Things you need to know about stretch marks

Stretch marks are a type of atrophy caused by pregnancy and childbirth, and usually appear on the abdomen. In addition to pregnancy, stretch marks can also occur on the human body when exercising or when there is a sudden increase in weight. Of course, there are ways to prevent stretch marks. You can prevent or remove them through a balanced diet, weight gain, using a belly band, and enhancing skin elasticity.

1. What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are a type of stretch marks. Stretch marks are caused by the breakage of skin fibers during pregnancy, fitness, and sudden weight gain, and appear as red, white, or purple stripes.

2. Causes of stretch marks

1. Glucocorticoids

During pregnancy, the adrenal glands secrete a large amount of glucocorticoids, which increase the fragility of the skin's elastic fibers and collagen fibers. When the elasticity of the skin's elastic fibers and collagen fibers reaches a certain limit, it will cause the elastic fibers and collagen fibers to break, forming stretch marks.

2. Too big belly

When pregnancy lasts for more than 3 months, the enlarged uterus protrudes from the pelvic cavity and develops into the abdominal cavity. The abdomen begins to swell, and under the influence of the enlarged uterus, the elastic fibers of the skin and the abdominal muscles begin to stretch.

This is especially evident after 6 months of pregnancy. When it exceeds a certain limit, the elastic fibers of the skin are broken and the rectus abdominis tendon also separates to varying degrees. As a result, irregular pink or purple longitudinal cracks appear on the skin of the abdomen.

3: Physical factors

If you lack exercise for a long time or do not have good skin care habits, it may cause weak waist and abdominal muscles and poor skin elasticity. Such expectant mothers are more likely to develop stretch marks.

3. Generation time

Generally speaking, pregnant women will see stretch marks when they are 5 to 6 months pregnant, usually appearing on the thighs and abdomen. Because pregnant women have different skin elasticity, some pregnant women will develop stretch marks in the late pregnancy or even a month before delivery, while some pregnant women may not develop stretch marks throughout the entire pregnancy. This is all normal.

4. Tips for preventing stretch marks

1. Balanced diet: Rich vitamins and minerals should be supplemented during pregnancy. Since collagen fibers themselves are made of protein, you can consume more protein-rich foods. Avoid consuming foods that are too oily, sweet (prone to obesity), or too salty (prone to edema).

2. Weight gain: In terms of the extent of weight gain during pregnancy, the monthly weight gain should not exceed 2 kg, and should be controlled between 11 and 14 kg throughout the pregnancy.

3. Use a belly support belt: it can bear the gravity burden of the abdomen and reduce excessive stretching and pulling of the skin.

4. Enhance skin elasticity: Eat more foods that are strong in collagen fibers, such as pig's trotters, and also eat more fruits and vegetables high in fiber and foods containing vitamin C, and drink a glass of skim milk every day.