Stretch marks, also known as striae gravidarum, are a common occurrence in pregnancy. Yale University estimates that approximately 90 percent of pregnant women develop stretch marks, which often become more noticeable during the third trimester. As the stomach expands to make room for the growing fetus, tears in the dermal layer of the skin can cause permanent discoloration. But the fact that not all women develop stretch marks has led researchers to believe that there is more to stretch marks than torn dermal cells.
Identification
The dermal layer of skin lies just below the top layer of skin, known as the epidermis. The resilient dermal layer supports and cushions the epidermis. Fresh tears in the dermis vary in color, often appearing as purple, red or brown lines in the skin. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that the color of stretch marks changes over time, often turning silver and becoming less noticeable.
Geography
The 90 percent of pregnant women who develop stretch marks will often do so in areas of their body that contain the most fat. According to the American Pregnancy Association, most women store fat in their breasts, buttocks, hips, thighs and even the lower back. It is important to point out that although stretch marks favor fatty areas, they may develop on other areas of the body as well.
Speculation
The University of Cincinnati contends that stretching is not the only factor involved in the development of stretch marks. In fact, hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy appear to have a hand in their occurrence. These hormonal changes may cause the skin to lose some of its elasticity, resulting in the obvious tears. Genetics may also play a role, predetermining whether or not a pregnant woman will experience hormonal fluctuations that affect the skin.
Prevention
Products that claim to prevent stretch marks line the shelves of pharmacies, grocery stores and health food markets. Unfortunately, there is no medical evidence to back the claims, according to the Drexel University College of Medicine. Since more than just stretching skin determines the development of striae gravidarum in pregnant women, topical creams, ointments and oils are usually ineffective.
Potential
While nothing has proven effective to prevent stretch marks, dermatologists have developed ways to minimize their appearance after pregnancy. Yale University reports that laser treatments, Retin-A and vitamin E all offer some benefits for reducing the skin discolorations formed by stretch marks. However, there are no proven remedies for reducing the width or size of a stretch mark.
