Myths vs Facts Pregnancy Stretch Marks
The journey to motherhood is filled with several surprises and alterations/changes. Spanning from midnight cravings to a bulging belly to stretch marks, pregnancy brings forth multitude of alterations. To make room for the little baby a woman’s body expands, resulting in stretch marks. These appear as bands of parallel lines on the skin varying in colour and texture. Most often formed during the last trimester, these stretch marks can be caused due to changes in collagen in the skin. More than half of all pregnant women deal with stretch marks. Especially, in today’s age of fast paced lives (craze for picture-perfect bodies), stretch marks can be a constant reason for stress and worry.
Predominant Myths Related To Pregnancy Stretch Marks
Myth#1: It Is Impossible to Treat Stretch Marks.
Fact- Although stretch marks cannot be completely prevented, their appearance can improve over time with proper care and treatment. Regular exercise—such as meditation and walking—along with adequate hydration and keeping the skin well-moisturized can help gradually reduce their visibility. Additionally, treatments like laser therapy, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion may help minimize their appearance. However, it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist for appropriate guidance and treatment.
While the appearance of stretch marks cannot be prevented, with time and treatment they can be treated. With regular exercise (meditation, walking), drinking sufficient water along with keeping skin hydrated and moisturized, stretch marks can be gradually lessened. Furthermore, treatments – such as – laser therapy, chemical peels as well as microdermabrasion can diminish their appearance. However, it is suggested to consult a dermatologist to treat stretch marks.
Myth #2 Overweight Women Have Higher Chances Of Developing Stretch Marks.
Fact– Overweight or not, majority of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. There is no denying that weight gain leads to the formation of stretch marks but that does not make overweight women more prone. Due to hormonal changes, weight gain and stretching of the skin, pregnant women tend to develop stretch marks. But stretch marks do not discriminate on the basis of weight.
Myth 3: Stretch Marks appear only in the case of females/women
Fact – Stretch marks can happen to both men and women since they are caused by the stretching of the skin. This can occur due to growth spurts, shedding or gaining pounds, puberty and hormonal disorders which can also happen to men. Bodybuilding or intense workouts can also elevate the chances of stretch marks appearing on person’s body, with the rapid spike of muscle mass in arms and shoulders. Men typically synthesize less collagen, so they require more time to heal any damage to their skin. Any method to prevent as well as lessen stretch marks works similarly for both men and women.
Myth 4: Hormones and Genetics Don’t Play a Role in Formation of Stretch Marks.
Fact– Hormones and hereditary play a large role in the formation of stretch marks. It is due to the changes in hormones during pregnancy that stretch marks first appear. Additionally, stretch marks are often heredity. It means if your mother, sister or grandmother developed stretch marks during pregnancy then you are likely to form them too. Unnecessary stress and overthinking can affect your body negatively so it is advised to accept these changes rather than fight them.
Pregnancy can be a fabulous and tough journey. Undergoing prompt and countless alterations, carrying a baby for nine months and enduring excruciating pain to bring a life into this world is no less than a battle. Women dealing with the appearance of stretch marks
