about the breast: milk arrives very quickly and the skin of the breast may not keep up with its rapidly increasing volumes, and connective tissue ruptures occur.

If stretch marks do appear, then there is no need to panic or be upset. Let this be the only problem that bothers you.