Nearly every pregnant woman wonders — Can I prevent these stretch marks? Will they fade? Do creams actually work? Well..You’re not alone 😊 Stretch marks are one of the most common concerns in pregnancy. To help you feel more confident, here are clear answers to the questions I hear every day.
Stretch marks are lines on the skin that appear when the skin stretches faster than it can grow. During pregnancy, the skin over the belly, breasts, and thighs stretches quickly, causing these marks.
They often start as red or purple lines and gradually fade to skin-coloured or silvery white after delivery.
Most women notice them between the 5th–7th month (20–30 weeks) during the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Some may see them earlier if the belly grows fast.
Stretch marks develop due to:
They are extremely common and not a sign of any health problem.
No cream or oil can guarantee 100% prevention. But good skin care and healthy weight gain can reduce their severity.
Moisturising regularly keeps the skin elastic and reduces discomfort.
Safe and commonly recommended options:
Apply twice daily, starting early in pregnancy. (Retinoid creams should be avoided during pregnancy.)
They mainly help by:
They may not stop stretch marks completely, but they make them less noticeable.
Yes. Rapid weight gain increases the chances. Gaining weight steadily and within recommended limits is helpful.
Mild itching is common as the belly stretches. Moisturizing reduces the discomfort.
Severe itching on palms and soles should be evaluated by your doctor.
Scratching doesn’t cause stretch marks but can irritate the skin. Moisturizing reduces the urge to scratch.
Yes. Over months, they fade gradually from red/pink/purple to lighter silvery lines. They rarely disappear completely, but they become much less visible.
Yes. Once breastfeeding is completed, or with doctor approval:
These can help improve their appearance.
No. Stretch marks are a normal part of pregnancy for many women.
Yes. Even with minimal weight gain, genetics and hormones can cause stretch marks.
Yes. Newer red/purple marks respond better to creams. Older white stretch marks may require treatments like lasers for noticeable improvement.
📍 Source: Dr. Shweta Mehta – DNB, Obstetrics & Gynaecology | United Multispeciality Hospital, Kandivali West, Mumbai.