How to Prevent & Treat Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
You’re getting dressed one morning, glance in the mirror, and—wait… were those little squiggly lines there yesterday?
Pregnancy comes with its fair share of surprises, but stretch marks have a special way of showing up uninvited, like glitter after a toddler craft project.
Stretch marks are one of pregnancy’s most common souvenirs — and also one of the most misunderstood.
Here’s the truth: your body is stretching, protecting, building, expanding… doing miraculous things. Stretch marks are simply your skin trying to keep up.
So let’s talk about why stretch marks happen, what’s realistic when it comes to prevention, and what treatments actually work.
Understanding Pregnancy Stretch Marks
Stretch marks (medically called striae) are small tears in the dermis (the middle layer of your skin) caused by rapid stretching.
And you might be standing in front of the mirror, noticing them for the first time.
Small lines (pink, purple, or red) that are spreading across your belly, hips, or breasts. Seeing them can bring up a lot of emotions.
Getting stretch marks is a natural part of a growing body, not a failure.
Most women get them.
Genetics, skin type, hormonal shifts, and how quickly your body grows all play a role in whether you develop stretch marks. Some are within your control. Many are not.
Why Stretch Marks Happen During Pregnancy
The Role of Hormones
During pregnancy, your body produces increased levels of hormones like relaxin, estrogen, and cortisol. These hormones help your body adapt to pregnancy, but they also weaken collagen fibers in your skin. This makes your skin more prone to tearing when stretched.
This is why even people who moisturize religiously and do “all the right things” can still develop stretch marks. Your hormones are playing a huge role behind the scenes.
Rapid Growth Periods
Your belly isn’t the only place that grows during pregnancy.
Stretch marks during pregnancy commonly appear on:
- The abdomen (especially during the second and third trimesters)
- The breasts
- The hips and thighs
- The buttocks
The faster your body grows, the more likely stretch marks are to form. Weight gain patterns, baby’s size, and how your body carries all contribute.
Genetics
This is one of the biggest predictors of whether you’ll get stretch marks.
If your parent or sibling developed stretch marks during pregnancy, there’s a higher likelihood that you may too. Your genetic makeup influences your skin’s elasticity and how it responds to stretching.
Skin Type & Elasticity
Naturally dry skin or a skin type with lower elasticity is more prone to stretch marks.
Age can also play a role—younger skin tends to be more elastic, while skin that’s been through previous pregnancies or significant weight changes may be more susceptible.
Can You Prevent Stretch Marks? What’s Realistic & What’s Not
Let’s be honest: some stretch marks are unavoidable.
No cream, oil, or routine can guarantee that you won’t get them. But there are things you can do to support your skin’s elasticity and minimize its appearance.
The key is setting realistic expectations. Prevention strategies help, but they don’t work miracles.
Skin Moisture
Keeping your skin well-moisturized is one of the most effective ways to support elasticity during pregnancy.
Moisturized skin is more flexible and better able to stretch without tearing.
Recommended oils and creams:
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Coconut oil
- Almond oil
- Hyaluronic acid-based creams
- Vitamin E products
How to use them:
- Apply at least once or twice daily (morning and night work well)
- Focus on areas prone to stretch marks: belly, breasts, hips, thighs
- Massage gently in circular motions to encourage circulation
Healthy Weight Gain
Gaining weight steadily, according to your provider’s guidance, can reduce the likelihood of rapid stretching that leads to stretch marks.
This doesn’t mean restricting yourself or obsessing over the scale— not at all. It means honoring your hunger, nourishing your body, and allowing your weight to increase in a way that supports both you and your baby.
Your provider can help you understand what’s appropriate for your body and pregnancy.
Staying Hydrated
Water supports skin flexibility, elasticity, and cellular function from the inside out.
Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. And if nausea is making hydration difficult, try:
- Sipping water slowly throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once
- Adding lemon, cucumber, or mint for flavor
- Eating water-rich foods like melon, cucumbers, and oranges
- Drinking herbal teas (pregnancy-safe options like ginger or peppermint)
Gentle Movement & Exercise
Regular, gentle movement helps regulate weight gain and supports healthy circulation (which also helps your skin).
