When Do Stretch Marks Appear in Pregnancy?
Being pregnant is one of the happiest times of any woman’s life, but it comes with its own fair share of changes. For instance, pregnancy can change the belly skin and other parts of your body as the baby grows.
One of the most common changes is stretch marks, which are known as striae gravidarum. So, when do stretch marks appear in pregnancy? Stretch marks become more common as your pregnancy progresses. Some women get them early, while some women never develop any marks. In this article, we share the timeline and other things you need to know about stretch marks.
Quick Answer
If you are wondering when stretch marks appear in pregnancy, they become more noticeable during the second or third trimesters. However, you cannot pinpoint a specific week. The NHS discusses stretch marks in its 17-week pregnancy guide, but this does not mean that the 17th week is a benchmark because timing varies from pregnancy to pregnancy.
| Stage | What You May Notice |
|---|---|
| First trimester | Stretch marks are less common, but early marks are possible as the breasts or body change. |
| Second trimester | Marks may become more noticeable as the belly grows and the skin stretches. |
| Third trimester | Stretch marks are especially common as the abdomen grows more rapidly. |
| After delivery | Existing marks may become easier to see as the abdomen changes. They usually begin fading over time. |
When Do Stretch Marks Typically Appear During Pregnancy?
There is no hard-and-fast rule for when stretch marks appear in pregnancy. It depends on body growth, skin type, genetics, and the speed of skin stretching. Stretch marks can appear at any time, but Cochrane reports that pregnancy stretch marks are particularly common during the third trimester. They affect 50% to 90% of women.
Why Stretch Marks May Appear After Delivery
Some women notice stretch marks more clearly after they have given birth. The stretch marks start developing during pregnancy, but they can become more visible when the abdomen changes after delivery. Keep in mind that your skin may not immediately return to its pre-pregnancy appearance because the body keeps changing during the recovery phase. According to the NHS, stretch marks are a type of scar and usually start fading after delivery, although they may not disappear completely.
What Do Pregnancy Stretch Marks Look Like?
Stretch marks appear as small streaks or narrow lines. Their color and texture change over time. In addition, they can look different depending on your natural skin tone.
Early Signs of Stretch Marks
New stretch marks look different from older marks. They are usually raised and can be itchy. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, new stretch marks may be dark brown, pink, purple, red, or reddish-brown, depending on your skin tone. Itching is also common as the skin stretches, but itching does not necessarily mean that stretch marks will form soon because itching can have other causes.
How Their Color and Texture Change
New stretch marks stand out more than older ones. They start losing color with time. Older stretch marks become lighter and may feel sunken compared with the surrounding skin. The fading process also begins after delivering the baby.
Where Pregnancy Stretch Marks Commonly Appear
| Body Area | Why Stretch Marks May Develop There |
|---|---|
| Abdomen | The skin stretches as the uterus and baby grow. |
| Breasts | Breast size can increase during pregnancy. |
| Hips | Body shape and fat distribution may change. |
| Thighs | Growth and weight changes can stretch the skin. |
| Buttocks | Changes in body size may place additional tension on the skin. |
Why Do Some Pregnant Women Get Stretch Marks?
Two women can have similar pregnancies but still have different skin changes. One woman might have many stretch marks, while another develops only a few. This is why there is no universal answer to when stretch marks appear in pregnancy.
Genetics and Family History
Genetics play a major role in the development of stretch marks. According to a review published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, family history or maternal history of stretch marks is an important factor. For example, if your mother, sister, or maternal aunt had stretch marks, you may be more likely to get them. However, genetics cannot tell you exactly when the marks will appear or how visible they will be.
Hormonal Changes and Skin Elasticity
Many people think stretch marks appear only because the skin is being stretched too far. However, pregnancy comes with many hormonal changes that can affect your skin. According to the NHS, hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the skin and make stretch marks more likely.
Weight Gain and Rapid Skin Stretching
Weight gain and growth are common parts of pregnancy. This can also lead to stretch marks because your skin expands over a short time. A review available through the National Institutes of Health describes links between pregnancy stretch marks and factors including pre-pregnancy and pre-delivery weight. However, do not go on a weight-loss diet during pregnancy to try to prevent stretch marks.
Can You Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?
When people search for when stretch marks appear in pregnancy, they also want to know whether they can prevent them. Unfortunately, creams, oils, and other home treatments do not guarantee prevention. However, you can use moisturizers to ease dryness and itchiness and help yourself feel more comfortable.
According to a Cochrane review, six trials involving 800 pregnant women found no high-quality evidence that topical preparations prevented stretch marks. Products studied included preparations containing vitamin E, olive oil, cocoa butter, and hyaluronic acid.
If you want to use a moisturizer, choose a gentle, fragrance-free product to manage dryness. You can also shower with lukewarm rather than hot water to help reduce itching. If itchiness or dryness does not go away, ask your OB-GYN for help.
Before you go, remember to check the ingredients in any moisturizer or oil you use. Retinoids can be harmful during pregnancy. Even if a product is described as natural, that does not automatically mean it is safe to use during pregnancy. If you are unsure about the ingredients, ask your OB-GYN.
Do Pregnancy Stretch Marks Go Away?
Understanding when stretch marks show up in pregnancy is only half the picture because many women also wonder whether the marks ever go away. Stretch marks usually fade with time, but they may not disappear completely.
Pregnancy stretch marks often become lighter and less noticeable after delivery. It is a slow process, and there is no exact timeline for fading. How much stretch marks fade depends on your skin, the age and color of the marks, and healing.
A Gentle Postpartum Recovery Option
You do not need to buy a postpartum recovery kit to prevent, remove, or treat stretch marks—it cannot do any of those things. However, postpartum recovery often requires practical items that can make this time more comfortable.
For this reason, you may want to consider the Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit from Grownsy. It includes postpartum pads, disposable underwear, hot/cold packs, a peri bottle, herbal perineal spray, and cooling pad liners. Keeping these recovery products together can make postpartum care more convenient.
Postpartum Treatments for Stretch Marks
If you are uncomfortable with your stretch marks, consider visiting a dermatologist, who can recommend appropriate options. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, procedures used to make stretch marks less noticeable include laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and radiofrequency treatment. Topical medicines may also be considered when appropriate. A dermatologist can recommend an option based on the condition of your stretch marks and may combine treatments in some cases.
Most pregnancy stretch marks are harmless and do not need treatment. However, if you experience a rash, severe itching, pain, signs of infection, or other unusual skin changes alongside stretch marks, contact your OB-GYN.
Conclusion
So, when do stretch marks appear in pregnancy? They are common during the second and third trimesters but can show up earlier because every person’s skin and pregnancy are different. Many factors are involved, including genetics, skin type, and body growth. There is currently no high-quality medical evidence that topical products reliably prevent pregnancy stretch marks. After delivery, you can discuss treatment options with a dermatologist if the marks bother you. If you feel uncomfortable or notice unusual symptoms, it is always reasonable to call your OB-GYN.
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pregnancy and postpartum needs differ from person to person. Always talk with your OB-GYN, midwife, dermatologist, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional about symptoms, medications, skin-care ingredients, or treatments that may affect you or your baby.
