- Stretch marks usually appear during the sixth month of pregnancy, but may not appear until the last few weeks of pregnancy.
- Stretch marks are depressed lines that develop during pregnancy, most commonly on a woman's abdomen, but can also appear on the hips, thighs, breasts, lower back and/or buttocks. Stretch marks may vary in color from deep purple, shades of red, pink and brown, to white or flesh color. Stretch marks may also vary in size, depth and width.
- Stretch marks do not affect a woman's health, but can cause itching and discomfort during the pregnancy and affect her self-confidence about her post-baby body after delivery.
- Many products are marketed to pregnant women that promise to prevent stretch marks. Although there is not solid proof that the creams may work, applying them to your abdomen may help relieve any itching or irritation caused by the stretching of your skin.
- Regulating weight gain, staying hydrated and applying moisturizer are all methods that many women claim are successful in preventing stretch marks. If your mother or sister got stretch marks during pregnancy, or if you already have stretch marks, then you will probably get stretch marks despite any prevention efforts.
- Stretch marks usually fade about six to 12 months after giving birth. You cannot get rid of stretch marks completely, but you can talk to a your dermatologist about reducing their appearance if they continue to be bothersome to you post-pregnancy.