Safe prenatal exercise options include:
- Walking
- Prenatal yoga
- Swimming or water aerobics
- Stationary cycling
- Light strength training
Always check with your provider before starting or continuing an exercise routine during pregnancy.
Nutrition for Skin Health
What you eat can support your skin’s ability to stretch and repair itself.
Collagen-supporting nutrients include:
- Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli
- Zinc: Found in lean meats, beans, nuts, and seeds
- Protein: Essential for tissue repair—found in eggs, chicken, fish, legumes, and dairy
- Healthy fats: Support skin health—found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon
Eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet benefits your entire body—including your skin.
Will Stretch Marks From Pregnancy Go Away?
Typically, they won’t disappear entirely, but they often fade significantly over time. So, if you already have stretch marks (or develop them despite your best efforts), here’s what can help improve their appearance.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Certain topical treatments have evidence supporting their ability to improve texture or fade discoloration::
- Retinoids: Effective for stretch marks, but avoid during pregnancy. Many are also not recommended while breastfeeding — check with your provider before using them postpartum.
- Hyaluronic acid creams: Help with hydration and can improve skin texture.
- Centella asiatica (Cica): An herbal extract shown to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
- Silicone gels: Can help flatten and soften raised marks.
- Glycolic acid lotions: In pregnancy-safe formulations, they can support gentle skin cell turnover.
Always check with your provider before using new products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Natural & Safe-at-Home Remedies
If you prefer natural options, these are safe during pregnancy and postpartum:
- Regular moisturizing massage: Encourages circulation and keeps skin supple.
- Rosehip oil: Rich in vitamins and fatty acids that support skin repair.
- Aloe vera: Soothing and hydrating, especially for fresh marks.
- Gentle sugar scrubs: Light exfoliation can improve texture, but avoid scrubbing too hard).
Consistency is key. These remedies work best when used regularly over time.
Professional Treatments (Postpartum Only)
If you want more intensive treatment after your baby is born, several professional options can significantly improve the appearance of stretch marks:
- Laser therapy: Fractional laser or pulsed dye laser can reduce redness and improve texture.
- Microneedling: Stimulates collagen production to help skin repair itself.
- Chemical peels: Can improve skin tone and texture.
- Radiofrequency treatments: Use heat to stimulate collagen and tighten skin.
Important notes:
- Wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding for most professional treatments.
- Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss your options and safety.
- Results vary, and multiple sessions are often needed.
What Doesn’t Work (Common Myths)
Let’s clear up some misconceptions:
- “Erasing” stretch marks completely: You don’t need to put pressure on yourself to get rid of them entirely. They can fade significantly, but they’ll likely always be visible to some degree.
- Miracle creams with no research: If a product promises to completely prevent or remove stretch marks, it’s too good to be true.
- Over-scrubbing or harsh products: These can irritate your skin and won’t prevent or remove stretch marks.
Be skeptical of products that make big promises without evidence to back them up.
When to Seek Medical Advice
In most cases, stretch marks are harmless. But there are times when you should reach out to your provider:
- If stretch marks are extremely painful or itchy
- If you notice unusual skin changes, rashes, or raised bumps around the marks
- If you develop symptoms of PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy)—an itchy rash that can appear in stretch marks during the third trimester
A dermatologist can offer helpful insight and treatment planning if you’re concerned about your skin.
Reframing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Stretch marks are evidence of transformation. Your body is doing incredible work to grow and nurture life.
And for many people, they fade significantly over time—becoming lighter, softer, and much less noticeable.
But even if they don’t fade completely, they’re part of your story. Try approaching them with more kindness than anything.
It’s okay to grieve the body you had before pregnancy or to struggle with the changes you’re seeing in the mirror.
It’s completely valid.
But what matters is that you give yourself compassion during this season.
How We Support You
As doulas, part of our role is helping you navigate the emotional and physical shifts that come with pregnancy.
We’re here to offer reassurance, education, and judgment-free support as your body changes. We can help you process your feelings, connect you with resources, and remind you that you’re not alone in what you’re experiencing.
You deserve to feel confident and cared for throughout your pregnancy (stretch marks and all).
Our doulas are here to walk with you.
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