Stretch marks during pregnancy: prevention and reality
Up to 90% of women develop them — here's what actually causes them, and what the science says about creams marketed to prevent them.
Stretch marks appear when skin stretches faster than its natural ability to adapt, causing small tears in the collagen and elastin fibers of the dermis. They affect up to 90% of pregnant women, most often on the belly, breasts, hips, and thighs, usually starting in the second or third trimester.
Genetics play a major role: if your mother or sister had them, you're more likely to develop them too. Other factors — rapid weight gain, multiple pregnancy, or simply your skin's natural elasticity — also influence whether and how much they show up.
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Despite the popularity of creams, oils, and body butters marketed as preventive, scientific studies haven't shown that any particular product actually prevents stretch marks from forming — though keeping the skin well moisturized can ease the itching that often comes with stretching.
Stretch marks, initially reddish or purplish, generally fade over time to become whitish or silvery, though they don't usually disappear completely. They have no impact on health and are extremely common — a reminder that a body that's carried a pregnancy deserves the same kindness as it did before.
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This information is general and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional (doctor, midwife, nurse, pharmacist). Every situation is unique: always check with them before making a decision. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.
