Stretch marks are small, depressed streaks in the skin that appear most often on the abdomen in the later stages of pregnancy when the belly is rapidly expanding to accommodate a growing baby. Some women also get them on their buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts. Stretch marks start out pink, reddish brown, purple, or dark brown, depending on your skin color. They later fade, although they never totally disappear. Show What causes stretch marks?Like the name suggests, stretch marks are caused by stretching of the skin. They tend to develop when a person gains or loses weight rapidly, or during pregnancy as your belly and breasts grow to accommodate your baby. The hormone cortisol – which increases during pregnancy – may also play a role. It weakens elastic fibers in the skin. How can I tell if I'll get stretch marks?It's hard to predict. At least half of pregnant women get stretch marks, but no one can tell with certainty who's going to get them and who won't. However, there are some factors that increase your chances of getting stretch marks. Research suggests that genetics plays a role: If your mother or sister got stretch marks during pregnancy, you're more likely to get them, too. In addition, the more your skin has to expand during pregnancy and the more quickly it happens, the more likely you are to develop stretch marks. For this reason, you're more likely to get stretch marks if: Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do. Gaining no more than the recommended amount of weight — in most cases, 25 to 35 pounds — and gaining it slowly may reduce your chances of getting stretch marks. There's no guarantee that any of the creams, salves, and oils that claim to prevent stretch marks will work. Studies of most of the featured ingredients in these over-the-counter products have not yielded clearly beneficial results (Keeping your belly well moisturized as it grows may reduce itching, though.) Do stretch marks ever go away?The good news is that stretch marks usually become considerably less noticeable about six to 12 months after childbirth. The pigmentation fades and they generally become lighter than the surrounding skin (the color will vary depending on your skin color), but their texture will remain the same. Is there anything I can do to get rid of stretch marks later?You won't be able to banish them altogether, but if your stretch marks still bother you after your pregnancy, talk to a dermatologist about ways to minimize them. There are a variety of treatment options including:
Be aware that the appearance of stretch marks is considered a cosmetic issue, so insurance probably won't cover the cost of dermatology appointments, medications, and procedures. Read more about skin care during pregnancy.
Stretch marks are narrow pink to purple streak-like lines that can develop on the surface of the skin. They usually appear on your stomach or sometimes on your upper thighs or breasts as your pregnancy progresses. The first sign you notice might be itchiness around an area where the skin is becoming thin and pink.
Anyone can develop stretch marks, they don’t just affect pregnant women. They can happen whenever the skin is stretched, such as when we’re growing during puberty, or when we gain or lose weight. You are more likely to develop stretch marks in the last 3 months of your pregnancy as the skin on your stomach stretches to make room for your growing baby. It’s not always possible to prevent stretch marks, but you are more likely to get stretch marks if your weight gain is more than average during your pregnancy. Most women gain between 11kg and 16kg in pregnancy, although weight gain varies a great deal from woman to woman. If you are worried about your weight, talk to your midwife or doctor. Stretch marks are not harmful. They don't cause medical problems, and there's usually no need to see your doctor because there isn't a specific treatment for them. Over time, your skin will shrink and most stretch marks will fade to white over time. Some creams claim to remove stretch marks once they've appeared, but there is no reliable evidence that they work. There is also limited evidence on whether oils or creams help to prevent stretch marks from appearing in the first place. Laser therapy can't completely remove stretch marks, but it may help fade them. Reviewed by Jennifer Shu, MD on September 15, 2015  Many things change after you have a baby: schedules, sleep time, and sense of freedom, to name a few. Along with a changing schedule, there are the many physical changes you’ll see. Chief among them is stretch marks. For many women, stretch marks are as much a part of having a baby as diapers and feedings. “My belly was so itchy and tight when I was pregnant -- and sure enough, I noticed the lines as my tummy grew," says Maggie Shaw, a 38-year-old mom in San Francisco. "They got even worse after my second pregnancy." Stretch marks happen when your body grows faster than your skin can keep up with. This causes the elastic fibers just under the surface of the skin to break, resulting in stretch marks. You gain about 30 pounds during the 9 months you are pregnant, says Heidi Waldorf, MD. She is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Growing that fast can leave you with stretch marks, especially on your belly and breasts, two areas that grow the most. Stretch marks can also show up on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. The marks often start out reddish or purple, but after pregnancy they gradually fade to white or gray. Experts say that women who are at a healthy weight should gain 25-35 pounds. “It’s not a bad idea to not only try to stay within that range but to also gain slowly and steadily, as opposed to in fast spurts,” says Mary Lupo, MD. She is a clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine. In other words, when it comes to stretch marks, how quickly you gain may be as important as how much you gain. If you have them, you’re in good company. About 90% of women will get them sometime after their sixth or seventh month of pregnancy, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If your mother had stretch marks, then you're more likely to have them too, since genetics plays a role. If you have a lighter complexion, you will tend to develop pinkish stretch marks. Darker-skinned women tend to get stretch marks that are lighter than their skin tone. Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent stretch marks. There’s not a cream, lotion, or “mommy” balm that can do that -- and if that’s the claim on the bottle, don’t be fooled, Lupo says. It's always a good idea to keep your skin hydrated with a rich lotion or cream, Lupo says, especially if it makes your skin feel better, look smoother and more toned, and helps the itchiness that can come with your growing belly. It also helps to keep your body hydrated with water, says Anne Chapas, MD, a clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. While some stretch marks naturally fade to faint, silvery lines, others remain darker and more showy. The best time to treat the marks, Waldorf says, is while they're still in that reddish stage. Gels made with a mix of onion extract and hyaluronic acid may help. In one study, people using the gel said their marks faded after 12 weeks of daily use. Another option is a retinoid, which your dermatologist can prescribe. “This speeds up cell turnover and can stimulate new collagen growth, leading to plumper, healthier skin,” Waldorf says. (You can’t use a retinoid if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, though.) Other in-office treatments include lasers that heat the skin. That boosts collagen growth and shrinks dilated blood vessels. It may take a number of sessions to see results, says Jeanine B. Downie, MD, a dermatologist in Montclair, NJ. Gentler processes such as dermabrasion can also help renew the skin, Downie says, but don't expect a big change. Some women are simply trying to accept the new skin they’re in, now that the baby has arrived. “Knowing that there’s really no magic spell, I have decided to embrace [the stretch marks] as a part of my new mom body. New curves, new shape -- new skin, too,” Shaw says. |
When do stretch marks appear after pregnancy
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