All you need to know about stretch marks during pregnancy

If you’ve made it this far without getting stretch marks (also called striae gravidarum), well done! Most of us already have a few from earlier in life, which often show up as little streaks or indentations on the skin during puberty. That’s because stretch marks occur when your skin stretches too quickly.

And it’s what makes them common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester when your skin is stretching the most. How severe they are may depend on factors such as genetics (if other women in your family have them, you’re more likely to as well), or just how much your skin has had to stretch. Dr Martin du Toit, a dermatologist at Mediclinic Paarl, explains that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can make stretch marks more noticeable because this weakens the skin’s elastic fibres.

You might have heard that scratching an itchy belly (a common pregnancy discomfort) can make you more likely to get stretch marks. You can relax on this score, says Dr Du Toit: scratching the itch is unlikely to cause any harm. But using a rich, moisturising body cream may help, especially since your skin tends to be drier during pregnancy. Plus, frequent moisturising helps keep skin more supple.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean you can prevent stretch marks by applying lashings of body butter! There’s really not much you can do to stop them from appearing. But staying active with light exercise and eating a balanced diet can help you manage weight gain, which reduces the pressure on your skin. Drinking plenty of water may also make your stretch marks less severe, and regular massage can improve blood circulation. Concentrate on areas that are more prone to stretch marks, like the stomach, thighs, and hips.

Stretch marks won’t completely go away, even after you’ve lost your baby weight. But keep in mind that they’ll fade over time and become much less noticeable.

Can stretch marks be treated?

There are treatments that can help improve the texture and appearance of stretch marks, but some are recommended only after pregnancy, says Dr Du Toit, as they may harm your baby’s development. Retinoid cream is one example. It’s packed with Vitamin A, which helps boost collagen in your skin and can almost restore it to its pre-pregnancy state. However, retinoids can cause irritation and aren’t safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Microneedling is another treatment that can boost collagen production, but it’s also best avoided during pregnancy. That’s because it can increase the risk of infection, and the tiny wounds from the needles need nutrients to heal – nutrients your baby needs more than your skin does. However, microneedling is a particularly good post-pregnancy option for women of colour, as it’s less likely to cause changes in skin tone.

You can still opt for light or laser therapy during pregnancy, as long as you avoid treating your stomach. These treatments can help boost collagen and improve your skin’s elasticity.

If you’re interested in trying one of these options, talk to your Mediclinic dermatologist. They can recommend the best treatment for you based on your skin type, how long you’ve had stretch marks, your budget, and the results you’re hoping to achieve.