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For a number of expectant mothers, the most horrible thing that can happen to them during gestation is Striae gravidarium, or stretch marks. 50 to 90% of all expectant mothers will receive some kind of visible marks during pregnancy. It usually shows up on the lower abdomen but can be seen on the hips and thighs, on the breasts, and on the butt. Stretch marks are caused by collagen being torn apart from the skin. They can be light in color all the way to a darker red or even purplish color in the latter months of gestation. Stretch marks can be dehydrated and irritated as well as unsightly even though they are not always painful. They are caused when the skin is expanded and changed faster than the collagen fibers can sustain it. Unfortunately, the possibility of being affected by stretch marks is mostly genetic. There is a high possibility you will get them if your mother and aunt or sisters had them. Lifestyle, nutrition, and physical activity level are other factors that affect stretch marks besides genetics. Overweight people and as weight lifters can also develop stretch marks. With fast bodily changes, the skin does not have enough time to adapt to the fluctuations in weight. Gaining muscle too rapidly results in stretch marks for body builders. Somebody can also get them from using creams and solutions that have steroids for an extended period of time. The good news is that they will generally recede and grow lighter in color after a period of time. To avoid and prevent stretch marks women need to try to make their epidermis as elastic as possible. Consuming lots of water each day assures well hydrated skin that stretches more easily. To boost the immune system and maintain skin at the most health it is suggested to take 1000mg of vitamin C daily. To avoid spotting and highlighting marks when exposed to the sun, use a sunblocker when going outdoors. Putting on a moisturizing cream to keep the skin moist and supple is also recommended. Because stress can lead to breakdowns in the immune system it is advisable to participate in some type of anti-stressing activity such as stretching, aerobics, and meditation. There are some things you can do to promote the elasticity of the skin even though it is mainly a genetic problem. Even during the gestation period women can regularly exercise to promote healthy skin. Women will of course have to alter 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 booze, controlling consumption of caffeine and carbonated beverages, and eating as healthy as possible are steps that ladies should take during the gestation period. Cigarettes should also be avoided by pregnant women. Many products promise to make stretch marks dissipate and vanish by healing and keeping them from coming in the first place. While generally unproven to have any lasting effects, some of them may do a trivial amount of good. Surgery is pricey and time consuming. For a lot of women the one way to counter striae gravidarium is to get the assistance of a dermatologist. Often, because the body still has some growing or changing still to do, this kind of surgery is not suggested until later.
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