Pregnancy and Stretch Marks: What to Know

Stretch marks, also called striae, often begin as pink, red, purple, or brown lines on the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, or buttocks. They may feel itchy or slightly raised at first, then become lighter and flatter as the skin settles. Their appearance varies with skin tone and inherited skin characteristics.

They are a structural change rather than dirt, an infection, or a sign that you have cared for your skin poorly. Moisturiser can ease tightness and itch, but no cream can reliably prevent every mark. Scratching can irritate the surface, so keep nails short and use a bland moisturiser after bathing.

Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser, avoid very hot showers, and choose breathable clothing if the area feels irritated. Do not start retinoid creams during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed by your maternity clinician. Take care with products marketed as cures, especially those containing multiple active ingredients.

If the marks remain bothersome after pregnancy and breastfeeding, a dermatologist may discuss options such as [Microneedling](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/microneedling/), [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/), [RF Microneedling](/treatments/laser-and-energy/rf-microneedling/), or [Carboxytherapy](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/carboxytherapy/). These can improve texture or colour rather than erase the marks, and suitability depends on skin tone, healing, and medical history.

Speak with your maternity or dermatology clinician if itching is intense, widespread, or concentrated on the palms and soles, or if you develop a rash, blisters, yellowing skin, or sleep-disrupting symptoms. Those features may need a separate pregnancy assessment rather than being attributed to stretch marks.

Ask which moisturiser is suitable, whether a product contains pregnancy-inappropriate ingredients, and when cosmetic procedures would be reasonable after delivery. Ask how to tell ordinary stretch-mark itch from a pregnancy rash that needs testing.