Millions of mothers worldwide have stretch marks. These typically occur during pregnancy, when the skin is stretched for a long period of time. Stretch marks can be a very emotional experience for some women, especially new mothers who are experiencing high levels of stress and emotions. Fortunately, these marks fade over time for most women.

There are several theories that abound regarding why and who get stretch marks. If a woman has been small and skinny all of her life, she may be prone to getting stretch marks. Women like this have skin that cannot easily stretch and the sudden weight gain of pregnancy causes the skin to mark. Some medical doctors agree that stretch marks are mostly a genetic issue and we cannot do much to prevent this problem.

Some women claim that cocoa butter or another specific lotion used on the stomach during pregnancy can prevent stretch marks. However, there are very few studies that have backed up these claims.

Women who have stretch marks have many treatment options available to them. But it would be prudent to speak to a medical doctor prior to treatment. This is especially important if the woman is breastfeeding. Some of the creams and ointments have strong chemicals that can soak into the skin and into the breast milk, thereby causing the infant to digest the chemicals. This would also apply for pregnant mothers. These same chemicals can affect the infant in the womb.

A very important and smart way to try to prevent stretch marks would be to watch your diet while pregnant. During this time in your life, eating healthy food is very important, but you don't want to gain too much weight. This can be bad for your baby and for you. Your medical doctor can help you to determine a nutritious meal plan and give you guidance as to how much weight you should gain. It is most important to get adequate nutrition for your unborn child. But if you gain too much weight, your system can be stressed. Your stretch marks will be darker and more severe if you gain weight too quickly.

If you decide to try a cream developed to fade stretch marks, it is important to pick a cream made by a company that you trust. It is best to initially try gently, non-prescription creams and ointments. And remember to always discuss this with your medical doctor prior to using any new product if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.

A few of the common ingredients found in most stretch mark prevention creams and ointments are Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter. Vitamin E has been proven to encourage cell growth and healthy skin. It is easily found as an oil, which has been claimed to be excellent stretch mark prevention. Cocoa Butter has been used for centuries. One of its chief uses is to help prevent scarring and to help the scars heal. Cocoa Butter is considered very safe and quite inexpensive, compared to many other treatments that you will find on the market.

Some women resort to laser therapy and surgery if creams do not eliminate their stretch marks. However, these methods are quite expensive and you will need several sessions of laser therapy to be effective. Surgery carries risks like any other operation. These options simply aren't feasible or practical for most women.

For many women, stretch marks can be worn like a proud warrior wears his scars. These have been attained by going into battle, which no doubt many women would agree childbirth is similar to. But the end result is a wonderful and cherished life. You can choose to try to prevent them or to fade them but rest assured, these marks will lighten over time.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Stretch Marks Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell