How to Avoid Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a magical time but your body goes through some dramatic changes trimester by trimester. To understand what your body will go through will set you up to be able to manage this magical time. 

One of the biggest body concerns during a pregnancy is stretch marks

Stretch marks during pregnancy, also known as striae gravidarum, are caused by several factors that primarily involve rapid stretching of the skin. Understanding the causes can help in taking preventive measures to minimise the appearance of stretch marks, although it’s important to note that they are a common and natural part of pregnancy for many women.

What are the causes of stretch marks

1. Rapid Skin Stretching

• Weight Gain: Pregnancy involves significant weight gain, which can cause the skin to stretch quickly, leading to tears in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin).
• Growth of the Baby: As the baby grows, the abdomen expands, stretching the skin extensively.

2. Hormonal Changes

• Increased Hormones: Pregnancy causes an increase in hormones such as estrogen and relaxin, which can soften the fibers in the skin, making it more prone to stretching and tearing.
• Cortisol Levels: Higher levels of cortisol during pregnancy can weaken the elastic fibers in the skin, increasing the likelihood of stretch marks.

3. Genetics

• Family History: Genetics play a significant role. If your mother or other close female relatives had stretch marks during pregnancy, you are more likely to develop them as well.

4. Skin Type and Condition

• Skin Elasticity: The natural elasticity of your skin influences whether you will develop stretch marks. Some people have more elastic skin that can handle stretching better than others.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Well-hydrated and nourished skin is more resilient and better able to stretch without tearing.

5. Multiple Pregnancies

• Number of Pregnancies: Women who have had multiple pregnancies may be more likely to develop stretch marks, as their skin has been stretched multiple times.

6. Age

• Younger Skin: Younger women tend to have firmer skin, which is more likely to tear under stress compared to older women whose skin may be less firm but more elastic.

7. Preexisting Conditions

• Pre-pregnancy Stretch Marks: If you had stretch marks before pregnancy due to weight fluctuations or growth spurts, you might be more susceptible to developing them during pregnancy.

Avoiding stretch marks during pregnancy involves a combination of skincare practices, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and using certain products that may help improve skin elasticity. Here are some tips:

Tips to avoiding stretch marks during pregnancy

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and elastic.
• Balanced Pregnancy Diet: Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, and silica, which promote skin health.
• Omega Fatty Acids: Include foods high in omega fatty acids, such as fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, which can help keep skin supple.

2. Moisturise Regularly

• Use Oils and Creams: Regularly apply creams or oils specifically designed for stretch marks. Ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, almond oil, Omega 3 and vitamin E are beneficial.
• Massage: Gently massage the moisturiser into your skin to improve blood flow and absorption.

3. Gradual Weight Gain

• Healthy Weight Gain: Aim to gain weight gradually and steadily rather than rapidly. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
• Regular Exercise: Engage in pregnancy-safe exercises to maintain healthy weight and improve skin elasticity.

4. Skincare Routine

• Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and promote new skin growth.
• Hydrating Baths: Take baths with moisturising oils added to the water to keep your skin hydrated.

5. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

• Gentle Products: Use mild, hypoallergenic skincare products to avoid irritation and dryness.

6. Stay Active

• Exercise during pregnancy: Regular physical activity can improve circulation and skin elasticity.

Recommended Products

• Mama Mio Tummy Butter - this Omega 3, 8 & 9 rich tummy butter is a unique blend of oils from Avocado, Inchi and Argan specificaly designed to improve the skins elasticity throughout your pregnancy. Mama Mio also offers a range of post pregnancy products to support during and after your pregnancy.

• Bio-Oil: Known for improving the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula: A popular choice among pregnant women.
• Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy: Contains hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica extract.

By following these guidelines, you can help minimise the development of stretch marks during pregnancy, though it's important to remember that stretch marks are a common and natural part of pregnancy for many women.