GUIDE
Stretch marks form when the skin stretches faster than the collagen and elastin fibers can keep up, creating small tears in the dermis that appear as streaks on the surface.
Genetics play the biggest role in whether you get stretch marks, but hydration, gradual weight gain, and moisturizing can help. Most pregnancy stretch marks fade significantly in the year after delivery.
Be prepared from day one
Pregnancy stretch marks — medically called striae gravidarum — appear as streak-like lines on the skin's surface. When they first develop, they are often red, pink, reddish-brown, or purple, depending on your skin tone. They may feel slightly raised or indented and can be itchy. Over time, they fade to a lighter, silvery color.
Stretch marks form in the dermis, the middle layer of skin. When the skin stretches rapidly, the collagen and elastin fibers that give skin its structure can tear. The result is a visible scar-like mark on the surface. The more rapidly the stretching occurs, the more likely marks are to form.
Up to 90 percent of pregnant people develop stretch marks. They most commonly appear on the belly, breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks — the areas that stretch the most during pregnancy. The biggest predictor of whether you will get stretch marks is genetics: if your mother got them, you are more likely to as well.
Stretch marks on the breasts may appear early in pregnancy as they grow significantly in the first and second trimesters. Belly stretch marks most commonly appear in the third trimester, typically around weeks 28 to 36, when the abdomen is growing most rapidly.
For many people, stretch marks seem to appear suddenly — the belly reaches a certain size and marks appear almost overnight. This is especially common during growth spurts in the late second and third trimesters.
Women carrying multiples, those with larger babies, those who gain weight rapidly, and younger pregnant people (whose skin has more collagen to tear) tend to develop more pronounced stretch marks. However, stretch marks can occur regardless of age, body type, or weight gain.
Honest truth: no cream, oil, or treatment has been proven to completely prevent stretch marks in clinical trials. Genetics is the primary determinant. However, the strategies below can support skin health, reduce severity, and help you feel more comfortable.
Apply a rich moisturizer or oil (coconut oil, vitamin E oil, shea butter, or a dedicated stretch mark cream) to the belly, breasts, hips, and thighs twice daily. This will not guarantee prevention, but it keeps skin supple, reduces itching, and may reduce the severity of marks. Consistency matters more than the specific product.
Hydrated skin is more elastic and better able to stretch without tearing. Aim for 8 to 12 glasses of water per day. You can tell you are hydrated when your urine is pale yellow. Hydration works from the inside — pair it with external moisturizing for the best effect.
Rapid weight gain stretches the skin faster than it can adapt. Aim for the recommended weight gain for your BMI category: 25 to 35 pounds for normal weight, 15 to 25 for overweight, and 11 to 20 for obese. Gradual gain gives your skin more time to stretch and produce new collagen.
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production — eat citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries. Zinc supports skin repair — find it in nuts, seeds, and lean meat. Vitamin E protects skin cells — get it from avocados, olive oil, and almonds. A balanced diet supports your skin from the inside.
As skin stretches, it often itches intensely. Scratching can damage the skin further and may worsen stretch marks. Instead, apply moisturizer, use a cool compress, or try calamine lotion. If itching is severe and widespread — especially on the palms and soles — mention it to your provider, as this can indicate a liver condition called cholestasis.
These symptoms can occasionally signal something that needs medical attention. When in doubt, call.
The most reassuring fact about pregnancy stretch marks is how much they fade. Those vivid red or purple lines that may look dramatic now will gradually lighten over 6 to 12 months postpartum, eventually becoming pale, silvery marks that are much less noticeable. Most people are surprised by how much they fade.
If you want to accelerate fading after delivery, treatments like retinoid creams (safe postpartum when not breastfeeding), laser therapy, and microneedling can help. These are most effective when started on newer marks. Talk to a dermatologist about options that might work for you.
For related pregnancy body changes, check out our guide on pregnancy weight gain for recommended gain by trimester. You may also want to read about pregnancy cravings and swollen feet — other visible changes that are a normal part of the pregnancy journey. If itching skin is keeping you up at night, our pregnancy insomnia guide has sleep tips, and pregnancy mood swings covers the emotional side of body changes during pregnancy.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.
