Stretch Marks
Pink, red, or purple streaks on belly, breasts, thighs, or hips. Very common, affecting 50-90% of pregnant women.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Usually appear in third trimester, though can begin second trimester
📊 How Common
Affects 50-90% of pregnant women to varying degrees
Overview
Stretch marks (striae gravidarum) are streaks that appear when your skin stretches rapidly and breaks down the collagen and elastin supporting it. They typically start as pink, red, purple, or dark brown lines depending on your skin tone.
They most commonly appear on your belly, breasts, thighs, hips, and buttocks - anywhere that gains significant volume during pregnancy. They often develop in the third trimester when weight gain accelerates.
While genetics plays the biggest role in whether you'll get stretch marks, factors like weight gain, hydration, and skin care can influence their severity. They fade significantly postpartum but rarely disappear completely.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Very rare as minimal stretching yet
Second Trimester
May begin appearing, especially on breasts
Third Trimester
Most common and pronounced as belly reaches maximum size
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Rapid skin stretching as belly, breasts, and hips grow
- •Hormonal changes affecting skin structure
- •Genetics - if your mother had them, you likely will too
- •Rapid or excessive weight gain
- •Carrying multiples (twins, triplets)
- •Having larger babies
- •Younger age (skin less elastic)
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Moisturize skin 2-3 times daily with rich creams or oils
- ✓Stay well-hydrated - drink plenty of water
- ✓Maintain gradual, steady weight gain (not rapid)
- ✓Eat foods rich in vitamins C, D, E, zinc, and protein
- ✓Massage skin gently when applying moisturizer
- ✓Use cocoa butter, shea butter, or vitamin E oil
- ✓Focus on overall skin health
- ✓Manage expectations - prevention is limited by genetics
- ✓Remember they fade significantly after delivery
🛍️ Comfort Products That May Help
Comfort and preparation products other expecting parents find helpful at this stage. These are convenience picks, not medical advice — always follow your provider's guidance.
Belly Butter / Stretch-Mark Cream
Rich cocoa-butter moisturizer to keep a growing belly comfortable and hydrated.
Check Price on Amazon →Amazon Associates Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. These recommendations are editorially chosen comfort and preparation products and are not medical advice.
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Stretch marks are typically not a medical concern
- ⚠However, see doctor if you have sudden rapid development with severe itching
- ⚠Stretch marks with abdominal pain
- ⚠Signs of infection in stretched skin areas
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: