Womb to Bloom - Maternity & Beyond

Stretch marks are a common side effect of pregnancy.  According to some estimates, 40 to 90% of women experience this scarring of the skin.  Unfortunately, there are many suspected causes and few real preventative measures.

Stretch marks are caused by the rapid growth of your skin.  They usually occur on the lower belly, but they can also show up any place where the body stores excess fat, like the thighs, breasts, or the arms.  When your skin has to grow quickly to accommodate the rapid weight gain of pregnancy, it can easily tear.

Most experts agree that genetics has a big role to play in determining who will get stretch marks and who won’t.  If your mother, sister or grandmother had excessive stretching, you probably will, too.  Another genetic factor is the quality of your skin.  Oily skin is simply more elastic than dry skin.

There are many, many creams on the market, but none of them have been truly proven to be effective.  The best way to avoid stretch marks is great nutrition. Eating a well-balanced diet that is heavy on the fruits and vegetables affects the skin in two ways: you will gain weight at a slower rate, avoiding rapid growth spurts that may be difficult for your skin to handle; and you will be nurturing your skin with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong.  Drinking plenty of water is also an important factor in preventing stretch marks: hydrated skin stretches and grows more easily.

Begin using a great moisturizer early in your pregnancy, keeping the skin supple and strong.  You can use whatever you like best, but lotions with vitamin E, cocoa butter or wheat-germ oil may have a better affect.  Allowing your partner to lather your belly with lotion every evening can be a great way to include him in the pregnancy, too!