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During pregnancy the skin stretches at a very rapid rate, this can cause very tiny tears under the skin, which can result in marks which can be very red at first, gradually fading to silver fine lines. These vary for woman to woman, some get a lot of very visible lines and some are fortunate and have none at all.
Some woman are naturally more prone to stretch marks, medical name, stiae gradvidarum, than others but there are measures you can take during your pregnancy to get nature on your side. Prevention is always better than cure in this case as trying to remove stretch marks afterwards can be difficult, there are creams and oils recommended for use, although they take time and may only fade the marks not remove them.
When you find out you are pregnant, or before if planning a pregnancy, get into a good skin care routine. When bathing add a cap full of olive oil to the bath, to moisturise the skin, use extra virgin, which is easily absorbed into the skin. While in the bath gently massage the stomach area,tops of thighs and breasts as stretch marks often occur there too, with an exfoliating scrub to get rid of old skin cells. After bathing, and at regular intervals during the day massage Vitamin E cream or oil into the skin. This will ensure the skin does not become dry, allowing it to stretch and also the massaging will allow the skin to stay supple. Apply at least three times daily, as well as oil in the bath will go a long way to ensure you, as much as possible, reduce the risk, by preparing the skin.
Use of pure essential oils can also help to prevent and reduce stretch marks. Always ensure the oils you use are pure 100% essential oils, not the synthetic, fragranced’ oils. Use the oils in the bath, one or two drops are enough, or as a massage oil mixed with a carrier oil. The oils that will benefit you are lavender, neroli and calendula. Please consult qualified, experienced aromatherapist , your doctor or midwife for further advice especially if you have any other medical conditions or skin conditions that could affect the use of oils.
You can also eat foods that will help to reduce or prevent stretch marks occurring. Eating foods high in Vitamins A, E and C as well as foods high in zinc will ensure your skin is getting the correct nutrition to stay healthy and cope with the pregnancy, eating foods with these vitamins will also ensure you and the baby are getting a balanced diet. Essential fatty acids also can benefit your skin. If you try to eat a good range of fruits and vegetables and fish each day you should be getting balanced amount of vitamins.
Please note, that although these vitamins, when eaten in foods naturally should be balanced and safe to eat as long as you eat in moderation as part of a balanced diet, you should be cautious if considering supplements, as some vitamins can be harmful in pregnancy. Vitamin A for example should not be taken in excess of 25,000 IU. Please consult your doctor or midwife before taking supplements as normally a healthy diet and a range of fruit and vegetables will provide all your needs.
If after all your efforts you are left with a few stretch marks after your pregnancy, continue with the skin care and healthy eating, it will help to reduce them, do not worry too much, they do fade with time and remember, they are a result of having your gorgeous baby surely that is worth it?
