Striae: 9 dingen die je moet weten

Stretch Marks: A Common Occurrence During Pregnancy

Welcome to Midwives PuurBegin in Kampen We are happy to guide you through your pregnancy and today we talk about stretch marks. Maybe you already see something stretch marks on your stomach or are you wondering what you can do about it? skin care pregnancy. Stretch marks are those lines that appear when your skin stretches a lot, especially as your belly grows. It is completely normal – about 70% of pregnant women will experience them. We understand that it may make you feel insecure, but we will explain everything about how it happens and what you can do about it to prevent stretch marks. Don't worry, you are not alone!

What exactly are stretch marks?

Stretch marks, or stretch marks, are small tears in the subcutaneous connective tissue of your skin. Your top layer of skin is nice and elastic, but underneath there is a layer that does not stretch as well. If your belly, breasts or legs grow quickly, that layer cannot keep up and it tears. You see that as stripes - first red or purple, later often lighter. It is a kind of scar that your skin gets because of that rapid change. Don't worry, it does not hurt and it is purely an appearance thing. Almost everyone has a stretch mark somewhere, even outside of pregnancy. It is a sign of how special your body works.

Why do you get stretch marks during pregnancy?

During pregnancy your body grows at a rapid pace, especially your belly, breasts and sometimes your thighs. This rapid growth is the main culprit behind stretch marks. Hormones also play a role – they make your skin a little softer and more flexible, but sometimes not enough. Heredity also has something to do with it; if your mother or sister stretch marks got, you're more likely to see them pop up too. And if you're younger or have a lot of weight, your skin can take it extra hard. But you know, it's actually a sign that your body is doing something amazing - growing a baby!

Where do you see stretch marks most often?

Stretch marks appears mainly where your skin stretches the most. In pregnant women, we often see it on the belly, because it grows a lot in those nine months. But your breasts can also get stripes, especially if they become fuller for the breastfeeding. Thighs, hips, and buttocks are other areas that may be affected, depending on how your body is changing. In the beginning, these lines are often red or purple and a bit zigzaggy. After you give birth, they usually fade to a lighter, silvery color. It’s perfectly normal to see them in multiple places – your body is adjusting to your little one.

Can you prevent stretch marks?

We often get the question: can we prevent stretch marks? To be honest, it's not completely stoppable, because it partly depends on your genes and how fast you grow. But you can help your skin a bit with good skin care pregnancy. Apply a moisturizing cream or oil to your belly, breasts and legs daily – this will keep your skin supple and elastic. Also drink plenty of water and eat healthy, with lots of vegetables and fruit. This gives your skin the best chance to stretch. It is not a guarantee, but it feels good to take care of your body this way.

What can you do if you have stretch marks?

Have you already stretch marks? Don’t panic, they will fade after you give birth. At first they are a noticeable red or purple, but after a few months to a year they will lighten – often silvery or white. You can continue to apply a cream or oil to your skin to keep it supple, which can sometimes make the lines less pronounced. Some women opt for treatments such as a light massage or special therapy later, but this is not necessary – your skin will recover at its own pace. At Verloskundigen PuurBegin we believe that you should be proud of what your body does.

How do stretch marks develop outside of pregnancy?

Stretch marks does not only occur in pregnant women. It can also happen when you grow quickly during puberty, or if you gain a lot of weight in a short period of time. Athletes who train their muscles hard sometimes also see stripes, especially on their arms or legs. The principle is the same: your skin stretches faster than the underlying tissue can handle. Even hormonal changes, such as with certain medications, can trigger it. So it is a very normal thing that your body shows when it is working hard or changing. We see it in all kinds of people, pregnant or not.

Risk factors for stretch marks

Some things make the chance of stretch marks bigger. If it runs in your family, you are more likely – heredity plays a big role. Are you younger than 30? Then your skin sometimes doesn’t stretch as easily. Gaining a lot of weight during pregnancy or carrying a heavy baby can also play a role. And if you had stretch marks before, for example from your teenage years, they can now become more pronounced. But honestly, it’s not a competition – you have little control over this. What you can do is take good care of your skin to keep it as supple as possible.

Skin care during your pregnancy

Good skin care pregnancy helps your skin stay strong and supple. Apply a nice cream or oil to your belly, breasts and legs every day – it hydrates and feels good. Choose something without a strong scent, so that it is gentle on your sensitive skin. A light massage while you apply stimulates your blood circulation and keeps everything elastic. Also eat plenty of vegetables, fruit and nuts, because vitamins do wonders for your skin. Together we can give your body a boost, even if stretch marks yet comes. It is about care, not perfection.

What if stretch marks make you insecure?

We understand that stretch marks sometimes make you insecure. Maybe you look in the mirror and think: I wish I had put on a bit more sunscreen. But hey, those lines tell a story – that of your pregnancy and your little one. They are a kind of medal of honor for what your body has done. Talk about it with us or with friends, that often helps. And know that you are not alone – so many women see them appear. After a while, they are less noticeable and you get used to them. You are beautiful, with or without lines.

When do you call us about stretch marks?

Usually it is stretch marks nothing to worry about, but sometimes you want to check. Call us if your lines are suddenly very red, painful or swollen - this could be something other than normal pregnancy stretch marks. Or if you just feel insecure and want to talk about it, that's fine too. At Verloskundigen PuurBegin in Kampen we are there for you, day and night. Better an extra check than to be left with a bad feeling. Together we look at what's going on and how we can help you.

Your Journey with Stretch Marks

Let's put everything in a row: stretch marks are normal stretch marks that appear when your skin stretches, especially due to your growing belly. With good skin care pregnancy you can keep your skin supple and prevent stretch marks, although it is not a guarantee. They will fade after your delivery and become less noticeable. We hope that with this information you can go through your pregnancy relaxed, knowing that stretch marks belonging. Do you have any questions? Please call us, we are here for you. This blog is informational, not medical advice – always consult your midwife before trying anything new.

Stay informed!

Follow us on social media for the latest news and a look behind the scenes at Midwives PuurBegin in Kampen. Discover the daily adventures of our midwives, valuable tips for expectant parents and inspiring stories from the field. Click on the buttons below and stay connected to our heartwarming team!