How stretch marks begin to appear during pregnancy

When do stretch marks appear during pregnancy?

Typically, stretch marks begin to appear at 5-6 months of pregnancy. At this time, the child grows significantly and gains weight. The skin on the abdomen is subject to stress and does not have time to cope with it. Therefore, connective tissue comes to the rescue, the cells of which are able to quickly divide and restore damaged areas, thereby forming purple scars.

In the third trimester, stripes may appear on the breasts due to their gradual swelling and filling with colostrum. A sharp weight gain is also caused by the appearance of stretch marks on the inner thigh and buttocks.

Typical photos of women indicate that the appearance of stretch marks is possible at any week of pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to prevent the occurrence of stretch marks and prepare the skin for sudden changes with the help of preventive measures.

How and why do stretch marks appear during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences enormous stress and undergoes significant changes in order to preserve the life of the child and ensure its normal development.

Changes in the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone are considered the main reason why stretch marks appear during pregnancy. The synthesis of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for strength, directly depends on the high level of production of these substances.

Other causes include:

1. Hereditary predisposition indicates the impossibility of preventing the occurrence of stretch marks. If close relatives have experienced significant sprains, then the woman will also have this problem with a 90% probability.
2. Lack of a balanced diet with a minimum amount of vitamins affects sudden weight gain. The skin does not have time to produce collagen, so it is quickly replaced by scar tissue.
3. Restrictions on physical activity lead to muscle weakening and skin tone decreases.
4. Smoking reduces elasticity and firmness, peeling begins, the surface becomes dry and dehydrated.

The age category is also of great importance due to the low level of elasticity and strength of the epidermis. If there are no stretch marks during the first pregnancy, the second pregnancy may result in stretching of the epidermis.

Stretched areas begin to appear in places of strong tension, where microdamage is most clearly visible. The degree of formation at different stages of gestation is different. However, the severity and number of stripes in women may vary.

Where do stretch marks most often appear during pregnancy and what do they look like?

During pregnancy, the dermis becomes thinner due to strong tension and active growth of the fetus. The inner layer of the epidermis is torn without having time to regenerate cells. Most often, stretch marks are formed:

1. on the stomach, due to the intensive growth of the baby inside the womb or due to the formation of a large fetus;
2. the body begins to produce colostrum on the breast, and after childbirth, stretching occurs due to the presence of milk;
3. Striae on the thighs and buttocks occur due to rapid weight gain.

Beginning stretch marks look like defects on the body, in the form of narrow stripes with uneven edges. They do not cause any discomfort; only slight itching is possible at the time of their onset. This is due to the fact that the middle layer of the epidermis begins to collapse due to tension and pressure. The fibrous part, together with small vessels, burst and rupture, which provokes the formation of minor depressions.

Stretch marks initially look like small scars or scars with loose, softened and thinned skin. The color at first has a reddish tint, depending on how many capillaries are damaged. Gradually, over time, the connective tissue changes color to a lighter shade as blood circulation in these areas stops.

Striae are dense stripes that lack melanin. Therefore, when exposed to ultraviolet or sunlight, coloring does not occur. The lack of this pigment is caused by the insensitivity of stretched skin to tanning; it remains light compared to the rest of the body. Also, rapid replacement by connective tissue leads to the fact that these areas are not able to secrete sweat, as a result of impaired blood flow.

Treatment methods

It is very difficult to get rid of existing stripes. At the present stage of development of medicine, there are 2 ways:

1. dermabrasion - involves scraping the upper layer of the dermis, which refreshes the overall condition and makes the skin smoother. Resurfacing is performed with crystals that are under pressure, but at the same time stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
2. laser surgery, an expensive procedure that, in the early stages of stretch marks, thanks to a pulsed laser, changes the pigmentation of the skin.

The success and duration of the laser method depends on age, and during the process a woman may experience minor pain.

The most effective method will be to prevent stretching of the epidermis immediately after conception. The use of special creams, contrast showers and massage will significantly reduce the likelihood of sprains. The main remedy in the fight against the occurrence of stretch marks is the normalization of nutrition. Consuming large amounts of fiber, vitamins and microelements will strengthen the epidermis, making the surface firm and elastic.

