How to Deal with Pregnancy Stretch Marks: An Expert’s Advice

Stretch marks are natural, painless, harmless, depressed streaks, lines or stripes that appear on various parts of the skin surface. More often than not, they have a different color and texture compared to the surrounding skin surface. They may be pink, purplish or reddish brown. They usually fade with time, assuming a lighter or silvery hue color.

In pregnancy, these stretch marks are called “Striae gravidarum”. You can call them pregnancy battle scars.

What causes pregnancy stretch marks?

Pregnancy stretch marks occur when the skin stretches rapidly beyond its natural capacity to expand. This is commonly seen in the third trimester because of rapid weight gain and uterine expansion.

Similarly, pregnancy is associated with elevated hormone levels of oestrogen, cortisol and relaxin, which affect the skin’s elasticity, making it more prone to stretching.

All these cause the collagen and elastin fibers, located in the middle layer of the skin (dermis), to tear. This results in the characteristic appearance of stretch marks.

How common are pregnancy stretch marks?

They are the most common connective tissue disorder in pregnancy, affecting both primigravidas and multigravidas. However, rates vary and studies report figures ranging from 50-90%.

Common body parts affected.

Striae gravidarum commonly occurs in parts of the body where the skin is most stretching, such as the abdomen, breasts, thighs, buttocks, upper arms and hips. However, it can occur in almost every body part where the skin is subject to stretching e.g., torso, shoulders, knees and even external genitalia.

When do stretch marks become visible in pregnant women?

It varies. In some women, it develops in the second trimester i.e., anywhere from 13-28 weeks of gestation. In most women, it develops in the third trimester, becoming more prominent after 34 weeks of gestation. It also continues to develop during the postpartum period fpr some other women.

How do you prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?

It is challenging to prevent the development of striae gravidarum. While the following practices may help support healthy skin, stretch marks develop as a result of the natural changes in pregnancy.

The measures include:

Maintaining a healthy weight: Gradual and steady weight gain rather than rapid weight gain during pregnancy can help reduce the development of stretch marks. This can be achieved by adopting a balanced diet that provides nutritional requirements for the growing foetus and prevents rapid weight gain.
Hydration: Proper hydration supports the elasticity of your skin and weight loss. Drinking about 8 glasses of water daily is a good place to start.
Moisturizing regularly: Apply hydrating moisturizers or oils to the body. Products that contain ingredients such as centella and hyaluronic acid may prevent the development of stretch marks.
Diet: Eat nutrient-rich foods containing lots of vitamins C, E and Zinc to promote skin health, which can likely prevent striae gravidarum. Foods rich in these vitamins are fruits, lean proteins and whole vegetables.
Exercising regularly: Engage in safe, moderate exercises to gradually build up your fitness and promote overall health, including skin health. However, do this only after discussing it with your healthcare provider.
Adequate sleep (7-8 hours) daily and quitting smoking are collagen-boosting activities.

Can you get rid of pregnancy stretch marks?

Yes, while it may not be possible to get rid of all the stretch marks completely, there are several treatments used to improve the appearance of stretch marks over time, and they include:

Laser skin resurfacing: This involves using light therapy to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. It also rejuvenates the skin by enhancing the production of collagen. It may, however, require multiple sessions.
Topical agents: creams containing retinoids, such as tretinoin and retinol, can help improve collagen production and skin elasticity. Creams containing hyaluronic acid can help hydrate and plump the skin, potentially reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Please note that using retinoids during pregnancy can harm your baby. Evidence, however, shows the limited role of these topical agents.
Surgical procedures: In some cases, surgical procedures may be used to excise and remove stretch-marked skin. Tummy tucks or abdominoplasty may be performed to remove stretch-marked abdominal wall skin. In cases where the external genitalia is involved with the presence of redundant tissue, consider a Labiaplasty Surgery.
Microneedling: It is a procedure that uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the production of collagen, which helps enhance skin elasticity and firmness.
Microdermabrasion: This procedure involves exfoliating the superficial layer of the skin, which in turn stimulates cell turnover and thus improves the appearance of stretch marks.
Other forms of treatment are chemical peels, radiofrequency energy and cosmetic camouflaging e.g., tattooing, tanning and applying make-up.

Do stretch marks fade away after childbirth?

Yes, stretch marks can fade over time, but may not completely disappear. The genetic makeup of the individual, skin type and color, and overall skin health all help determine the extent to which these marks fade with time.

It takes several months to a few years before stretch marks noticeably fade.

Do stretch marks fade away with weight loss?

Yes, stretch marks can fade with weight loss. However, the extent to which they disappear can differ individually. When you gradually lose weight in a healthy and controlled manner, the skin can have a chance to adjust and tighten, which helps in making stretch marks less noticeable.

In Conclusion

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting new treatments or products, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances and preferences.

References

Brennan M, Clarke M, Devane D. The use of anti stretch marks’ products by women in pregnancy: a descriptive, cross-sectional survey. BMC pregnancy and childbirth. 2016 Dec;16(1):1-0.
Korgavkar K, Wang F. Stretch marks during pregnancy: a review of topical prevention. British Journal of Dermatology. 2015 Mar 1;172(3):606-15.

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