InnerSourceHealth.com
As
part of the miraculous journey of pregnancy, the skin of a mother-to-be
will go through many changes. These are a result of increased
circulation and hormonal functions designed to help nourish and support
the new baby's growth, as well as readying the new mama for 9 months of
bodily changes and a healthy delivery. For many women, pregnancy is
heralded by circulation increases in the tiny vessels under the skin —
often this is welcomed as the 'healthy glow' of pregnancy.
Normal
skin changes will include stretching, darkening of certain areas,
itchiness, and hair and nail changes. Many of these are driven in part
by changes in estrogen, progesterone and melanocyte stimulating
hormone. Striae gravidarum, also known as 'stretch marks', are very
common in about 95% of women who become pregnant. A number of factors
play a role in who will have visible stretch marks, and these factors
include genetics, current health, nutrient and hydration status, as
well as the physical distance the skin needs to stretch.
As a
naturopathic doctor, I recommend focusing on healthy food and lifestyle
choices for best physical and emotional health. In general, skin
problems of any kind are greatly related to internal health — so the
main focus should be to keep the body healthy on the inside for best
results on the outside. Once pregnant, it is crucial to eat healthy
whole foods and avoid excess sugar, dairy products and fried foods. It
is also important to drink plenty of water, keep up levels of exercise,
eat healthy essential fatty acids, and a quality prenatal with adequate
vitamin C.
In fear of permanent stretch marks, many women
undertake the ritual of applying creams, lotions and oils to prevent
them. One German study suggested that about two thirds of women who do
not use this method are more prone to stretch marks, while only one
third of women who use a massage oil or cream tended to get the striae.
Given that elasticity and stretching are a physical issue, using daily
applications can greatly improve the skin's flexibility and suppleness
to help decrease the chance of stretch marks. In my practice, and as an
expecting mama myself, I find the levels of success for my patients are
highest when a healthful lifestyle, diet, and exercise regimen are
employed in conjunction with massage oil application.
It
concerns me that most topical products on the market contain a number
of preservatives, chemicals, perfumes and dyes. Since the mother's skin
circulation is heightened and large surface areas are covered with
these lotion applications, these chemicals can easily enter the body
and end up in the mother's and fetal tissue. In a study by the
Environmental Working Group, scientists identified over 200 industrial
chemicals and pollutants in umbilical cord blood from babies born in
U.S. hospitals. Further analysis revealed umbilical blood harbored
pesticides, consumer product ingredients (like paraben preserved
lotions which are linked to breast cancers), particulates from burning
fossil fuels, and garbage.
In conclusion, a healthy pregnancy
and skin should include a good whole foods diet, plenty of water,
exercise, sleep, daily oil applications, and avoidance of any chemical
exposures. This will ensure great benefits to new baby and mama.
References:
Wierrani F. et al. Attempt of preventive treatment of striae gravidarum
using preventive massage ointment administration Wien Klin Wochenshr
1992;104(2):42-4.
Evironmental Working Group Body Burden — The Pollution in Newborns, July 2005.
http://archive.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden2/execsumm.php accessed on January 4, 2007
Harvey PW et al. Significance of the detection of esters of
p-hydroxybenzoic acid (parabens) in human breast tumours.J. Appl
Toxicol 2004 Jan-Feb;24(1):1-4