Pregnancy stretch marks are long, thin lines that develop on skin of the abdomen during pregnancy. While they are not a threat to the mother or the baby, they can cause discomfort and possible change in one’s appearance that could be distressing. The marks may first appear as a pink, purple, reddish brown, or dark brown color. Later, they may fade into white-colored scars, but they do not disappear. These scars are not as noticeable, but they are permanent. Learning what to expect and how to care for your skin is important. 

The Cause of Pregnancy Stretch Marks

One cause of pregnancy stretch marks is the skin being stretched as the baby grows and trys to adapt to the mother’s rapid weight gain. Skin usually expands and contracts without issue, but sometimes it just cannot change fast enough to keep up. If the body grows quicker than the skin covering it, the skin can tear. This causes a scar that we call a stretch mark, or striae gravidarum. 

Another possible cause for pregnancy stretch marks is being debated by experts. This cause is based on the increased amount of pregnancy hormones in the body which attract more water into the skin. This water relaxes the bonds that connect collagen fibers and results in stretch marks forming when the abdomen grows. 

Just because you are pregnant, does not mean that you are going to automatically have stretch marks. Genetics can play a part, but there is no guarantee that you will be in the stretch mark club. 

Where and When Do Stretch Mark Occur?

Stretch marks can appear on any body part that has been affected by skin stretching. Common places are: 

• Abdomen
• Arms
• Breasts
• Lower back
• Thighs

Stretch marks usually show up near the beginning of the second trimester, around weeks 13 to 21. They are sometimes noticed in early pregnancy, during the third trimester of pregnancy, and they can even start showing up after the baby has been born.

Be aware of any itchiness around the area of your body that is expanding and notice where the skin becomes pink and thin. 

How to Care for your Skin

Do anything you can to help your skin stay elastic during pregnancy. This may promote healthy skin and reduce the chance that stretch marks could start developing. Take care of your skin from both the inside and the outside. Here’s how:

Hydrate- Your skin is the last organ to gain nourishment from the skin we eat. Most people need 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. Pregnant women may need even more than that- 10 14 glasses per day. Skipping any of the required glasses of water can make your skin suffer from dehydration. Dehydrated skin sill be dry, flaky, tight, and prone to tearing. 

• Add taste to your water by adding a pinch of salt, putting in some lemon juice, mint, cucumber, fruit, or berries.
• Eat vegetables and fruits that have high water content- celery, cucumbers, lettuce, melons, tomatoes, and watermelons. You can also add electrolytes to your water that could help you stay hydrated.
• Keep your water bottle with you or use a quart sized mason jar to help you be aware of how much water you drink in a day.

Nourish- Your skin needs to be nourished to keep those stretch marks at bay.

• Consume a healthy nutrient-rich diet.
• Collagen-rich food like bone broth from beef or chicken, beef gelatin, citrus, eggs, chicken, fish, fruit, and leafy greens. Only use grass fed beef or chicken bone broth and gelatin.
• Zinc-rich food like eggs, legumes, meat, nuts, and whole grains.
• Prenatal vitamins are usually recommended.
• Some women may choose to take DHA supplements. 

Control Weight Gain- Women of average weight will usually gain up to forty pounds of extra “baby weight.” Control weight gain by choosing nutrient-rich food and avoiding any fast food or processed food. Limit high calorie food and sweets made from sugar. 

Exercise- Find an exercise that you enjoy- daily walks, stretch, or swim to help your circulation. 

Stretch Marks Oil- Moisturize your skin with stretch mark oil from the first day of your pregnancy. Here are some options:

• Raw shea butter after your shower.
• Mother’s Special Blend and Palmer’s Tummy Butter are some other options. 

Keep using protective measures for another six months after your baby has been born to be on the safe side. 

Action Step

Remember, just because you are pregnant, doesn’t mean you will have stretch marks. Begin hydrating, nourishing your body, exercising, and controlling your weight now. As soon as you find out you are pregnant, begin using some kind of stretch marks oil. You may find that you avoid pregnancy stretch marks all together.

May God bless you on your wellness journey!

Joni

P.S. Have you avoided stretch marks? Please tell us your secret!