Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
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Many pregnant mamas find themselves fretting about their changing bodies. It is natural to be concerned about the changes taking place. After all, there is another human being growing inside of you. Dramatic changes are to be expected.
Stretch marks are one of the changes pregnant mamas most often find themselves worried about. Stretch marks are clearly visible and one of the most dramatic signs that your body is changing.
While many mamas feel stretch marks make them ugly (they don’t!) they are much more common than you might think. Eight out of every ten pregnant mamas deal with stretch marks at one point in their pregnancy.
This post will go over stretch marks during pregnancy, what causes them, and how quickly they will go away after pregnancy.
New Stretch Marks
Pregnancy is one of the most joyous times in a woman’s life. Unfortunately, there are many mamas out there who allow a few stretch marks to distract them from their beauty.
Before we go any further, let’s clarify. Stretch marks are completely natural and non-harmful. They appear naturally when the skin is stretched and becomes too thin in a certain area. They do not mean you are growing too fast or in the wrong area. Stretch marks are the body’s way of making sure the skin stays healthy while you grow a life inside your womb.
The best way to deal with stretch marks is by preparing for them mentally.
There is an 80% chance you will develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Before you begin showing you must come to terms with your changing body and prepare yourself mentally for stretch marks and other changes.
There is no magic cream or oil which makes stretch marks disappear, instead, they will fade over time after your body returns to its normal shape post-delivery.
If you are especially concerned about stretch marks, consider talking with your doula, midwife, or therapist about why they bother you so much. Remember to take care of your mental health first and foremost, or else little red stretch marks can sap your emotional strength.
What do Stretch Marks Look Like?
Stretch marks are different for each person. Most often they appear as intended red, purple, or silver lines on the body around the stomach, chest, hips, glutes, and thighs.
They should not hurt, but they can if they are fresh or have developed especially quickly. Be sure to be in contact with your doula if they are causing any significant pain.
Stretch marks are determined genetically, so ask your relatives if they developed stretch marks during their pregnancy to know your chances.
Stretch marks most commonly occur during pregnancy, puberty, and in times of rapid weight gain.
The average woman gains between 22 and 28 pounds when pregnant so the fact that 80% of women develop stretch marks is no surprise.
You must not try to diet or lose weight during pregnancy. A full, healthy diet should be your priority to ensure your growing baby gets all the nutrients possible.
Stretch Marks After Pregnancy
Many pregnant mamas are insecure about their stretch marks during pregnancy. The good news is in most cases, the stretch marks fade away all by themselves, sometimes disappearing with no scars.
Specialty creams and oils are unlikely to remove your stretch marks, but they may help soothe pain caused by stretching skin.
The best thing you can do to get rid of stretch marks after birth is to return to your normal weight. Don’t go on any dramatic diet or starve yourself. Instead, ease back into exercise and focus on losing weight over a period of several months.
The most important thing is that you remember to love yourself during pregnancy and appreciate the beauty of life growing within you.
Everyone needs support. After all, what else is a doula for? If you are struggling with any issues during your pregnancy, reach out to Tamara at Stork Helpers. You need a guide who has seen it all and weather the worst storms. Tamara is the best doula in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas when it comes to helping mamas bring their baby into the world, one step at a time.
Contact Tamara today!
Call or Text Tamara: 513.254.2470
