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For a number of women, the most terrifying thing that can happen to them during gestation is Striae gravidarium, or stretch marks. This is a common event during pregnancy, with 50 to 90 percent of all expecting mothers being affected by some type of visible marks. It most often emerges on the lower abdomen but can appear on the hips and thighs, on the breasts, and on the butt. Striae gravidarium are caused by collagen being separated in the skin. In the latter period of pregnancy they can be a dark red or a darker nearly purplish color. Striae gravidarium can develop in overweight people and weight lifters also. With fast bodily changes, the skin does not have enough time to adapt to the shifts in weight. Body builders will get them as a result of developing muscle too quickly. Someone can also get them from using creams and solutions that have steroids for an extended amount of time. The good news is that they will generally fade and grow fainter in color after a period of time. Striae gravidarium is not harmful but can often be irritated or dry and certainly can be unappealing. They are caused when the epidermis is extended and altered more quickly than the collagen fibers can handle it. Unfortunately, the probability of being affected by stretch marks is mostly genetic. If your mother and aunt or sisters were affected by them, there is a high chance that you will be affected by them too. Besides heredity, other factors that cause stretch marks are diet, activity level, and lifestyle choices. To avert and counter stretch marks women should try to make their epidermis as pliant as possible. Well hydrated skin stretches better so be sure to consume plenty of water each day. 1000 mg of vitamin C per day is recommended to boost the immune system and keep the skin at top health. Use a sunblocker when going outside to avoid spotting and worsening marks. It is also wise to keep the skin moist and supple by putting on a moisturizer. Because too much stress can lead to breakdowns in the immune system it is advisable to partake in some type of destressing activity such as yoga, aerobics, and meditation. Even though stretch marks are generally a genetic disorder, there are many things you can do to promote maximum flexibility of the skin. Besides trying to lose weight (which, while pregnant, is not recommended for the baby's sake) women can promote healthy skin by working out regularly, even during the gestation period. Low impact and less intensive aerobic physical activities are adapted activities that women can do that are good for mother and child also. Pregnant women should eat as nutritiously as possible by consuming nutritious foods, controlling carbonated sodas consumption, limiting caffeine consumption, and avoiding alcoholic beverages and coffee. Expectant mothers should also avoid smoking during the entire pregnancy period. A number of products promise to make stretch marks disappear and fade away by recovering and preventing them from coming initially. While usually not proven to have any lasting effects, some of them may do a trivial amount of good. Surgery is expensive and timely. For many women the only way to minimize striae gravidarium is to get the help of a dermatologist. This type of surgery is not suggested until later because often the body will still have some growing or changing to do.
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