#34
About Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are said to appear on 50-80% of pregnant women
As the belly grows during pregnancy, the surface of the skin stretches, but the underlying dermis and subcutaneous fat do not stretch as much and cannot keep up with the stretching of the surface, causing the skin to tear, which is called stretch marks. Steroid hormones, which increase in the body as a result of pregnancy, suppress collagen production and dermal turnover, causing the skin to lose elasticity and crack.
Stretch marks usually appear around the seventh month of pregnancy when the belly begins to grow, but they can appear as early as the fifth month of pregnancy in some women, and can appear on the buttocks, thighs, breasts, and other areas as well as the belly. The watermelon-like stripes are lines of cracks that appear due to a sudden change in weight. They are pink or reddish-purple in the early stages when they first appear, but darken over time, and after delivery they turn white and become less noticeable, but they do not disappear completely.
Incidentally, a straight line may appear during pregnancy from below the navel to the lower part of the pubic bone. That is called a midline, which is different from stretch marks and disappears after birth.
Stretch marks appear in 50-80% of pregnant women and may cause symptoms such as mild itching and tingling irritation.
Wavy lines appear at right angles to the direction of skin growth and gradually increase and may spread in a radial pattern.
There are certain characteristics of people who are prone to stretch marks.
《 People with multiple pregnancies 》
When there are multiple fetuses in the abdomen, such as twins or triplets, the abdomen is larger than in a singleton pregnancy, so the skin stretches more and is more prone to cracking.
《 Woman who has given birth 》
People who have given birth are more likely to develop stretch marks because the skin of the abdomen stretches more easily than first-time mothers. Although it is flexible, it stretches faster, making it more prone to tearing.
《 Older first-time mothers 》
Skin tends to become less flexible as it ages, making it more prone to stretch marks.
《 Person of small build 》
Smaller people are more prone to stretch marks because of the inevitable pulling of the abdominal skin.
《 Dry skin 》
Stretch marks are more likely to appear when the skin is dry, and dry skin is also more prone to tearing due to the lack of flexibility and the degree to which the skin is pulled.
From early pregnancyPrevention is very important
It is too late to treat stretch marks after they have formed, so it is very important to prevent them by treating them from the early stages of pregnancy.
Let me tell you how to prevent this.。
《 Prevent dryness 》
Stretch marks appear around the seventh month, but to prevent them, care should begin in the early stages of pregnancy. Some women may already have stretch marks by the fifth month of pregnancy, so it is necessary to take care of them early.
Stretch marks tend to form when the skin is dry, so it is essential to keep the skin well moisturized with creams. It is important to use plenty of cream to maintain the elasticity and flexibility of the skin, to keep it moist, and to prepare for the changes in the growing belly. By preventing dryness, you can also expect to prevent itching and rough skin.
Next, gently stroke the belly from bottom to top.
The buttocks, thighs, and breasts are also massaged with the cream.
《 Prevent rapid weight gain 》
Weight control is important in the prevention of stretch marks.
Aim for weight gain in the normal range. A well-balanced diet and light exercise are also essential.
If you notice that you have developed stretch marks during pregnancy, try to prevent them from spreading and thickening further by frequent moisturizing and massaging.
Stretch marks gradually whiten and fade after birth, but do not disappear completely. Continued moisturizing and massaging after childbirth will make them less bothersome.
Thinking about stretch marks also means thinking about your life during pregnancy. Be sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You need to exercise and eat properly to manage your weight. Also, gently massaging your belly will increase your love for your baby!
Developed in collaboration with skin experts
Maternity First Cream
- From pregnancy to postpartum / For babies -
Protects against skin problems caused by dryness
For clear skin with elasticity and luster.
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Midwife Yoko Nambu
After graduating from Tokyo Medical and Dental University School of Nursing and obtaining a national nursing license, and graduating from the Japanese Red Cross School of Midwifery and obtaining a national midwifery license, she worked as a midwife in the obstetrics and gynecology ward of Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, attending over 300 births and picking up babies. After that, she established "Toraube Inc.", a consultation office mainly for women's body. As a woman's ally, she provides consultation for problems at all ages. She believes that women should understand their own body as their own. She believes that this will lead to the solution of all problems and deals with them on a daily basis.
Her hobbies include traveling with her husband, listening to movies and music, and playing healthy mahjong.
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