Proof that you've been in the game.

Hello dear neglected blog.

I'm way overdue for a Babykirk update, I know. There's a lot going on right now and I want to be able to record it all, but still waiting on a few things to fall into place so to say. Here is a more recent shot of the little nugget, a little more detailed than my MS paint drawings, but obviously lacking a certain aesthetic.

gawww.

For now, let's talk about stretch marks.

Aka striae gravidarum, these puppies are a common concern among pregnant women. Let's do a little myth-busting here.

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1. Cocobutter prevents them.

Nope (Osman, H., et al., 2008).

2. Lol, there's no such thing as a cream that prevents them. They are 100% genetic so you're basically screwed.

Not exactly. Yes, there is shown to be a strong genetic link to the presence and severity of stretch marks. They're also more common in women of certain ethnicities, or women with a personal history of stretch marks (due to pregnancy or other reasons). But there are two products that have demonstrated some hope:

A product called Trofolastin, a cream that contains Centella asiatica extract, vitamin E, and collagen-elastin hydrolysates, has demonstrated some clinical effectiveness in the prevention of striae (Osman, H., et al., 2008). Also there is some evidence that early use of Tretonoin (aka Retin-A) might have some effect (Rangel, O., et al., 2001). 

I know it's not super encouraging, but for women who have a strong genetic risk, at least there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

3. If you gain less weight during pregnancy, you're less likely to get them.

This one actually has some merit to it. There are numerous reasons to gain a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy. But if that evidence isn't enough for you, a 2007 study did show a statistically significant correlation between the presence of striae and excessive weight gain in pregnancy (Rubeiz, N., et al., 2007).

4. You're less likely to get stretch marks when you're young.

Once again, false. First of all, I see plenty of teen mothers in my office who have just as many stretch marks as the next person. Anecdotal evidence aside, there is actually some scientific evidence that younger mothers (average age 26 versus average age 30) are actually more likely to develop striae than their older counterparts (Rubeiz, N., et al., 2007).

5. Drinking plenty of water is the best way to prevent them because it keeps your skin hydrated.

Ehh. Yes and no. Hydration is really important in general during pregnancy because you're effectively doubling your blood volume. Drinking plenty of water does also help to keep your skin hydrated, and there's some evidence that good skin hydration helps with the itchies that are common with stretching skin. But no clear evidence that it does anything to prevent stretch marks.

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The take away here? Know your genetics, ask mom and grandma and see what your chances are. If you're really concerned, talk to your OB about some of the treatments listed above.

Or...don't? Stretch marks are like any scars. As my Dad used to say, it's proof that you've been in the game. Own them, ladies. You earned your stripes.