Skin, Hair & Breast
Stretch Marks in Pregnancy
Common, harmless streaks from stretching skin — mostly a cosmetic issue that fades over time.
Written and fact-checked by the ParentVibes editorial team against WHO, NHS, ACOG and peer-reviewed guidance. Not yet reviewed by a named clinician.
Quick facts
- Most common
- 2nd and 3rd trimesters
- Typical areas
- Abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs
- How common
- The majority of pregnancies
- After birth
- Usually fade to silvery lines
- See a doctor if
- Intense itching with raised red bumps
Somewhere between your bump beginning to show and the final weeks of pregnancy, many people notice pink or reddish streaks appearing across their abdomen, breasts, hips or thighs. Stretch marks are one of the most common and most talked-about pregnancy skin changes, and while they carry no medical risk, it's completely understandable to want to know why they happen and whether anything genuinely helps.
This guide covers what causes stretch marks, what's realistic to expect from skincare, and the one rare but distinct pattern — intensely itchy, raised, hive-like bumps appearing within stretch marks — that's worth mentioning to your doctor.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks, medically called striae gravidarum, form when skin stretches faster than its supportive fibres (collagen and elastin) can keep up, causing small tears in the deeper layer of skin. They typically appear as streaks that start pink, red or purple, and over time — usually after birth — fade to a paler, silvery or white colour and become less noticeable, though they rarely vanish completely.
They most commonly appear on the abdomen as the bump grows, but also on the breasts, hips, bottom and thighs. How likely you are to get them, and how visible they are, is influenced strongly by genetics (if your mother had them, you're more likely to as well), skin type, and how quickly and how much your skin stretches — so having them, or not, is not a reflection of anything you did or didn't do.
They're extremely common
The large majority of pregnant people develop some stretch marks, most often in the third trimester as the bump grows quickly. Not getting them is also completely normal — skin elasticity varies a great deal from person to person.
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks come down to a combination of physical stretching and your skin's individual elasticity.
Rapid skin stretching
As your bump, breasts and thighs grow, especially quickly in the second half of pregnancy, the skin's collagen and elastin fibres can tear slightly, forming visible streaks.
Genetics
Family history is one of the strongest predictors — if your mother or sisters had noticeable stretch marks, you're more likely to as well.
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy hormones can affect the strength and elasticity of your skin's supportive fibres, making stretch marks more likely to form.
Amount and speed of weight gain
Gaining weight quickly, carrying twins or more, or having a larger bump can increase the degree of stretching and the likelihood of marks.
Skin type
Naturally drier or less elastic skin may be more prone to stretch marks, though this varies considerably between individuals.
There's no guaranteed way to prevent them
- Moisturising keeps skin comfortable but won't reliably stop marks forming
- Genetics play a bigger role than any cream
- Gradual, steady weight gain (as your doctor or midwife advises) may help a little
- Marks that do form usually fade significantly after birth
When stretch marks are normal
Stretch marks are a normal, cosmetic skin change. The following are all expected and not a cause for concern:
- Pink, red or purple streaks appearing on your bump, breasts, hips or thighs.
- Mild itchiness directly over the marks as the skin stretches.
- New marks appearing as your bump grows through the second and third trimesters.
- Marks fading to a paler, silvery colour in the months after birth.
| Usually normal stretch marks | Needs medical attention | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Flat or slightly raised streaks | Raised red bumps or hives clustered on the marks |
| Itch | Mild, localised to the marks | Intense, spreading itch with visible rash |
| Other skin | Rest of the skin looks normal | Palms/soles itching with no rash (possible cholestasis) |
Colour fades, texture may remain
It's normal for stretch marks to remain as faint lines or slight texture change long-term, even once the colour has faded. This is a cosmetic change only and not a sign of anything medically wrong.
Warning signs — when to get checked
Stretch marks themselves are not dangerous, but see your doctor or midwife if you notice:
Seek urgent medical care if you have
- Intensely itchy, raised red bumps or hives developing within or around your stretch marks, usually in the third trimester (possible PUPPP/polymorphic eruption of pregnancy).
- A rash spreading beyond the stretch marks onto your arms, legs or elsewhere.
- Itching severe enough to disturb your sleep or daily life.
