Like sleepless nights and errantly placed burp cloths, stretch marks after pregnancy (and during) are a natural byproduct of bringing a human being into the world. But what exactly are stretch marks and does everyone get them?
“Stretch marks are very common during pregnancy,” says Dr. Tara Shirazian, an OB-GYN in residence at Mommy Matters. “They’re a type of scar that occurs when skin stretches or shrinks quickly. The stretching can cause small tears in the skin’s layers, resulting in thin, reddish or purple lines that eventually fade to a silvery-white color.”
Stretch marks also, for some, come with a narrative. “I’m a little embarrassed to admit this now, but I was pretty unhappy with the stretch marks I developed during my first pregnancy,” says Tara R., a mom of three in Westfield, New Jersey. “I stopped caring as my priorities shifted, but early on, I was pretty focused on them.”
Whether you’re wondering what causes stretch marks during pregnancy, how to prevent them or how to make peace with your changing body, here’s what the experts have to say about stretch marks and pregnancy.
What are stretch marks and why do they occur after pregnancy?
Stretch marks can affect anyone (man, woman, pregnant, not), but during and after pregnancy, when they’re technically referred to as “striae gravidarum,” they’re particularly common. One study found 90% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy.
The reason, according to Dr. Amy Wetter, a board-certified OB-GYN at Pediatrix Medical Group in Atlanta, is “due to rapid stretching or expansion of your skin.”
“They’re a form of scarring,” she continues, “which can look like discolored, depressed bands or lines on the skin, due to a breakage of collagen and elastin in your skin.”
Hormonal increases can also contribute to pregnancy stretch marks, explains Shirazian. “During pregnancy, the body produces higher levels of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which can weaken the skin’s elasticity and make it more prone to stretch marks.”
The most common places to develop stretch marks during or after pregnancy, according to Shirazian, are “areas where the skin is stretched the most, such as the abdomen, breasts, hips and thighs.”
“Some women may be more predisposed to developing stretch marks due to inherited factors, such as skin type or the ability to produce collagen and elastin, which are proteins that help keep skin firm and elastic.”
— Dr. Tara Shirazian, OB-GYN in residence at Mommy Matters
Does everyone get stretch marks after pregnancy?
No. Just as not everyone gets the baby who sleeps like a dream from the get-go, not everyone gets stretch marks. While the amount of weight gained will affect the likelihood of stretch marks, genetics play a role, too, notes Shirazian.
“Some women may be more predisposed to developing stretch marks due to inherited factors, such as skin type or the ability to produce collagen and elastin, which are proteins that help keep skin firm and elastic,” she says.
Can stretch marks be prevented during pregnancy?
“Stretch marks in pregnancy can be hard to prevent, as many pregnant women report some form of stretch marks,” notes Wetter. “However, there are a few tips to try to minimize their development.”
Here are potential ways to reduce the chances of developing of stretch marks during pregnancy, according to Wetter and Shirazian:
Aim for slow and steady
“Since most stretch marks are associated with rapid and significant weight gain, one tip is to try to minimize large increases in weight by gaining weight slowly and steadily,” says Wetter.
Of course, this isn’t always possible, and every body — and pregnancy — is different, so Shirazian recommends talking to your doctor about what a “healthy weight gain range is for your specific pregnancy.”
Stay hydrated
No one wants to pee more than necessary during pregnancy, but downing water may help with stretch mark prevention. “Drinking plenty of water can help keep the skin hydrated and supple, which can reduce the likelihood of developing stretch marks,” notes Shirazian. Wetter adds that “minimizing caffeine” will also help with hydration.
Eat a healthy diet
“Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin E can help support skin health and reduce the risk of developing stretch marks,” says Shirazian.
Exercise regularly
While it’s important to speak with your doctor about safe exercise options during pregnancy, Shirazian notes that “regular exercise can help improve circulation and promote healthy skin.”
“It’s important to keep in mind that genetics and other factors play a role. If you do develop stretch marks during pregnancy, they will likely fade over time and become less noticeable.”
— Dr. Tara Shirazian
Moisturize
According to Shirazian, “keeping the skin moisturized can help reduce the likelihood of developing stretch marks.” She recommends products that contain cocoa butter or shea butter, or even using plain vitamin E oil.
Keep in mind, though, such moisturizers, which may make promises, aren’t guarantees — nor is anything preventative. “While these steps may help reduce the risk of developing stretch marks, it’s important to keep in mind that genetics and other factors may still play a role,” Shirazian says. “If you do develop stretch marks during pregnancy, they will likely fade over time and become less noticeable.”
What can I do to improve the appearance of stretch marks after pregnancy?
If you’re interested in reducing the appearance of postpartum stretch marks — and not everyone is! — there are a few things you can do. Keep in mind, though, “stretch marks will fade naturally over six months to a year,” notes Dr. Juliet Nevins, clinical solutions medical director at CVS Health.
Here are a few ways to potentially fade stretch marks after pregnancy, according to Wetter:
Resurfacing treatments performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon
Treatments such as lasers, light therapy and microneedling may stimulate new collagen.
Tretinoin (a prescription retinoid) and/or hyaluronic acid
Tretinoin may rebuild collagen and both of these work well on newer and reddish-colored stretch marks. Most over-the-counter oils, creams and lotions do not seem to make a difference.
The importance of patience and embracing the postpartum journey
As if recovering, not sleeping and adjusting to an entirely new life wasn’t enough, many new moms feel “pressure to ‘bounce back,’ even when it comes to stretch marks,” acknowledges Shirazian. “This is challenging, unrealistic and contributes to insecurity and self-doubt,” she adds.
Adds Nevins: “These effects on women’s mental well-being can be exacerbated by how often women encounter unrealistic standards and images. About 71% of women feel that comparing themselves to others online is unavoidable.”
Put another way: It’s far more important to be gentle and patient with your postpartum body than it is to fit into pre-pregnancy jeans or have legs that look airbrushed. This, of course, is easier said than done for many, as body image is multi-layered and highly personal.
“Stretch marks are a natural part of the pregnancy process, and women shouldn’t be ashamed or embarrassed about them.”
— Dr. Juliet Nevins, clinical solutions medical director at CVS Health
“Body image is a complicated issue because many external and internal factors go into how you perceive yourself, ” says Wetter. “In general, women are feeling less need to ‘hide’ their postpartum bodies, but there is still a lot of pressure about how women should and shouldn’t look after pregnancy from social media, friends, family and even strangers who feel the need to comment, good or bad. I advise my patients to ignore the noise and focus on what they’ve accomplished.”
“Stretch marks are a natural part of the pregnancy process, and women shouldn’t be ashamed or embarrassed about them,” agrees Nevins. “And, if stretch marks don’t fade, they represent one of the most powerful and profound tasks that one can undertake: the making of a human being.”