Stretch marks - 2nd article in a three part series
1 Pregnancy, nutrition and weight gain
2 Stretch marks
3 Morning sickness

Stretch marks

You are pregnant and have accepted that putting on a certain amount of weight throughout your pregnancy is inevitable but are not pleased to hear that you may also get stretch marks. You are not alone - most women are not excited by this prospect. In this month’s article Merydith talks about why we get stretch marks, how we can reduce our chances of getting them and then if we do get them ‘what then’? There are also testimonials from women about their thoughts on the subject.

The medical term for stretch marks is Striae gravidarum. The marks appear in 50 - 90% of all pregnant women, usually showing up in the later half of pregnancy as bright red lines, sometimes even purplish. In general the majority will be on the lower abdomen but they can also be found on the thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts and arms. They are often a pinkish colour in light skinned women, and in dark skinned women they will be lighter than the surrounding skin after pregnancy. They are caused by the separation of collagen of the skin. While not painful, some women say that there is a tingling or itchy sensation that accompanies them.

There are no creams or lotions on the market that will guarantee that you won’t get stretch marks. However research shows that there are ways you can minimise your chances of acquiring them. Other research suggests that stretch marks may be genetic and that if your mother or sister has them, then you may have more chance of getting them yourself. If you had them in a previous pregnancy you may also get them again, although usually just a darkened (temporarily) of the old ones and a light extension sometimes. African American women generally get them less.

Listed below are five ways that women I have spoken to, say assisted them not to get stretch marks.

1. Regular physical exercise during pregnancy assists to keep the body fit and toned. Check with your health practitioner before starting anything new whilst pregnant.

2. Abdominal exercises assist to keep stomach muscles toned.

3. Gaining weight at a normal rate – not rapidly or excessively.

4. Massaging Vitamin E capsule contents into the skin of your abdomen.

5. Having a massage regularly to keep the skin in good repair and toned.

Testimonials

• Karen has had three children. She was 18, 30 and 33 when she had her children. She has no stretch marks – did nothing specific for the first one but worked very hard with the last two to prevent them. She was working in a gym whilst pregnant with the last two, ate well and put on a minimum amount of weight. She also pierced a capsule of Vitamin E and rubbed that into her stomach each day, went to her Naturopath and Osteopath whilst pregnant. She resumed gentle abdominal work within a couple of days after the birth and obtained advice from her physiotherapist about which exercises would be best. In three months she had returned to her normal weight and body shape.
• Julie affectionately calls them her "Badges of honour."
• Sarah said, "I don't want to talk about it." Mother of one with number two on the way.
• After her third baby Robyn says, "The marks started out so bright in colour, I was worried that they would never fade, but they really did become nearly invisible after she was about 6 months old and I can now wear a bikini.“
• "I used lots of lotion but it didn’t stop the stretch marks. I had a small mark at the bottom of my stomach where I couldn't see it until after the baby was born. “
The good news is that eventually most stretch marks do fade and become silver lines. If you are concerned you can talk to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to discuss your situation. If you are considering using creams, vitamins or lotions it’s a good idea to ask your health practitioner because some lotions shouldn’t be used whilst pregnant.
Next month IB Coaching will write an article about Morning sickness and look at how you can manage this unpleasant experience.

Next month IB Coaching will write an article about stretch marks and look at what you can do to reduce your chances of getting them.

For more information about Management, Career or Personal coaching or to arrange a session contact IB Coaching (Australia) on +61 (0) 422133202, ibcoaching@iprimus.com.au or www.ibcoaching.com.au. IBC pays for international telephone charges.

Copyright: Merydith Willoughby 2004