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During pregnancy, Striae gravidarium, or stretch marks, is the most terrible thing that can go wrong for a variety of expectant mothers. 50-90% of all expecting mothers will be affected by some type of visible marks during their term. It most often can be found on the lower abdomen but can be seen on the hips and thighs, on the breasts, and on the buttocks. Striae gravidarium are caused by collagen being torn apart from the skin. In the later period of pregnancy they can be a dark red or a deeper almost purplish color. Obese people as well as bodybuilders can also get striae gravidarium. With rapid bodily changes, the skin does not have enough time to readjust to the shifts in weight. Weight lifters will get them as a result of gaining muscle too quickly. Someone can also get them from applying creams and solutions that contain steroids for an extended period of time. The good news is that even though they might be darker in appearance at first, they will usually fade and become fainter and less obvious after a few months. Women need to make their skin as elastic as possible to counter and avoid striae gravidarium. Drinking lots of water each day assures well hydrated skin that pulls more easily. 1000 mg of vitamin C per day is recommended to strengthen the immune system and keep the epidermis at maximum health. To prevent skin spots and highlighting marks when exposed to the sun, use a sunblocker when going outside. It is also wise to keep the skin hydrated and supple by applying a moisturizing cream. Because stress can lead to breakdowns in the immune system it is suggested to partake in some kind of destressing activity such as stretching, aerobics, and meditation. Even though stretch marks are generally a hereditary disorder, there are various activities you can do to encourage the most flexibility of the skin. Besides attempting to maintain weight (which, while pregnant, is not recommended for the baby's sake) women can encourage healthy skin by working out regularly, even during the gestation period. Women will of course have to change their exercise routine while they are pregnant, but low impact and less intensive cardio exercising is good for both mother and baby. Avoiding coffee and alcohol, controlling the use of caffeine and carbonated drinks, and eating as nutritiously as possible are steps that ladies should take during pregnancy. Pregnant mothers should also avoid smoking during the whole gestation period. Stretch marks are not harmful but can often be irritated or dry and certainly can be unsightly. They are caused when the skin is expanded and altered faster than the collagen fibers can sustain it. Unfortunately, the chance of being affected by stretch marks is mostly genetic. There is a good chance you will get them if your mom and aunts or siblings had them. Besides heredity, other factors that cause stretch marks are eating habits, activity level, and lifestyle choices. There are a variety of products out there that claim to be able to prevent and heal stretch marks to make them fade and disappear. While usually not proven to have any lasting effects, some may do a little good. There are many surgical operations, but they can be drawn out and very expensive. Often seeing a physician may be the only way to counter stretch marks for some women. This type of surgery is not suggested until later because many times the body will still have some growing or changing to do.
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