Are stretch marks safe in pregnancy?

Stretch marks, also called striae, form when skin stretches and supportive fibres change as the body grows. They may appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, or other areas and can begin as pink, red, purple, or darker lines before becoming lighter. They are a skin change rather than an infection, and they do not reflect how healthy a pregnancy is.

Use a plain moisturiser if it helps dryness or tightness, and choose gentle, fragrance-free products when skin feels sensitive. Avoid scratching and harsh scrubs. Creams or medicines containing retinoids should not be used in pregnancy unless a clinician specifically tells you otherwise. Cosmetic procedures are usually considered later, so discuss any planned treatment with your maternity-care clinician.

Ask for medical assessment if itching becomes intense, spreads widely, affects your sleep, or comes with a new rash, yellowing of the skin, dark urine, or pale stools. Seek urgent help for swelling of the face or breathing difficulty. These features are not explained by ordinary stretch marks and can signal a separate pregnancy-related problem.

Ask whether the marks look like ordinary striae, which products are suitable for your skin, how to control itching safely, and when you could revisit cosmetic options after pregnancy or breastfeeding.