Pregnancy Stretch Marks - An Introduction

Via NHS Website

Apart from labour the other thing that scared me when I found our I was pregnant was stretch marks. I had previously had them for a dramatic weight increase so I knew I wasn't completely immune to them.

Stretch marks are lines that develop on the skin when the skin is stretched quicker than it can regenerate showing the dermis (or middle) layer skin through. They start off as red/purple and then fade into silvery white colour.

You can never fully prevent them from coming (it is predicted that 9 out of 10 pregnant women will get them in some way), but there are products and treatments that help support the skin in healing from them. You can also help by:

• Not eating for two - you will only need an extra 200 calories a day in the last trimester. You will naturally put on weight as your baby grows, if you are concerned speak to your midwife or doctor.
• Keep Hydrated - Sipping on water throughout will keep the skin hydrated which will help with it elasticity.
• Gentle exercise - Not only will help with balancing weight gain but also make you feel better about your developing body.

There is a huge market in oils and creams that can help with the fading of the marks and over the next week we are going to looking at the different products on the market from the budget to the high end as well as musket to the independents. Creams and oils are great not only for the reduction but for another stretch mark side effect - itching.

I have been using them myself over the course of 5 months, (just after my first trimester was complete). With any products please read the label before use and if you get nay reactions please stop using straight away.