Although harmless, the emergence stretch marks during pregnancy often makes pregnant women feel less confident or even disturbed. However, pregnant women need not worry, because there are several ways to disguise it stretch marks emerging.
During pregnancy, the body will enlarge so that the skin will stretch to adjust to the changes that occur. This condition makes the elastic fibers under the surface of the skin break and form fine lines called stretch marks.
Parts of the body that are susceptible to emergence stretch marks are the breasts, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, hips, and upper arms. Appearance stretch marks It is characterized by purplish red lines or streaks on the skin surface and in some pregnant women it can be accompanied by itching.
Cause of Emergence Stretch Marks
Stretch marks caused by stretching of the skin. Severity stretch marks different for each pregnant woman. This can be influenced by several factors, namely:
- The fetus has a large enough size or twins
- Pregnancy with excess amniotic fluid
- History stretch marks during pregnancy in the biological family, for example mother, sister, or grandmother
- Pregnant at a young age which makes the skin stretch more
Prevent Stretch Marks in Pregnancy
The following are some steps pregnant women can take to prevent the appearance of stretch marks when pregnant:
- Eat nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and avoid foods high in fat, sugar, and salt
- Sufficient fluid needs by drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day
- Doing regular exercise, including pregnancy exercise, to keep skin elastic
- Using lotion on the body to keep the skin moist, elastic, supple, and reduce itching
- Take vitamin E supplements or apply vitamin E cream on the skin surface, but consult your doctor first before using it
Overcome Stretch Marks After giving birth
In general, stretch marks will fade on its own within 6-12 months after delivery. The originally reddish stroke will fade to become lighter than the surrounding skin, but the texture remains the same.
If stretch marks does not go away and you feel uncomfortable, consult a dermatologist to handle it.
To overcome stretch marks, the doctor may provide the following treatment:
Hyaluronic acid gel with onion extract
Research shows that the use of a gel containing a mixture of hyaluronic acid and onion extract can fade scars stretch marks after 12 weeks of regular use.
Retinoids (vitamin A)
Retinoids (vitamin A) are able to stimulate the formation of new cells and accelerate the growth of new collagen. As a result, the skin will become healthier. However, the use of retinoids must be according to a doctor's prescription, especially for pregnant and lactating women.
Laser
Laser light is proven to fade lines stretch marks on the skin surface. The effect of the heat from the laser can increase the growth of collagen, thereby shrinking the dilated blood vessels.
Stretch marks it may not disappear completely, but it can be masked over time. If you are bothered by stretch marks that appears during pregnancy or if the streaks do not fade after you give birth, try to consult a doctor for treatment.