Oh those stretch marks! Pregnancy, of course, beautifies a woman, but its consequences can hardly be assessed as a sign of beauty. Pearlescent scars or the consequences of stretch marks, unfortunately, remain with you for life. But you can resist this - if you prevent or identify stretch marks during pregnancy in time and take care of your skin.

What are stretch marks?

Your skin is quite elastic and can stretch and contract again like rubber. But, like any material, it has a certain limit.

Your tummy is growing so quickly that the skin simply does not have time to renew itself and is stretched to its limit.

In addition, stretch marks may appear on the breasts during pregnancy.

First, you notice stripes of pinkish or purple hues, which after a few months take on a pearlescent hue and the shape of subcutaneous scars.

Know! So that you understand the importance of this topic, it is worth clarifying that stretch marks are not just stretched skin, but a violation and rupture of the next layer of skin after the epidermis - the dermis.

But lilac or violet shades are given to stretched stripes by burst capillaries, which are located in this layer of skin.

You should know that stretch marks or stretch marks, as they are commonly called in everyday life, may appear not during pregnancy. A jump in weight or impaired metabolism contributes to the appearance of unwanted furrows. Because of this, you should learn more about the reasons for the appearance of stretch marks.

Causes of stretch marks

There are about a dozen reasons why stretch marks appear on your body. Study each to identify the one that is relevant to you.

1. Progressive growth of the abdomen and body weight;

Starting from the third or fourth month, your baby enters a phase of active growth, and along with it, your tummy grows. Most often, at this point, your skin cannot keep up with all these changes, and stretch marks may occur. Read about how a baby grows and develops during pregnancy in the article Development of a child in the womb>>>

With poor nutrition and little physical activity, gaining extra pounds will not be difficult. If you gain more than one kilogram per month, you should reconsider your diet, otherwise purple grooves may appear not only on the stomach, but also on the thighs or buttocks.

The main hormone of your pregnancy is progesterone. It is he who relaxes the smooth muscles and the uterus, preventing it from becoming toned. But at the same time, all other muscles, as well as the connective tissues of the dermis, lose their tone; accordingly, in the case of skin tension, this layer cannot withstand and ruptures.

You know that a pregnant woman's menu should be fortified and balanced. If your diet does not contain enough vitamins A and E, proteins and vegetable fats, then collagen, which is responsible for the elasticity of fibers, simply will not be produced. Well, you’ve heard enough about the dangers of fast food and commercial carbonated drinks to remove them from the menu yourself.

If you still have doubts, read the article Nutrition during pregnancy>>>

The topic of bad habits continues, but now smoking and alcohol are on the black list. And the reason is the same collagen and elastin, which are not produced under the harmful effects of nicotine and alcohol. The skin becomes vulnerable and fragile.

You have heard about the ideal childbearing age, and it is by no means connected with moral norms or social frameworks, but has a physiological explanation. Until the age of 18, a woman’s hormonal background and body are simply not ready for such stress as pregnancy. But after 30 years, the same collagen that is responsible for your skin loses its position somewhat and is not produced as actively.

If you decide to become pregnant again, you should listen to the advice of specialists in white coats and take a two-year pause. This is exactly how much your body needs to replenish vitamins, microelements and improve hormonal levels.

1. General physical condition;

If your lifestyle is characterized as “sofa-like,” then you are guaranteed stretch marks on your stomach during pregnancy. Low physical activity threatens oxygen starvation of tissues, and also leads to weakening of muscles, including the abdominal muscles.

Before you read further, a reminder: breastfeeding is the ideal option for your baby. Stretch marks in the breast area can, of course, appear, especially in the first weeks, when milk is actively flowing in, and unprepared skin simply cannot withstand the stress. But this is not a reason to stop breastfeeding, you just need to prepare in advance and wear the right clothes.

