Stretch marks are linear scars that affect the skin and are caused by rapid growth or stretching of the skin.
The skin is usually elastic when stretched, however, when there is a rapid stretching of the skin, the production of collagen (makes up connective tissues in the skin) is disrupted.
Weight gain, extreme and abrupt weight loss, and pregnancy can result in having stretch marks on the skin.
These marks start as reddish linear scars and in time, it will become whitish in color.
Most of the women who get pregnant usually develop scarring during their pregnancy and their scars can last forever.
The more weight the pregnant woman gains during pregnancy, the more likely she is going to develop these marks on her belly.
The skin in the belly stretches drastically during pregnancy, which is why, it is inevitable for pregnant women to get stretch marks.
Women who are multi-gravid (i.
e.
multiple pregnancies) are more likely to develop more scarring than women with their first pregnancy, since the bellies of multi-gravid mothers tend to grow much bigger.
There is nothing much you can do to prevent the formation of skin marks during pregnancy, especially when you are genetically prone to having scars.
However, you can help and improve the skin of your belly's elasticity by rubbing gently the skin of your belly in a circular motion, several times a day.
You can use or apply lotions that contain Vitamin E, creams, emollients, or creams that contain cocoa butter when rubbing gently your belly.
These creams will help moisturize the skin of your belly and it can reduce itching as well.
Pregnancy scar prevention is not a simple thing to do.
You have to be serious in doing the regimens in stretch mark prevention for it to show results.
Here are some natural easy ways in how to prevent pregnancy scars from happening.
Step 1: Follow a right, healthy and nutritious diet.
Eating right will not just benefit you, your baby inside your womb will also benefit from it.
Eat foods that come from a wide variety, and eat the right amount of calories.
Do not overeat and do not deprive yourself from foods.
Choose healthy foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) that contain lots of different vitamins and minerals that are essential during pregnancy.
Step 2: Drink 8 or more glasses of water every day.
Drinking lots of water during pregnancy will not just keep you and your baby hydrated, it will also prevent you skin from drying.
If your skin gets dry, your skin will then become itchy.
Keeping your body hydrated will also maintain your skin's elasticity, which can help in preventing stretch marks.
Step 3: Maintain normal weight gain during pregnancy.
Since the major cause of stretch marks is the abrupt stretching of the skin, maintaining the normal weight gain during pregnancy can effectively minimize formation of scarring.
Gaining more than the normal weight gain during pregnancy can cause more stretch marks.
25 to 35 pounds weight gain is the normal range for pregnant women to gain during the whole course of pregnancy.
Step 4: Continue regimen even after giving birth.
Stretch marks do not only occur during pregnancy.
When the skin abruptly retracts back to normal, scars can also develop.
Continue eating right, keep your body hydrated, and maintain your weight within the normal range.