Monday, March 2, 2009

Coping With Pregnancy Stretch Marks

By Crystal Mathison

Many don't know this, but skin is an organ. In fact it is the body's largest organ. Made from collagen and elastin, it is unique in its ability to stretch. When it is stretched past it's limit, stretch marks may form and they can afflict anyone.

Any time there is an occurrence of very fast weight gain there is a risk of getting stretch marks. This is why they are found very frequently on pregnant women. During pregnancy the abdomen is stretched in a short period of time and can not handle the stress.

Remember that stretch marks are not a health concern; their impact is strictly cosmetic. When they are first formed they may be red or purple in color, however over time they change into silvery lines. They can in fact be very prominent and a source of embarrassment or self consciousness for many women.

It is best to try to avoid getting stretch marks to begin with and exercise is a great means to achieve that. It helps you to avoid gaining weight too quickly which can help to keep the stretch marks at bay. Keep the skin extremely well moisturized and hydrated can be a big help as well.

When it comes to treating them there are a few options. The effectiveness varies from treatment to treatment and there are no guarantees that they will be eliminated completely. Some choose herbal treatments of daily massage with cocoa butter, olive oil or wheat germ oil.

The stretch mark creams that have been touted on all the daytime talk shows are another option for dealing with stretch marks once you have them. They are not all the same and some cost more than others. They work by replenishing your skin with missing proteins and nutrients so that it can more effectively heal itself. You can also explore laser surgery with your doctor.

Stretch marks are a souvenir of your pregnancy. They commemorate the time you carried your child, but this notion does not eliminate the distress they can bring to those afflict with a particularly bad case. Explore the treatment options available to you, but try not to let this have too harsh an impact on your self esteem.

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