Pregnancy is a beautiful yet challenging experience. Many women deal with an unwanted side effect of pregnancy, i.e. stretch marks. While some women see stretch marks as a reminder of the beautiful experience of pregnancy, some women often see these marks as unsightly scars. Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, a renowned dermatologist known for offering the best stretch marks treatment in Hyderabad, has shared some tips on preventing stretch marks during pregnancy in this informative blog post.

Let's first understand - what are Stretch Marks?

When a woman is pregnant, her body quickly adjusts to help her fetus grow. During this time, the pregnant woman tends to gain weight to accommodate the growth of the child. The hormonal changes cause the body to stretch and expand rapidly. Stretch marks are a type of scar that forms on the body when the skin stretches. They can appear in different colours, e.g., red, pink, blue, black, or purple.

How Can I Prevent Stretch Marks?

Here are some effective tips that can help prevent stretch marks:

1. Stay Hydrated
It is vital to keep the body well-hydrated. During pregnancy the body demands more hydration to support fetal circulation. The skin will remain soft if one drinks enough water. It is essential to consult a doctor to determine how much water the body requires during pregnancy. One can consider meeting Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, a top skin doctor at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics Clinic, the best skin clinic in Hyderabad, for any further guidance on preventing stretch marks.

In general, one can stay hydrated by following the tips mentioned below:

Always keep a water bottle to sip from it throughout the day.
To stay hydrated, drink herbal tea and juices.
Steer clear of caffeinated drinks like coffee as they increase the chance of getting stretch marks during pregnancy. Those who do consume coffee, should try to stick to no more than one cup daily.

2. Intake of Vitamin C

The body requires Vitamin C to make collagen and cartilage and to reduce free radical damage. One can get Vitamin C from natural food sources instead of taking supplements. Foods high in Vitamin C include orange, red and green bell peppers, guava, kale, parsley greens, turnips, and broccoli.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can be one of the most effective ways to avoid pregnancy stretch marks. Stretch marks develop when the skin pulls rapidly due to weight gain, especially during pregnancy. Although the body changes dramatically during pregnancy, one can slow down this process by keeping a check on their weight.

The following tips can help in controlling weight gain:

Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary and processed foods.
Engage in light exercises every day for 30 minutes.
Avoid consuming alcohol and abstain from smoking.

4. Apply Creams or Lotions with Doctor’s Prescription
Applying creams and lotions helps keep the skin healthy and hydrated, preventing stretch marks in the first place. There are several creams and lotions available in the market that help minimize the appearance of stretch marks. One must not use over the counter creams specially during pregnancy because they may contain harmful ingredients. The best practice would be to consult a qualified dermatologist who can recommend safe skincare products for pregnant women.

Generally, moisturizers containing high levels of vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, shea or cocoa butter can be used for good hydration & prevention of stretch marks.

The tips we discussed above can help prevent stretch marks. But, what to do if one has already developed stretch marks?

Is it safe to get stretch marks treatment during pregnancy?

Usually, it is not recommended to undergo cosmetic treatments during pregnancy because of safety reasons. A woman can opt for stretch marks reduction treatment post childbirth.

How are Pregnancy Stretch Marks treated?

Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, a skin specialist at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics Clinic, recommends the following stretch marks treatments in Hyderabad:

1. Laser Treatments: Lasers are considered the most effective method for reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Fractional lasers direct a laser beam in the skin, which helps to lessen the depth of stretch marks to some extent. Usually, 4-6 laser sessions are needed every 5-6 weeks to restore the skin’s firmness and achieve effective results.

2. Microneedling: Microneedling treatment involves using a DermaPen with ultra-fine needles. It also creates micro holes in the skin and encourages the body’s natural healing response to boost new collagen and elastin. As a result, new tissue growth takes place across the skin, making stretch marks less noticeable.

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3. HIFU: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is an effective procedure for treating stretch marks. The ultrasound energy produces heat in the skin and stimulates the body to create new collagen, which helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

4. Growth Factor Therapy: Growth factor therapy contains natural growth factors and proteins. After growth factor solutions are administered to stretch marks, skin regeneration, tissue repair, and collagen remodelling take place, which helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

To know about the best suitable treatment option, one can consult Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics, the best skin clinic in Hyderabad. For more details on these treatment options, visit Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics to reduce the appearance of stubborn stretch marks!