Happy as you are with the bundle of joy in your hands, you are as well annoyed with those ugly stretch marks that show on your belly, breasts, thighs, hips and many more places. Now that you have a healthy baby, you can deal with those stretch marks. Stretch marks from pregnancy are a common sight; more than 90% of women get stretch marks, so remember you are not alone.

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks during pregnancy are caused by the stretching of skin to its limits. As the stomach enlarges to accommodate the baby, the skin stretches itself and when the baby is delivered, the marks are left on the body. Many times heredity is also the reason. The fact is there are changes in the elastic support of the tissue under the skin, which cause stretch marks. The cortisone increases and weakens the elastic fibers in the skin, which causes stretch marks.

Who gets stretch marks?

Did your mother or elder sister get stretch marks? Then you are most likely to get them too. No one can tell who will get them and who will not. Studies have shown that younger moms who are in their teens are most likely to have stretch marks. If the baby is very large, or you have multiples, or you have excess amniotic fluid, chances are you will get stretch marks.

What you need to know to prevent stretch marks?

There is no proven way to prevent stretch marks in pregnancy or to stop them from finding their way all over the body. Fortunately, they do fade away after some time and are not noticeable and change color. Much as you would love to avoid them, it is not possible. But it helps if you take care of your skin and keep it soft and moist.

How to deal with stretch marks?

To some extent you can prevent stretch marks, although it is usually a genetics matter. Some of the ways on how you can prevent stretch marks during pregnancy are:

1. Moisturize the skin using cocoa butter, or with creams and lotions that are made especially for stretch marks. It helps with the itch caused during pregnancy and the dryness associated with it.

2. It is also said that the more slowly you gain weight, the less are the stretch marks. So instead of binging on calories, have a balanced diet and let the bulge grow gradually.

3. Other treatments are also available after the delivery. Dermatologist can recommend Retin-A treatments or even laser therapy depending on the depth and the color of the stretch marks.

Stretch marks also depend of the type of skin you have. No matter what you do, it always will be your skin type. The good news is that they will gradually fade away and are less noticeable. However, they will not fade away completely.

But, dont worry about the stretch marks and enjoy your motherhood!