Nederlands 
Whether you like it or not, stretch marks or striae (pronounced striejee) are pretty much part of pregnancy for almost every woman. They are the growth marks of those special nine months. Unfortunately, they don't disappear afterwards. What can you do about them and how do you get rid of them?
As nice as it is to see your belly growing and thus your pregnancy progressing well, some changes to your body are less pleasant. Later, when your belly slowly regains its natural shape, your skin may still carry visible reminders: stretch marks. Many women look for a solution to those stretch marks. Before they appear, when they see them appearing or if they have been there for a while. From expensive creams to vitamins and laser therapy. So what really helps?
Striae, stretch marks, stretch marks and growth marks...? You're not the only one! Did you know that photo models and bodybuilders have them too? As do almost all your pregnant peers.
What are stretch marks anyway?
To understand whether stretch marks are preventable, take a lesson in biology. During pregnancy, your skin has to stretch a lot. And that skin consists of several layers. The top layer is called the epidermis. You can reach it with body lotions, (massage) oils and creams. Lubrication is important to keep your skin supple and elastic. It prevents dry and perhaps annoyingly itchy skin.
Under the epidermis is the dermis. And below that is the connective tissue. This is a lot less elastic than the epidermis. If your body grows fast, the connective tissue cannot grow fast enough. Then cracks appear. On your skin, you see this as long and slightly indented lines. Harmless, but perhaps disturbing to you.
Striae: belly, buttocks and legs
The stomach, buttocks, legs are the zones we often put a lot of effort into to keep them in shape. And also the areas where you quickly gain weight during pregnancy. Mother Nature automatically provides some extra fat storage when you are pregnant. In the process, your breasts also change shape. These are the places where stretch marks and stripes appear.
When do stretch marks appear during pregnancy?
You don't get stretch marks immediately in the first few months. If you think about what causes the stretch marks, it is logical that you only start to notice them in the months when your skin has to stretch quickly. In English, it is therefore called stretch marks. You gain most weight in the second trimester. And in the last trimester, your belly is naturally at full tension. These are the times when you can discover stretch marks on your skin. In the beginning, stretch marks can be red or purple in colour.
How to prevent stretch marks
We can be brief about that: preventing stretch marks is almost impossible. As you read, it has to do with the rapid stretching of your skin. Of course, you can try not to gain weight too quickly during your pregnancy. But to a large extent, it is hereditary. So you can be unlucky or lucky, just like your mother or sister. Also, if you are under 30, you can crazily suffer from it earlier. What also doesn't help is if you smoke. That makes the skin age faster. But we hope you quit before/in your pregnancy anyway.
You can find hundreds of creams and oils to smear on your skin or massage in. But as you know by now, creams don't get beyond the epidermis. However, it does help keep your skin in good condition. Or at least it can't hurt. For example, drink plenty of water. You can also stimulate circulation with alternating showers. Here you go from cold to warm water, and back again. Furthermore, eat healthy and make sure you get enough vitamins.
Reduce or fade stretch marks
Stretch marks, like scars, don't go away once they are there. Sorry. But after a while those stripes on your skin fade and, depending on your skin color, they get a lighter (mother-of-pearl) color. Many therapies are offered with LED or laser light. They can help, but they can't remove stretch marks. And just patience is cheaper.
Proud of your body resume?
Accepting that it is part of bringing your little one into the world is easier said than done. Especially when you see all those photos of models with smooth bellies and legs after the birth of their baby. But don't forget the miracle of photoshopping. Years ago, the model Chrissy Teigen literally 'bared her buttocks'. She posted an unedited photo, complete with her stretch marks. Many women from around the world applauded her for this refreshingly honest image on social media.
Maybe the idea that you're not alone will help. Of your pregnant fellow sufferers, 3 out of 4 women get stretch marks. But adolescents who are going through a growth spurt can also suffer from stretch marks. And did you know that top athletes who grow muscles quickly often have them too? That's right, because let's face it, being pregnant is a kind of top sport. And stretch marks really nothing but the resume of your wonderful adventure of a new life growing inside you. Our advice is therefore: be patient. Enjoy your child and know that after a few years the stretch marks will be less visible to a large extent.
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