About 90% of pregnant women experience changes in the appearance of their skin during pregnancy. The reasons are multiple, and among the risk factors are sudden weight gain responsible for stretching the skin, genetic inheritance and predisposition to stretch marks and before pregnancy.
In the case of stretch marks, at the beginning some pinkish-reddish, linear striae appear, sometimes flat, sometimes slightly raised, which, over time, become lesions in the form of white striae.
They appear, most frequently, on the abdomen and thighs, but the skin on the arms, buttocks and breasts can also undergo changes. Massage, moisturizing the skin, healthy diet and exercise can prevent the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy.
What products can you use?
The prevention of stretch marks must be started from the third month of pregnancy, by daily application of both emollient and moisturizing products, through gentle massaging movements.
Choose natural cosmetics without parabens. Body creams and milks rich in vegetable oils (almond, barley, wheat germ, olive, jojoba, coconut or palm), shea butter, beeswax, as well as vitamins (A, C, E, B3, B5) and extracts of Centella asiatica, seaweed or Sophora japonica have a role in stimulating cell regeneration.
To help the absorption of the active substances in these products, it is useful to use a mild exfoliating/exfoliating shower gel instead of the usual shower gel, recommends specialist doctor Taliana Camburu.
The idea that pregnant women should eat for two is just a myth. The reality is that the expectant mother must eat healthy and in normal quantities to prevent excessive weight gain, which causes stretching of the skin and, implicitly, the appearance of stretch marks.
Also, the pregnant woman must frequently consume foods rich in zinc, silicon, vitamins A, E, D, C and proteins. Thus, eggs, meat, fresh fruits and vegetables should not be missing from the daily diet.
Skin elasticity depends a lot on hydration, so drinking at least 2 liters of water a day is very important.
The majority of pregnant women can follow the normal course of activities that they had before they were pregnant, only if the pregnancy proceeds normally. Therefore, sports lessons should not be neglected.
Light physical exercises, done under the supervision of a trainer and on the doctor’s recommendation, will contribute to the toning and elasticity of the skin. Moreover, sport gives a feeling of well-being and prepares the body for childbirth.
Any excessive mechanical stress on the connective tissue supporting the skin can lead to the appearance of stretch marks. Since both the extent and speed of body changes influence the process of stretch marks formation, their prevention involves avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy, especially in a very short period of time.
Correct nutrition and gymnastics adapted to the period of pregnancy are important factors in maintaining an optimal weight curve. Also, emollient and moisturizing products should be applied to the skin, by gentle massage.
