Measures to limit stretch marks during pregnancy

Stretch marks is a term used to describe the appearance of small stretch marks on the body, usually in thin and weak skin areas such as the abdomen, chest, buttocks or thighs. Stretch marks occur due to excessive stretching of the skin's surface, when the skin cannot adapt to changes in the body.

Stretch marks are common in people who have gained a lot of weight in a short time, especially in pregnant women. During pregnancy, as the fetus grows larger in size, the amniotic fluid volume also increases. Along with the development of the fetus, the mother also gains a lot of weight. Normally, collagen and elastin fibers can stretch and contract at will, so there is no stretch mark. But in pregnant women, the body's changes happen so quickly that thin skin areas such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks cannot stretch, collagen and elastin fibers do not have time to adapt, causing breakage. collagen breaks and bonds that form stretch marks.

Manifestations of stretch marks:
Stretch marks do not cause pain. However, in people at risk of stretch marks, the common early clinical sign is itching and discomfort in areas at risk of stretch marks such as the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and breasts. After that, the skin will begin to appear small cracks, slightly more shiny than the surrounding normal skin. Stretch marks are initially light pink in color, then gradually dark purple and then turn white or dark over time. Depending on the location of each person as well as the ability to recover collagen and elastin after birth, the degree of stretch marks in each person is different. Some people have little stretch marks, some people have many stretch marks, they can be shallow or deep, long or short, horizontal or along the abdominal wall. In pregnant women, stretch marks can appear in the 4th month of pregnancy but are most common in the 6th, 7th month onwards because at this stage, the fetus grows rapidly in body weight. After giving birth, most cases of stretch marks are not elastic to the original state. At this time, to improve stretch marks, it is necessary to use a combination of machines with products to tighten the skin. Some cases of severe stretch marks, stretch marks many, long and deep, to treat all stretch marks, need surgical intervention.

Stretch marks do not affect health, but they lose aesthetics and create a sense of inferiority for many women after giving birth. Therefore, the prevention of stretch marks is a really necessary thing, especially for women.
To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, women should note a few things as follows:
Have a scientific diet to ensure adequate nutrition, especially vitamins A, C, E, or proteins to help keep the skin healthy from within. A suitable diet not only ensures the health of the fetus but also can help prevent the risk of stretch marks during pregnancy. Control your pregnancy weight according to your doctor's instructions. During pregnancy, women often eat more than usual. Nutritional fortification does not mean increasing in quantity, but rather nutritional fortification based on a proper diet. In the 8th week of pregnancy, the fetus begins to have strong growth. At this stage, mothers should use in combination with anti-stretch mark creams, toning the skin. It is possible to gently massage the abdomen during pregnancy under the guidance of a specialist. Massage not only helps mothers and babies relax but also prevents the possibility of stretch marks. Drink enough water. Gentle exercises such as yoga can be practiced to strengthen the health of both mother and baby, and at the same time, exercise the flexibility of the skin and muscles, so it can also limit stretch marks.

Some common methods used to improve stretch marks:
Having a suitable diet, not losing weight immediately after giving birth because the skin is not elastic enough will cause stretch marks faster. Exercise to tone muscles, improve stretch marks. Laser treatment of stretch marks, often using Fractional CO2 technology to treat stretch marks. Use creams or products that treat stretch marks such as glycolic acid, or products that contain retinol.

In addition, stretch marks can be treated with natural ingredients such as:
Coconut oil:
Using coconut oil to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy is a widely used method, mothers often use. The effect of coconut oil: increases softness, while increasing skin elasticity. This helps to reduce the risk of stretch marks. How to use: Apply coconut oil evenly on the area at risk of stretch marks twice a day in the morning and at night. It is best to use virgin coconut oil and use it from the 4th month of pregnancy. Egg whites:
Egg whites contain a lot of protein that can help whiten skin, both prevent stretch marks and can also improve stretch marks in people who already have stretch marks thanks to their ability to recover. and regenerate the collagen in the skin. How to use: use egg white to apply on stretch marks as a mask, leave on for 15-20 minutes. Do it regularly every day. Fresh milk:
In fresh milk contains a lot of proteins, vitamins, lactic acid and enzymes... helps to moisturize, soften the skin, fight aging, and at the same time stimulate the healing process of the peeling areas. How to use: use fresh milk to massage on areas at risk of stretch marks, use continuously and regularly every day until the stretch marks improve. In general, stretch marks are a common problem in pregnant women and those who are obese. Stretch marks are not dangerous to life, do not affect health, but cause loss of beauty in terms of skin aesthetics, bringing a sense of inferiority to women, especially when wearing clothes that reveal their waistline. or short skirts... Depending on the case, stretch marks can be recovered or not. Stretch marks or any other disease, should be avoided in the first place to limit the consequences later.
At Vinmec, the package maternity care program gives mothers useful knowledge through prenatal classes, pregnant women can completely ask questions to be answered by doctors from their knowledge. Beauty tips during pregnancy or nutrition for a healthy fetus without the mother gaining too much weight.