- weight gain
- rapid weight loss
- a sudden change in diet
- from a sudden weight change.
Pregnancy stretch marks are a temporary reminder of the weight you gained during pregnancy. If you had a healthy pregnancy, you will have stretch marks that fade away as the baby grows and as you shed the pregnancy weight. They will also fade with time.
On the other hand, gym stretch marks are a permanent reminder of your workout routine. They are a result of your skin being overstretched and pulled.
Stretch marks are not only one of the most common health complications during pregnancy, but they can also happen after childbirth, during exercise, or in the workplace. The most common cause of stretch marks is rapid weight gain or rapid weight loss. The skin on our bodies stretches when it experiences a significant weight gain or loss, and when the skin stretches, it will leave behind visible marks.
Causes of Gym Stretch Marks
One of the most common complaints of new gym members is that they see marks (sometimes very dark) on their bodies. While there are multiple factors that can cause this, one is something that most people don't even realize could be contributing to the problem: the elasticity of our skin. Because we sweat a lot during exercise, our skin naturally becomes more elastic and stretchy. This means that we are more prone to having visible stretch marks from lifting weights. Stretch marks may form because the skin doesn't stretch as easily as it used to or because of poor nutrition. While many people assume stretch marks are just a cosmetic concern, there are some risks associated with having stretch marks. Stretch marks are sometimes accompanied by an increase in the skin's sensitivity and itchiness. Other potential side effects include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Infection
- Discoloration.
While some stretch marks are mild and don't cause any problems, others can leave unsightly scars.
Stretch marks during Pregnancy
Stretch marks occur during pregnancy when the skin stretches because of the rapid growth of the fetus. Stretch marks are most commonly seen on the:
- Abdomen
- Breasts
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Arms
The cause of stretch marks varies depending on the woman’s age. The incidence of stretch marks increases as the age of the mother and child increases. These marks are caused by the stretching of the skin over the new muscle and connective tissue, and they typically appear within the first six months following childbirth. The scars usually disappear within a couple of years but may continue to show if the body is exposed to any harmful chemicals or skin irritants. Stretch marks occur due to hormonal changes in the body. However, pregnancy stretch marks are not only natural but also related to some other factors as well. Some of these factors are:
- Hormonal
- Genetic
- Diet
In some cases, these factors may lead to the formation of stretch marks even before pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to understand what causes the formation of stretch marks before pregnancy and whether these are the same as pregnancy-related stretch marks. This can help in choosing the best treatment option and also avoid unwanted treatments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a lot of women are afraid of pregnancy stretch marks because they’ve been told they’re a mark of bad parenting. The truth is, you don’t have to worry about pregnancy stretch marks. Pregnancy stretches the skin, but it does so for a reason. Stretch marks are a sign that skin is growing, and stretching in different directions, not because you aren’t feeding your baby right. If you look carefully, you’ll notice that stretch marks appear in all kinds of places where the skin isn’t used to bearing weight, such as knees, elbows, and stomach. Pregnancy stretch marks are a natural part of life.
