Author｜ Guobaorou
Source｜Medical World Obstetrics and Gynecology Channel
For many women, stretch marks are a nightmare.
Because once stretch marks appear, they are not only unsightly, but also very difficult to remove.
So I was careful in everything I did from the beginning of my pregnancy, using essential oils and skincare products without fail, for fear of getting stretch marks...
However, many people have noticed that not everyone develops stretch marks. So why is that? Is it possible for me to avoid developing stretch marks?
Recently, scientists have revealed why some people are prone to stretch marks while others are not, and the reason lies in our genes.
To put it bluntly, whether or not you will develop stretch marks is determined by your birth.
This viewpoint was also expressed by host Xie Nan, wife of "Wolf Warrior" actor Wu Jing, on Weibo.
Xie Nan mentioned that there are roughly three factors that influence the growth of stretch marks: "good fortune, being thin, and being old enough." These seven words are crude but reasonable.
The primary reason is genetics, which aligns with the latest research findings. This study included the DNA of over 760,000 women and identified 544 "genetic markers" associated with the development of stretch marks. Dr. Olga Sazonova, one of the researchers, stated that these genetic markers each have their own characteristics; some increase the likelihood of stretch marks, while others appear to prevent them.
Studies have found that people prone to stretch marks have fewer elastic and repair-promoting proteins in their cells, which affects skin recovery.
This finding has been mentioned in previous literature. Some studies have speculated that stretch marks are related to an individual's genetic susceptibility; one report of stretch marks in monozygotic twins showed reduced gene expression of collagen and adhesion proteins in the affected areas. Other reports have indicated a connection to genetic defects in connective tissue, such as similarity to MAFAN syndrome, further emphasizing the influence of genetic factors.
While genetic factors play a significant role in the development of stretch marks, Olga Sazonova also noted that while stretch marks are most closely related to genes, other factors, including weight and age, should not be overlooked.
Foreign scholar Atwal conducted a logistic regression analysis on the incidence and severity of stretch marks in 324 primiparous women and concluded that maternal age, baseline BMI, weight gain, and neonatal weight were independent risk factors for stretch marks, with younger age being the most prominent factor. Among the 324 women, 71 were under 20 years old, and 21% of them developed severe stretch marks, while the incidence was extremely low in women over 30 years old.
Therefore, while genetic factors are unavoidable, weight and age are still controllable.
Maintaining moderate exercise during pregnancy, ensuring a balanced and nutritious diet, and choosing the appropriate age to give birth can all effectively prevent the occurrence of stretch marks.
However, don't worry too much.
Find a partner first...
The above content is exclusively authorized for use only and may not be reproduced without the copyright holder's authorization.
