Minimize stretch marks in 6 simple steps

Face it, you’ve dreaded those stretch marks that are sometimes a part of the pregnancy experience. The thought of the changes that your body will go through may have given you countless nightmares.

Well, if it has happened to you, know that you are not alone. Almost all first time mommies are scared of the ‘S’ word.

Pregnancy, though one of the major factors contributing to stretch marks, is definitely not the only one. It’s a popular belief that only women get stretch marks, however the truth is that men get stretch marks as well. Stretch marks can occur when the skin changes shape suddenly and unexpectedly.

During pregnancy, the skin stretches a lot of give room to your growing womb and in this process, there is a lot of wear and tear involved. The skin, when growing, may damage its collagen which is the main component that gives it the elasticity. During the wear and tear of the skin, if the collagen gets damaged, stretch marks may begin to form.

As the shape of the body changes through the progression of pregnancy, the skin loses more and more collagen and the stretch marks seem to increase.

In the beginning, these marks are deep red or purple in colour and have a bruise-like appearance. You may see them appearing on your belly, thighs, breasts and buttocks. With time, the dark red or purple color of the stretch marks gives way to silver coloured marks on your skin. Stretch marks are mostly not harmful. However, they do mar the appearance of your skin.

Here’s how to help minimise stretch marks when you’re pregnant: