Pregnancy Stretch Marks - Cause And Treatment

Understanding pregnancy stretch marks is your first step towards effective treatment. Pregnancy stretch marks are the scar like lines you find running across your thighs, belly, breasts or upper arms after sudden weight gain. They are white to pink or red in color. Widespread pregnancy stretch marks can mar the experience of pregnancy for many women, making them feel unattractive.

Pregnancy stretch marks can be treated through various traditional and modern methods. The effectiveness of treatment varies from person to person. Generally, women who get stretch mark treatment soon after they notice it stand a better chance of being rid of them completely. Stretch mark removal takes time and effort. You should be patient and use only those treatments that do not have side effects for you or the baby.

Why the Skin Gets Stretch Marks

The skin is a delicate tissue that has an outer layer that is thin, and an inner layer called collagen. What appears as scars are the places where the collagen layer has broken. This happens when there is rapid weight gain, and fat is stored in these places. Stretch marks on breasts during pregnancy are caused when the breasts secrete colostrums and expand in preparation of feeding the baby.

Another area where many pregnant women see pregnancy stretch marks is the belly. Due to the growing fetus, the belly expands. This causes the skin to break in places.

Areas like thighs and buttocks also see pregnancy stretch marks due to weight gain during pregnancy.

Treating pregnancy stretch marks

You need to know everything about pregnancy stretch marks before you start on a treatment program. Information will help you choose from the many options you have. Treatment should be started as soon as possible, as this gets better results. Here are some of the treatment options you have.

• Moisturizers - One of the main reasons the skin breaks is that it has lost moisture and become brittle. Choose a lotion for pregnancy stretch marks that will replenish the lost moisture and keep the skin healthy. You can even use cocoa butter if you feel like going completely natural.
• Massage - Nothing like a good massage to treat pregnancy stretch marks. Massage makes the affected area more supple, reducing stretch marks by stimulating new tissue to grow.
• Diet- You need not eat for two by eating double ration during pregnancy. Eat healthy meals and munch on fat free snacks to keep the pounds off and prevent stretch marks. If stretch marks are visible, a diet rich in minerals and proteins can minimize the problem.
• Laser Therapy- When all else fails, modern medicine can help. Laser therapy is an effective way to treat pregnancy stretch marks. While 100 per cent results cannot be guaranteed, stretch marks can be minimized so that they are not too conspicuous.

Pregnancy is a beautiful time for you. Pregnancy stretch marks can make you feel blue, but remember, it can be treated.