Pregnancy Concerns: Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a common concern for women during their pregnancy. These marks can affect a majority of women during their pregnancy. Stretch marks appear as bright red or purple colored lines. They can cause intense itching at the time when they are forming.
Stretch marks are caused when the elastin and collagen in the deeper layers of the skin get damaged.
During pregnancy, there is a rapid change in the skin stretch. This causes the delicate elastin and collagen to break and lose their elasticity. The connective tissues can get permanently damaged due to the breaking of elastin. These then begin to appear as stretch marks.
These stretch marks typically appear around the belly because during pregnancy, it is this area of the skin that undergoes rapid changes. Stretch marks may also appear on the back, breasts and around the buttocks.
Regular massage with vitamin E oil or Bio oil can help keep the elastin and the collagen healthy, preventing stretch marks.
