Introduction on Stretch Marks

Pregnant women first notice slightly raised brownish-red or blue stripes, which run parallel. Stretch marks mostly affect the abdomen, but can also occur on the thighs, hips, breasts and upper arms. They occur mainly in the second half of pregnancy.

Symptoms: Stretch marks do not cause physical discomfort; they are primarily a cosmetic problem. If red stripes are suddenly formed on the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs or upper arms during pregnancy, then they are usually stretch marks.

Causes: The baby must expand naturally when it grows in the stomach. Also, the breasts become larger as a result of the pregnancy, there is weight gain and the hips and thighs can grow. The connective tissue of the skin can adapt to the growing volume to a certain extent. But if the strain is too strong, the connective tissue fibers tear apart. Cracks occur in certain layers of the skin and they are visible on the skin surface as stretch marks.

About two thirds of all pregnant women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. However, the manifestations of their skin lesions and their localization are different.

The extent to which women are affected by stretch marks and whether they are at all depends on several factors. First, the connective tissue varies greatly from woman to woman - it depends on the individual "genetic programming". Second of all, the weight gain of pregnant women differs with every case. The more steadily the mother gains weight, the lower is the risk of her getting stretch marks. Finally, they need "love handles". Here, however, only the excess weight gain is referred to. Diets during pregnancy are absolutely counter indicated!

Multiple pregnancies increase the girth of the mother even more, thus posing a further risk of stretch marks.

When is a doctor’s visit recommended? Stretch marks are not dangerous, so there is no need to consult a doctor.
Diagnosis: The doctor can provide a diagnosis simply by taking a look at the stripes on the abdomen or other relevant body part.
Treatment: Currently, stretch marks are not treated with a satisfactory result.
Complicatios" Complications of pregnancy strips are currently unknown.
Prevention methods" Preventive medical measures against stretch marks are unknown. Some hope that increasing the blood flow to the tissue may prevent the occurrence of stretch marks. However, the success of such measures has not been proved.

What can you do?

There is yet no evidence that certain preventative measures are in fact successful. But one thing is sure and that is that stretch marks do not affect the pregnancy. So you can apply some cream on a daily basis, for instance. There are special products to be used against stretch marks. However, their actual effectiveness is controversial. Body lotions and oils can be used as well gentle massaging.

The so-called plucked massage promotes your blood circulation. Lift the skin with your thumb and index finger, hold it firmly for a moment and highlight it briefly after releasing it. But be careful because you should avoid massages during preterm labor! A healthy balanced diet not only strengthens the tissue, but is also good for the unborn child in your womb. It also protects against weight gain that goes beyond the usual limits. You may not believe it, but you do not have to eat for two people. However, you should not go hungry either!

Buy and wear well-fitting and supportive bras to support the connective tissue of the breast, which is becoming larger and harder, and not to overload it. Cool showers and massages stimulate the blood flow to the tissue. However, if you eventually see the first red streaks on your body, then remember that your body has already changed through the pregnancy. This is normal! The red stripes are becoming pale over time until they finally get a pearl-colored aspect, so that they are only slightly noticeable in many cases.

Stretch Marks - Information and Treatment for Any Kind of Stretch Mark Problem

Many women are faced with stretch marks, the reddish-purple lines that turn silvery-white with time, before their pregnancy. These lines are also called pregnancy stretch marks. Moreover, they are also encountered during growth spurts in puberty. What is the reason for the appearance of these stripes and, most importantly, how can you prevent them?

Stretch marks arise in people who have weak connective tissue or who suffer from obesity. Therefore, they also occur when a woman is pregnant. The pregnancy strips are stronger in pregnant women with weak connective tissue, as the subcutaneous tissue has difficulties expanding fast and strong. However, stretch marks cannot be prevented because this skin property is inherited.

Hormones lead to a loosened supporting tissue during your pregnancy, which is involved in the growth of the baby’s skin. But at the same time, it can strain your abdominal skin, resulting in small subcutaneous tissue cracks. Therefore, they shine through your blood vessels, leading to the reddish-violet color of the stripe. When you can finally carry your child in your arms, your subcutaneous tissue is pulled back together, these stripes fade and become silvery-white, similar to scar tissue.

The first stretch marks may appear on your belly and your breasts since that is where your connective tissue is most exposed. In some cases, the skin also begins to itch in these locations. You should get checked up regularly and early in order to prevent the severity and amount of pregnancy strips. Massages with vegetable oil using a circular motion stimulate blood circulation and make it elastic. Massaging should be a morning or evening ritual at the beginning of your pregnancy. You should take better care of your skin in the morning and evening during the second half of your pregnancy, now that your skin stretches even more.

But you cannot use just any oil. Always look for high-quality vegetable oils. These can be easily absorbed by your skin since they are related to your body fat and therefore can be utilized by your metabolism a lot better. Mineral oils, however, tighten the skin and sometimes even prevent it from breathing.

Tip: Pampering massage sessions

Men can also have weak connective tissues and thus of course, they can also get "pregnancy strips”. Treat your body with a comfortable full-body massage once a week using good vegetable oils. You will see how good they are for you and how much more relaxed you will be.

Tips to prevent the appearance of pregnancy strips:

The plucked massage: Pluck the skin high on your belly with your thumb and index finger and easily. Do not pluck too strong so as not to make the situation even worse.

The rolling massage: Grab your skin between your thumb and forefinger and gently roll it back and forth. If that is unpleasant, you should go for the circular massage instead.

The circular massage: Massage your skin with oil in a circular motion, applying light pressure. If you do this on damp skin when you get out from the shower, you will create a light emulsion. This way, the oil can be even better absorbed by your skin.

Use sunflower, wheat germ or sesame oil to keep the acid mantle of your skin in balance. Mild almond, jojoba and vitamin E-rich wheat germ oil improve the elasticity of your subcutaneous tissue. Take regular warm-cold contrast showers to promote your blood circulation.