subject: Stretch Marks - What Are The Causes? [print this page] What Causes Stretch Marks?ks form when your skin is stretched rapidly as happens during pregnancy. Most women develop stretch marks during the later trimesters of pregnancy though some women start to build up them as soon as their bellies start rising.
Stretch marks are actually small tears that form in the tissue that support the skin and help it stretch. Stretch marks represent the tearing or partition of collagen from the skin when tearing occurs. Stretch marks are not harmful or painful and usually fade over time.
Who Gets Stretch Marks?
Numerous women believe that using lotions and creams assist prevent stretch marks. Realistically speaking however, the number of stretch marks you get depends on how elastic your skin is. The elasticity of your skin normally relates to your genetic makeup. The most excellentthings you can do is find out if your mother got awful, stretch marks during pregnancy. If she did, you are probable more prone to stretch marks than other women.
Keep in mind the more weight you gain during pregnancy the more prone you are to have stretch marks. Usually the skin is elastic and capable of stretching quite a bit, however for some women the changes that build up during pregnancy are very drastic. These rapid fluctuations of weight and skin stretching can result in stretch marks.
Women with multiples are more likely to get stretch marks because their bellies frequently develop much larger than women with single pregnancies. Other women prone to build up stretch marks include women who gain a lot of weight quickly during their pregnancy and women who carry big babies.
Here are some other issues that might contribute to your susceptibility to stretch marks:
* If you had build up stretch marks before (like on your breasts during puberty) you are more probable to get stretch marks while pregnant.
* If you had stretch marks during another pregnancy you will usually get them again.
* If you are overweight or gain more weight than recommended you are more possible to get stretch marks.
* The better hydrated and well nourished you are the less likely you are to develop serious stretch marks.