Risk factors

In addition to the causes of stretch marks described above, there are so-called risk factors. In this case, little depends on you personally, but this information will allow you to take the necessary preventive measures and, at least, reduce the number of stretch marks on your body.

1. Heredity. Your mother awarded you not only with the color of your eyes or hair, but also with your skin type. Find out if your close female relatives have a problem with stretch marks, and decide whether you are at risk. If you notice stretch marks during pregnancy in a photo of your relatives, most likely the same fate awaits you;
2. Large fruit. If your family or your spouse’s family had rich babies, then most likely your baby will also not be a weakling. A large fruit, of course, will also provoke a large tummy;
3. Twins. If the stork is preparing a double or even triple gift for you, then your belly will be somewhat larger;
4. Polyhydramnios. This purely physiological feature can also provoke an increase in diameters and, as a result, unwanted stretch marks;
5. Accompanying illnesses. Obesity, diabetes, various skin diseases are all risk factors;
6. Bad habits and unhealthy diet. One of the few risk factors for which only you are responsible are bad habits, by giving up which you will remove the reasons why stretch marks appear during pregnancy;
7. Age limit. The ideal age for the first pregnancy is from 18 to 30 years. Before and after is already a risk zone;
8. Interbirth interval. If the next pregnancy occurs before the two-year pause, the risk of stretch marks increases significantly.

But the risk zone is not a diagnosis yet. There are measures to avoid stretch marks before and during pregnancy.

When do stretch marks appear during pregnancy?

You will not find exact dates when there is the greatest risk of stretch marks. For some, this problem occurs already in the first months of pregnancy, while others may notice grooves already during feeding or after returning to their original weight after childbirth.

Considering this fact, you need to take care of your skin and carry out preventive measures throughout pregnancy and after it, then you will definitely not miss the time when stretch marks appear.

Means for prevention

All means to prevent the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy can be divided into specific and nonspecific. The first are all kinds of creams and oils for applying to the skin, but the second relate to lifestyle and clothes that need to be worn during pregnancy.

Specific means of prevention

There are plenty of options for how to smear the stomach during pregnancy against stretch marks. There is a lot of popular advice; you can buy a ready-made remedy at the pharmacy.

1. Crema. When choosing a cream to smear the stomach during pregnancy against stretch marks, pay attention to the presence of vitamins A or E, as well as elastin and collagen;
2. Oils. A good way to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy is with oils. You can use a special line designed for pregnant women, or use olive, peach or almond oils;
3. Masks. Homemade moisturizing masks will also help you cope with unwanted stretch marks. When deciding what to apply to stretch marks during pregnancy, opt for ingredients such as oils and vitamin E.

Nonspecific means of preventing stretch marks

Although these products do not provide a 100% guarantee, they significantly reduce the risk of subcutaneous ruptures.

1. Nutrition adjustments. With proper nutrition, rich in vitamins, microelements and proteins, your skin will be smooth and elastic, and, therefore, the risk of stretch marks is significantly reduced;

For more information about nutrition during pregnancy, as well as about the three most important components of nutrition that help you give birth without gaps, read the book Secrets of proper nutrition for the expectant mother>>>

1. Maternity underwear. You must change not only your lifestyle, but also the clothes you wore before pregnancy. The fabrics for the bodice are natural, the straps are wide, there are no underwires, the size is accurate. As for panties, you can choose special underwear with a tightening effect on the hips;
2. Exercise stress. Don’t be afraid, no one sends you to the gym, but taking regular walks in the fresh air or swimming in the pool will be very useful (read a related article: Bath during pregnancy >>>);
3. Fitness for bellies. You can sign up for special classes for pregnant women or do simple exercises at home. 3 main tasks - cat pose, butterfly exercise and crunches while standing or sitting with a fixed pelvis;
4. Fitball. There are many options - rocking from side to side while sitting on the ball, squeezing the ball with your hands, rocking the ball with your foot from a position lying on your back;
5. Massage. You will definitely enjoy a massage with a shower: circular rotations, contrast shower. You can stroke your tummy with a massage mitten made from natural fabrics. Another option is a massage using natural oils.

