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During pregnancy, Striae gravidarium, or stretch marks, is the most feared thing that can happen for a lot of women. 50 to 90% of the total expectant mothers will get some type of visible markings during pregnancy. It can emerge on the hips and thighs, breasts, and buttocks but is most most often found on the lower stomach area. Striae gravidarium are caused by collagen being torn apart from the skin. In the later period of gestation they can be a dark red or a darker almost purplish hue. Striae gravidarium is not painful but can often be itchy or dehydrated and certainly can be unappealing. They are caused when the skin is stretched and changed faster than the collagen fibers can sustain it. Genes, unfortunately for some, is the main factor when it comes to getting striae gravidarium. There is a high possibility you will be affected by them if your mother and aunt or siblings had them. Lifestyle, nutrition, and physical activity level are other components that affect stretch marks besides genetics. Overweight people as well as weight lifters can also develop striae gravidarium. The skin does not have long enough to adapt to fluctuations in weight when the body changes rapidly. Gaining muscle too fast results in stretch marks for body builders. Somebody can also get them from using creams and solutions that have steroids for a long period of time. The fortunate news is that they will usually recede and grow lighter in color after a while. There are many things you can do to promote the flexibility of the epidermis even though it is mostly a genetic problem. Besides attempting to lose weight (which, during pregnancy, is not recommended for the baby's welfare) women can promote healthy skin by working out regularly, even during pregnancy. Low impact and light aerobic physical activities are modified activities that women can perform that are good for mother and child also. Avoiding coffee and booze, limiting consumption of caffeine and carbonated drinks, and eating as nutritiously as possible are steps that women should take during the gestation period. Expectant women should also avoid smoking during the whole gestation period. Women should make their epidermis as pliant as possible to prevent and avert striae gravidarium. Well hydrated skin stretches better so be sure to drink lots of water daily. To strengthen the immune system and maintain skin at maximum health it is suggested to take 1000mg of vitamin C daily. Use a sunblocker when going outside to avoid spotting and worsening marks. Applying a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and supple is also suggested. Because stress can lead to breakdowns in the immune system it is recommended to partake in some kind of anti-stressing activity such as yoga, cardiovascular activity, and meditation. There are a variety of products in the world that claim to be able to prevent and heal stretch marks to make them fade and dissipate. While generally not proven to have any permanent effects, some may do a trivial amount of good. Surgical options are pricey and timely. For a number of women the one way to counter striae gravidarium is to get the assistance of a doctor. This type of surgical procedure is not suggested until later because many times the body will still have some growing or changing to do.
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