- Itching on your palms and soles with no rash, especially worse at night — this suggests a different condition (obstetric cholestasis) rather than a stretch-mark reaction.
- Signs of skin infection: warmth, spreading redness, pus or fever.
A very itchy rash on and around stretch marks (PUPPP) is uncomfortable but not dangerous to you or your baby, and your doctor can suggest soothing treatment. Itching that fits the cholestasis pattern (palms/soles, worse at night, no rash) is different and needs a blood test — see the Itchy Skin guide for details.
Self-care for stretch marks
While nothing guarantees prevention, these measures support skin comfort and condition through pregnancy.
Moisturise regularly
- Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser, oil or cream to your bump, breasts and thighs daily.
- Massage it in gently — this improves comfort even if it doesn't prevent marks.
- Keep skin well hydrated by drinking enough fluids.
Support gradual, steady weight gain
- Follow the weight-gain guidance your doctor or midwife gives for your pregnancy.
- Eat a balanced diet to support healthy skin as well as overall wellbeing.
Ease itching as marks form
- Use lukewarm rather than hot showers, which can dry the skin further.
- Wear soft, breathable, natural-fibre clothing.
- Try a cool compress if a particular area feels itchy or tight.
Be realistic about creams
No cream, oil or product has strong evidence of preventing stretch marks altogether — genetics and how much your skin stretches matter more. Treat moisturising as skin comfort and self-care, not a guarantee.
When to consult a doctor
It's worth a call to your doctor or midwife if:
- You develop very itchy, raised red bumps or hives on or around your stretch marks.
- A rash is spreading and becoming uncomfortable or affecting your sleep.
- You notice any signs of skin infection around a stretch-mark area.
- You're unsure whether itching is 'just' stretch marks or something else, especially if it involves your palms or soles.
- You'd like advice on safe skincare products for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Track your changing skin
Note when new marks or skin changes appear so you have a clear picture to share at your next appointment.
Open the Pregnancy TrackerFrequently asked questions
Can I prevent stretch marks in pregnancy?
Not entirely — genetics and how much and how fast your skin stretches play the biggest role. Moisturising keeps your skin comfortable and supple, and gradual weight gain may help a little, but there's no guaranteed way to stop them forming.
Do stretch marks go away after birth?
They typically fade from pink, red or purple to a paler, silvery colour over months, and become much less noticeable, though they rarely disappear completely. This is a normal, harmless cosmetic change.
Why are my stretch marks so itchy?
Mild itching directly over stretch marks as the skin stretches is normal. However, if you develop intensely itchy, raised red bumps or hives clustered on the marks, this can be a pregnancy-specific rash (PUPPP) worth mentioning to your doctor.
What is PUPPP?
Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PUPPP) is an itchy rash of small red bumps and hives that often starts within abdominal stretch marks, usually in the third trimester. It's uncomfortable but not dangerous, and your doctor can suggest treatment to ease the itching.
Are stretch marks a sign that something is wrong?
No — they are a normal, extremely common cosmetic change from skin stretching and are not linked to your baby's wellbeing. The only time to get checked is if itching becomes intense with a raised rash, or fits the different pattern of palm/sole itching seen in obstetric cholestasis.
Your next steps
Track your pregnancy
Log symptoms week by week, get personalised tips, and see how your pregnancy is progressing.
Open Pregnancy TrackerPregnancy week-by-week
Follow your baby's growth and your body's changes from week 1 to 40 in plain language.
Explore the guideFind a gynaecologist
Have a personal concern? Book with a trusted obstetrician or gynaecologist near you.
Find a doctorRelated pregnancy symptoms
Helpful resources
Sources
- NHS — Pregnancy: common symptoms & concerns
- ACOG — Pregnancy resources (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
- WHO — Maternal health & pregnancy care
- NHS — Skin changes in pregnancy (stretch marks)
- ACOG — Skin Conditions During Pregnancy
Next review due: 6 January 2027.
Medical disclaimer
This page is general information about a common pregnancy symptom and does not replace personal medical advice. Every pregnancy is different. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, a bad headache with vision changes, reduced or absent baby movements, breathing difficulty, fever, or you feel something is seriously wrong, contact your doctor or midwife or go to your nearest emergency department straight away. When in doubt, always get checked — it is never a waste of anyone's time.
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