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For a variety of women, the worst thing that can go wrong to them during pregnancy is Striae gravidarium, or stretch marks. 50-90% of all expecting mothers will be affected by some kind of visible marks during pregnancy. It can emerge on the hips and thighs, breasts, and butt but is most generally found on the lower abdomen. Striae gravidarium are caused by collagen being separated in the skin. They can be light pink in hue all the way to a dark red or even purplish color in the later period of pregnancy. Stretch marks can develop in overweight people and body builders also. The epidermis does not have enough time to adapt to shifts in weight when the body changes rapidly. Building muscle too fast results in stretch marks for body builders. Someone can also get them from using creams and solutions that contain steroids for a long amount of time. The good news is that even though they may be darker in appearance at first, they will usually fade and become lighter and less obvious after a little while. Striae gravidarium is not painful but can often be irritated or dehydrated and certainly can be unsightly. They are caused when the skin is extended and changed more quickly than the collagen fibers can sustain it. Genes, which for some is too bad, is the main factor when it comes to being affected by stretch marks. There is a good chance you will get them if your mom and aunts or sisters had them. Lifestyle, diet, and physical activity level are other factors that cause stretch marks besides genetics. To avoid and prevent striae gravidarium women should attempt to make their skin as flexible as possible. Consuming lots of water daily assures well hydrated skin that flexes more easily. To strengthen the immune system and have skin at maximum health it is recommended to take 1000mg of vitamin C every day. Use a sunscreen when going outside to prevent spotting and worsening marks. It is also a good idea to keep the skin moist and supple by applying a moisturizer. Because too much stress can lead to breakdowns in the immune system it is recommended to partake in some kind of anti-stressing activity such as stretching, cardiovascular activity, and meditation. While stretch marks are mostly a hereditary problem, there are several things you can do to promote the most flexibility of the skin. Even during the gestation period women can routinely exercise to maximize healthy skin. Women will naturally have to alter their physical routine while they are expecting, but low impact and less intensive aerobic exercising is good for both mother and baby. Staying away from coffee and alcohol, limiting the use of caffeine and carbonated beverages, and eating as nutritiously as possible are all steps that ladies should take during pregnancy. Pregnant mothers should also avoid smoking during the entire pregnancy period. There are a variety of products out there that promise to be able to prevent and heal stretch marks to make them vanish and dissipate. While generally unproven to have any lasting effects, some may do a little good. Surgical options are pricey and time consuming. For a variety of women the one way to minimize stretch marks is to get the aid of a doctor. This kind of surgical procedure is not suggested until later because often the body will still have some growing or alternating to do.
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