Most women develop stretch marks during pregnancy almost 90% except for those very lucky few that we all envy. The abdomen is the most effected but stretch marks can occur on the hips, thighs and breasts basically every area that will enlarge over the nine month period of pregnancy. These are caused by the tearing of skin cells within the tissue of the skin where collagen has separated from the skin causing scarring. The color of stretch marks depends on your skin color but new stretch marks start out purple or pink and then fade into whiter marks after time.


The separation of the collagen from your skin causing these scars is due to a lack of elasticity in the skin, the amount of elasticity is usually down to genetics and it is those that don’t get stretch marks that have the coveted elastic skin that snaps back into place after being stretched out. Lotions and creams can help with the prevention of stretch marks but realistically they won’t make a huge impact they will probably just lessen the damage basically if your mother was prone to stretch marks then you probably are too.


There is no scientific evidence to prove that buying all these magic lotions and potions to prevent stretch marks will work. Keeping the skin well moistened will help limited the damage but it really is the genetic make up of your skin that will dictate the outcome. If you got stretch marks on your breasts or hips during puberty then the chances are your skin is not very elastic and you will get stretch marks during your pregnancy. So there are some things that you can do to limit the amount and severity of stretch marks you get.


Firstly while you are planning to get pregnant you should be taking supplements to help strengthen your skin and improve the elasticity of your skin. Vitamin E and D are very important here also take a good fish oil supplement to keep skin well oiled inside as well as out. Use coca butter all over your body daily there is no need for expensive brands and lotions as the idea is too keep the skin well lubricated to minimize the scaring. Number one; do not gain any more then the recommended amount during the pregnancy the more you grow the more you will stretch. Do not use your pregnancy as an excuse to eat what you like it is recommended that you eat an additional 300 calories per day only.


Don’t worry too much about stretch marks though, follow the steps above to ensure yourself that you have done your best to limit the damage and if they do occur then you’re just like 90% of mothers and its completely common and normal. If they are too severe and you’re really unhappy about them then there is treatments available post pregnancy that has a major effect on minimalising stretch mark scarring. Laser treatments are increasing in popularity due to the wonderful results women are getting on their skin from all types of scarring but mainly stretch marks. It is a non invasive procedure that can be done in sessions that last up to one hour. The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of the problem and the cost depends on how many sessions you endure but it