Most women go through pregnancy without any trouble at all. Many actually look good and feel better then than at any other time of their lives.
It is true that there are some slight changes and discomfort, yet these usually can be overcome without too much difficulty. Often, pregnant women may feel various discomforts such as morning sickness, indigestion, constipation, heartburn, shortness of breath, and nasal problems to name a few. On the other hand, obvious physical changes such as weight gain, enlargement of the breast, varicose veins and stretch marks, are also experienced. But all throughout the course of pregnancy, all of these changes and discomfort usually disappears after giving birth.
A common problem for most women, who have undergone pregnancy, is having the trouble of getting rid of stretch marks. These red, pink, or brown marks are usually caused by the stretching of the skin. Expectant women who are in their second and third trimester usually acquire stretch marks, and they commonly appear on the belly, breasts, thighs, hips, in the lower back and in the buttocks.
About 75 % to 90% of women are susceptible to develop some form of stretch marks during their pregnancy. Because the skin will be more inclined to a higher level of stretching force mostly during the third trimester, stretch marks appears and continues to occur until pregnancy is over. Treatments that vary from creams and lotions, even surgery for severe cases, are widely available for those who wish to remove their stretch marks.
A study that was conducted by German researchers found that only one–third of the women who used massage, and creams were able to prevent stretch marks, compared to those who did not. Two-thirds of the untreated control group developed the skin problem. Several studies have been conducted over the years and several of these have shown that regularly applying a cream containing Gotu Kola extract and Vitamin E on a daily basis can result in much fewer stretch marks during a pregnancy.
Amidst the numerous research and clinical trials conducted to prove the efficacy of these treatments, prevention is still the most excellent method for expectant and pregnant women to prevent themselves from having stretch marks. Yes! Stretch marks can be avoided during pregnancy.
A highly effective defense against stretch marks is to ensure that the skin is well nourished and elastic throughout the pregnancy. Keeping the skin hydrated by drinking 10 to 12 glasses of water a day will not only keep you and your skin quenched, it will also provide moisture making it soft and supple.
Nourish your body with collagen and elastin forming foods. Collagen is a collection of proteins which occur naturally and are found in our flesh. It is the main component of our connective tissues, and is the most copious protein in mammals, making up 25% to 35% of the entire body protein content. Generally speaking, it is frequently found in tissues of a fibrous nature, such as our ligaments, tendons and of course, our skin.
Elastin, on the other hand, is a protein present in our connective tissues that allows many tissues in the body to recommence their shape after stretching or contracting. It restores the skin to its original position when it is stretched. By eating foods that are high in vitamin C and E, zinc and silica, collagen and elastin will function at its peak, letting the skin become stronger and taut. These vitamins and nutrients are also antioxidants which help protect the tissue from damaging. They also promote and maintain a healthy, glowing skin.
We all know the many benefits exercise can give to our over-all health. With exercise, there is proper blood circulation. And with proper circulation, there is enhancement of the skin’s elasticity making it more stretchable as it grows. Good circulation will also decrease the likelihood of varicose veins formation in pregnancy.
Having a skin that is supple and agile is another preventive way to avoid stretch marks. Aside from drinking the required amounts of water daily, and eating highly-nutritious foods, using healthy oils for cooking, salad dressings and any food preparation such as extra virgin olive oil, may help retain a more healthy- looking skin. This olive oil is processed and extracted from olives as its name suggests. The oil is created by a procedure involving the crushing of whole olives, and thereafter extricating the oil via a mechanical or chemical procedure.
It is packed with a plethora of health benefits. It serves as an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant and anti-septic. It is the preferred oil for moisturizing the skin, especially when it is used as a cleanser. It is a natural, deep penetration moisturizer, which regenerates the skin cells making the tissues soft and supple. The oil also serves as a mild laxative for people having bowel difficulties, and a powerful blocker for intestinal contractions.
These are just some of the many simple, yet highly-proven-to-be-effective-ways to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy. All of these are easy to follow steps that will give you a stretch mark-free, flawless skin. Do these regularly and incorporate it, not only during your expectant days, but all throughout your life in general. It will not only make you look and feel good, but it will definitely make you live longer!