Please note that any of the recommended preventive measures is acceptable in the absence of contraindications or threats of termination of pregnancy. If you feel discomfort when performing any of the steps, you should abandon it.

Almost all nulliparous people probably know what stretch marks are and what they look like. After all, the appearance of stretch marks is one of the most unpleasant pregnancy companions for a woman. But the worst thing is that, unlike others, they do not disappear immediately after childbirth. Therefore, along with painful toxicosis and severe swelling, the appearance of stretch marks is something that newly pregnant women fear almost more than anything else.

In fact, stretch marks are not a fatal disease, and there is no need to be so panicky about them. But it is true that they do not disappear on their own without a trace. And in order to prevent their appearance or at least reduce their appearance, you need to know a little more about stretch marks than your experienced friends tell you.

What are stretch marks?

Experts call stretch marks stretch marks. But, despite the simple and seemingly accurate popular definition, stretch marks are tears, and not just stretches. Due to the loss of elasticity and firmness by the skin, it becomes thin and easily tears under tension, which is what happens during fetal growth. Of course, the epidermis is not completely torn, but only its inner layer. And he recovers very quickly. However, scars after ruptures still remain, which we see in the form of stretch marks.

In the initial stages of recovery, the connective tissue is permeated with capillaries, so the stretch marks have a lilac, pink or violet color. But gradually they become discolored and, unfortunately, remain just that way forever - white pearlescent scars that cannot even be tanned under the sun (after all, there is no melanin pigment there).

Why do stretch marks occur?

Ideally, our skin is similar in its properties to rubber: it is elastic, elastic, can stretch and easily return to its previous state. But for a number of reasons, these functions can be impaired - the skin becomes thinner and very easily tears from the inside. This is how stretch marks appear.

The occurrence of stretch marks in women is directly related to pregnancy. The uterus gradually enlarges, the fetus grows rapidly, and the skin does not always keep up with them. In addition, from the very beginning, colossal changes begin to occur in the body of the expectant mother, which is simply necessary to create conditions for bearing and giving birth to a healthy child. All these processes are “guided” by hormones. It is the change in the level of the hormones estrogen and progesterone that directly leads to the appearance of stretch marks. Because with high levels of these hormones, the release of collagen (responsible for skin density) and elastin (necessary for its easy stretching) decreases. The skin loses its ability to easily stretch and return to its previous state without damage. And this process, unfortunately, cannot be regulated.

The most important reason for the appearance of stretch marks is heredity. If your mother and grandmother had stretch marks, you are almost guaranteed to have them too. And in this sense, it doesn’t matter how big your belly is. Sometimes, a woman’s small belly leaves very noticeable marks, while another woman’s huge belly leaves none. This is the trick.

However, besides genetics, there are a number of other factors that contribute to the appearance of stretch marks and their increase in number. This is the quality of nutrition of a pregnant woman, the supply of vitamins, motor mode, and the rate of weight gain. The appearance of stretch marks is influenced by smoking during pregnancy, the woman’s age (young skin is more elastic), weakness of the abdominal muscles, and metabolic disorders (diabetes or obesity, for example).

In addition, do not forget that stretch marks appear not only during pregnancy, but also in the first time after childbirth. We are talking about the breast: milk comes in very quickly to provide nutrition to the baby. The skin of the breast may not keep up with its rapidly increasing volumes, and connective tissue ruptures occur.

However, many of these factors can be controlled, which can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted streaks on the skin.

How to prevent stretch marks from appearing?

If your friend who gave birth boasts of the absence of stretch marks, this is not at all because she applied the most expensive cream at the stage of planning her pregnancy. She was just lucky: she had naturally elastic skin. So it will be very wrong on your part to pin your hopes on cosmetics alone: ​​you may miss the moment. But you can’t sit idly by waiting for stretch marks to appear either. If your skin is genetically predisposed to this, you just need to try to slow down the unwanted processes. Like, in principle, any pregnant woman. But in case of predisposition, efforts need to be tripled.