Question

A 30-year-old primiparous client at 34 weeks' gestation comes to the prenatal facility concerned about the reddish streaks she has increasingly developed on her breasts and abdomen. She asks what these skin changes are and whether they're permanent. What should the nurse tell her?

Answer 1

The reddish streaks are known as stretch marks and are a common part of pregnancy. While they fade over time, they don't completely disappear. They can be minimized with a healthy weight, proper hydration, and skincare.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reddish streaks the 30-year-old primiparous client has noticed on her abdomen and breasts are called striae gravidarum, or stretch marks. They are very common during pregnancy, especially in the later stages, and are caused by the stretching of skin as the abdomen expands to accommodate the growing baby. Striae can appear as reddish, pink, purple, or dark brown streaks depending on the woman's skin tone.

While they often fade after the pregnancy, they typically do not disappear completely. The fading process can take months or even years and they usually become less noticeable, turning a silver or white color. Some factors including genetics, weight gain during pregnancy, and the size of the baby and amount of amniotic fluid can influence severity.

The nurse should reassure the client that stretch marks are completely normal and are a sign of the expanding life within her. She can help minimize their appearance by maintaining a healthy weight, keeping her skin moisturized, and drinking plenty of water. Consult with a dermatologist after pregnancy can provide more options for treatment.

Learn more about Stretch Marks