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Feeling beautiful after having a baby!
Feeling beautiful after having a baby!
Changes to the skin during pregnancy and post-partum
Stretch marks, a common consequence
Diet and lifestyle. Find the right balance
Figure: what physical exercises?
Beauty tips
Stretch marks, a common consequence
Stretch marks commonly appear during pregnancy (according to publications, the percentage varies from 50 to 90%).
They generally appear during the third trimester and can be found on the abdomen (over 40%), thighs (25%), breasts (25%) and hips (20%).
Their appearance is basically linked to hormonal changes and over-stretching of the skin that takes place too quickly and too harshly, a consequence partly due to rapid, significant weight gain during pregnancy.
The structure of the skin is altered and inflammation develops, damaging the elastic and collagen fibres which make the skin elastic and toned. To combat these stresses, the skin makes new fibres, which are fewer in number, thinner and weaker.
This imperfect “scarring” can leave marks similar to scars, which are stretch marks.
To avoid stretch marks, it is recommended to use anti-stretch mark skin cares until your periods return (between 3-4 weeks after birth for women who do not breastfeed, or several months for women who breastfeed).
If stretch marks still appear despite these precautions, there are products available which can help them to fade.
To find out more on stretch marks, read our expert file.