Ask Dr Chris: Stretch marks, ectopic pregnancy

Ask Dr Chris: Stretchmarks and ectopic pregnancy

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Every week we partner up with our sister magazine, Woman, to bring you expert health advice from This Morning's Dr Chris Steele MBE, health journalist of the year. This week he answers your questions about stretch marks and ectopic pregnancy.

The problem: 'I hate my stretch marks'

I've recently lost weight and it's left me with unsightly stretch marks, even on my arms! I'm not keen on surgery - can you recommend an alternative?

The solution

Stretchmarks appear when collagen fibres in the skin break down, due to rapid stretching via weight gain or pregnancy. Three in five women are affected, and there's no effective, scientifically proven method to reduce them once you've got them. If you could face surgery and find a surgeon to help you, that might be your only solution.

The problem: 'I fear an ectopic pregnancy'

I had an ectopic pregnancy two years ago, and had surgery to remove a Fallopian tube. I still want a baby, but I'm scared the same thing will happen again. What are the risks if I do become pregnant?

The solution

This depends on the cause of your first ectopic. Many ectopics are caused by damage to the Fallopian tubes, by pelvic inflammatory diseases such as chlamydia, by an unsuccessful or reversed sterilisation, or use of the coil. If none of these apply to you, go for it! And the best of luck.