Stretch marks are well-like lines that form on the belly or breasts as those areas grow bigger. They sometimes form suddenly in the third trimester or when the pregnancy is full-term. So why do stretch marks form?
What causes stretch marks?
When your belly or other areas rapidly grows bigger, the subcutaneous tissue on the outside cannot keep up with the speed at which the muscles and fat are increasing, and it may tear, causing stretch marks. Depending on your build and physique, it's not definite that you'll get them. Petite women or those who gain weight rapidly in a short period of time are more likely to get them.
Stretch marks do not hurt, but some people do feel itchy. They have no effect at all on the baby inside your belly, but it is said that once they form they never go away completely. So take a practical approach and tell yourself, "Having stretch marks is proof that I'm a mama!" Or if you're uncomfortable about marks remaining on your skin, preventing them is your best plan.
To prevent stretch marks
To prevent stretch marks before they are formed, the following 2 points are important.
- Watch your weight gain
- To keep from gaining weight rapidly in a short time after the first term of pregnancy, it's best to be attentive about weight management. To ensure that the baby in your belly grows up healthy, and to keep your weight gain at a normal level, be mindful about controlling calories.
- Moisturize skin with cream, etc.
- Stretch marks are a form of skin problem. To prevent skin problems, the basic remedy for the belly is "moisturizing," just as with the face. After your bath or when caring for your face in the morning, for example, rub some moisturizing cream on your belly, too, and gently massage it in. If you keep your skin hydrated and in a flexible condition, when your belly grows bigger the skin will stretch flexibly, warding off stretch marks. Creams specifically made for preventing stretch marks are also available, so try some.Stretch marks often form on the lower part of the belly, which can be difficult to see for yourself in the third trimester, so the key is to moisturize your entire belly.
If stretch marks form
Once stretch marks form, it is said that they never go away completely. However, those that are reddish-purple during pregnancy will turn whitish after birth and gradually fade.
Even after stretch marks have formed, if you continue rubbing moisturizing cream on and massaging it in, you can prevent them from getting darker, so it's important not to give up!
