Learn about the prevention of stretch marks, including when they typically start to appear and characteristics of people who are more prone to them. Discover effective preventive measures and treatment options to reduce their appearance.
Know your baby's gender
as early as 10 weeks!
What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are red-purple lines that occur due to rapid body changes during pregnancy. They appear as linear streaks on the skin caused by stretching. Formally, they are called striae distensae or striae gravidarum. They are also commonly referred to as stretch marks. Sometimes, they may be accompanied by itching.
Causes of Stretch Marks
The skin consists of three layers: the epidermis (outermost), the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue (innermost). During pregnancy, as the subcutaneous tissue rapidly increases in fat, the dermis and epidermis, which are on the outer side, also stretch.
However, the dermis has low flexibility and may not keep up with the expansion of subcutaneous fat, causing it to tear. On the other hand, the epidermis is more flexible and can stretch more easily, so even if the dermis tears, there is no bleeding. However, the capillaries can show through the torn areas, resulting in red-purple stretch marks.
Once the dermis tears, it cannot fully return to its original state. Therefore, even after childbirth, when the subcutaneous fat decreases, the stretch marks remain.
When Do Stretch Marks Start to Appear?
Stretch marks may appear as early as the mid-pregnancy for some people, but generally, they tend to develop in the later stages of pregnancy. In some cases, they can appear within a single day.
Common Areas for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are most commonly found on the abdomen, but they can also appear on other areas where fat tends to accumulate during pregnancy, such as around the chest, buttocks, thighs, upper arms, and under the armpits.
When to Start Preventing Stretch Marks?
Start from Early Pregnancy
When should you start preventing stretch marks? Since stretch marks can appear as early as the second trimester for some, it is ideal to begin prevention measures in the early stages of pregnancy.
If you are already noticing the beginning of stretch marks, starting prevention at that point can help prevent further worsening of the condition. Pay attention to changes in your body during pregnancy.
However, it’s important to note that during the early stages of pregnancy, you might be dealing with nausea or other discomforts, so prioritize resting and carry out prevention measures in a manageable way.
Moisturize with Oils and Creams
Stretch marks occur because the dermis tears, so it is important to keep the dermis moisturized. Therefore, when choosing a pregnancy stretch mark prevention cream, opt for products that contain moisturizing ingredients.
During pregnancy, the skin often becomes more sensitive, so look for products that are low in irritants, such as those without preservatives. Check these aspects when selecting creams or oils.
Characteristics of People Prone to Stretch Marks
For those who are prone to developing stretch marks, it is important to start preventive measures early.
Dry Skin
When the skin becomes dry, its flexibility decreases, making it more prone to tearing in the dermis. People with dry skin are more likely to develop stretch marks, so caution is needed.
Rapid Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Stretch marks occur when the dermis tears due to a rapid increase in fat tissue. Rapid weight gain during pregnancy leads to a swift expansion of fat tissue. As the fat tissue increases quickly, the dermis becomes more prone to tearing, making it more likely for stretch marks to develop.
Small or Thin Body Type
People who are small or lean tend to experience rapid abdominal expansion. When the abdomen expands quickly, the dermis is more likely to tear, making it more susceptible to developing stretch marks.
Previous Pregnancies
Women who have previously given birth often experience a faster rate of abdominal growth compared to first-time mothers. When the abdomen enlarges rapidly, the dermis may not be able to keep up with the change, leading to a higher likelihood of developing stretch marks.
Older Maternal Age
Women who give birth at an advanced age, typically defined as 35 or older, may experience reduced skin elasticity compared to when they were younger. Reduced flexibility in the dermis makes it more prone to tearing, increasing the likelihood of developing stretch marks. It is advisable to start prevention measures for stretch marks as soon as your condition stabilizes.
Additionally, advanced maternal age is associated with a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus compared to younger women. If you are concerned, prenatal testing can help predict or confirm the presence of chromosomal abnormalities.
Among them, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is recommended for those who are concerned about the risk of miscarriage associated with amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, as it only requires a blood sample from the mother.
Although it is not a definitive diagnosis, the accuracy is high, with sensitivity and specificity of 99.9% for tests detecting chromosome 21 (Down syndrome).
A key advantage is that the test can be performed as soon as pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound, allowing for earlier testing compared to other prenatal screenings.
Before undergoing the test, it is important to discuss with your family how you will handle the results once they are received.
Twin Pregnancy
Pregnancy with twins causes the abdomen to expand more than in a single pregnancy. The speed at which the abdomen grows is also more rapid, making it more likely for stretch marks to develop. For multiple pregnancies such as twins, it is advisable to start preventive measures for stretch marks early.
Additionally, can NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) be performed for twins? While the number of medical institutions that offer NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) for twins is limited, it is possible to undergo the test at facilities that provide this service.
At Hiro Clinic NIPT, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) for twins is also available, so if you have any concerns, please consider this option.
What to Do If You Get Stretch Marks
Are There Ways to Remove Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks occur due to the tearing of the dermis. Since injuries to the dermis are difficult to heal, stretch marks do not naturally disappear, but there are several methods to make them less noticeable.
How to Deal with Stretch Marks
Unfortunately, there are no methods for removing stretch marks on your own. If you are concerned about them, you can seek treatment at medical institutions such as plastic surgery or dermatology clinics to make them less noticeable. If you are worried, consider making an appointment.
Fractional Laser
This treatment method involves targeting the dermis with pinpoint energy to induce thermal denaturation. The heat-induced changes in the dermis activate the surrounding fibroblasts, promoting the production of collagen and elastin, which helps the dermis recover.
Dermapen
This treatment involves using a pen-like device to rapidly move fine needles back and forth, creating small punctures in the skin. By introducing growth factors into these micro-injuries, the treatment stimulates skin regeneration and healing.
Carbon Dioxide Therapy
This treatment involves injecting carbon dioxide gas into the subcutaneous tissue using a syringe. The introduction of carbon dioxide improves blood flow in the dermis and enhances skin metabolism. Additionally, the temporary damage caused to the skin stimulates collagen production, which boosts the skin’s regenerative capacity.
Conclusion
We have discussed the issue of stretch marks during pregnancy and postpartum. Once stretch marks appear, it is difficult to completely remove them, so it is advisable to take preventive measures early on. Those with dry skin, pregnant with twins, or of smaller stature are more prone to developing them, so be vigilant and take appropriate measures.
Even if stretch marks do develop, treatment options are available to make them less noticeable. If concerned, it is a good idea to consult a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon once your childcare routine stabilizes.
We also introduced NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) that can be done during pregnancy. NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) allows you to check for chromosomal abnormalities in the baby using only a blood sample from the mother. If you are concerned, please consider this option.
Learn about the prevention of stretch marks, including when they typically start to appear and characteristics of people who are more prone to them. Discover effective preventive measures and treatment options to reduce their appearance.
Read more about NIPT
Article Editorial Supervisor
Dr Hiroshi Oka
NIPT specialist clinic, MD
Graduated from Keio University, School of Medicine
