Pregnancy Stretch Marks

It is completely normal and harmless to experience stretch marks around your stomach region, breast, thighs, hips, lower back and buttocks during your pregnancy.

Garden OB/GYN
Garden OB/GYN
May 14th, 2018
Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Stretch Marks Are Common And Harmless

It is completely normal and harmless to experience stretch marks around your stomach region, breast, thighs, hips, lower back and buttocks during your pregnancy. Most women (almost 90% of pregnant women) experience them after the sixth month of pregnancy. Stretch marks appear as the collagen or skin stretches beyond its limit to make room for your developing baby. Since the skin is moving and tearing more rapidly than normal, the stretch marks appear as a result of the skin cells rupturing and not having enough time to properly repair.

Coloration

Typically, stretch marks start off as a thin pink or light color and eventually progress to a wider size and a red or purple color. Luckily, stretch marks may disappear with time. Eventually, they will transition to a paler white or silver color.

Treatments

Even though they are normal and harmless to you and your baby, that doesn’t mean their aesthetics appearance or potential itchiness won’t be bothersome to you. Luckily, there are techniques and products to help manage and reduce stretch marks. It is recommended to apply skin products, like oils and moisturizing creams that aid the skin’s elasticity and hydration twice a day, from the start of the first trimester. This will help prevent stretch marks from occurring and/or progressing. For existing stretch marks, bio-oil and silica gels typically help remove the coloration and appearance.  Managing your weight to reduce any additional rapid stretching of the skin can also help. Staying hydrated by drinking sufficient water will also keep the skin elastic, reducing its proneness to stretch marks.

 

Speak With Your Obstetrician About Options

So, if you are experiencing stretch marks during your pregnancy, know that you are not alone! These marks are a natural part of your body providing your baby the space and nutrients it needs to grow! However, we know these bodily marks may be hard to embrace. Therefore, during your next obstetric appointment, ask your pregnancy healthcare provider what methods they recommend for your body.

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