There are many ways to experience pregnancy—just as many as there are pregnant women. It’s true that there are universal sensations and experiences related to the physical and emotional changes that occur during this stage, but each woman goes through them in her own way. One example: the impact of stretch marks from pregnancy. Studies indicate that stretch marks that develop during pregnancy affect up to 90% of women. For some women, they are not a big deal; for others, they feel like a negative side effect of pregnancy. If you belong to the second group, don’t worry. It’s normal to have stretch marks during pregnancy; as you’ve seen, they affect almost all women, and there is nothing to be ashamed of.

In this article, we answer the most common questions about stretch marks during pregnancy: why they appear, how they can be prevented, and how to fight them with the . Join us!

Why do stretch marks appear during pregnancy?

Let's start at the beginning: what are stretch marks? Stretch marks are deep skin lesions that occur after elastic and collagen fibers rupture. They look like fine lines that are usually white, reddish, or pink, and they typically appear on the thighs, buttocks, belly, and chest. Pregnancy is an especially common time for them to show up due to the significant changes in weight and volume , as well as the hormonal dance that happens during pregnancy. You may have noticed that not only does your belly grow to make room for the baby, but your breasts also increase in size. Additionally, your thighs and buttocks may enlarge due to fluid retention. But be aware: this doesn’t always happen. Some women, regardless of these physical changes, won’t develop stretch marks during pregnancy. In fact, in some cases, stretch marks don’t appear throughout pregnancy and only show up after childbirth. Each body is different.

How to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?

Stretch marks that appear during pregnancy aren’t always inevitable, but it’s important to keep in mind that no preventive measure is 100% foolproof. Their appearance depends largely on the elasticity of your skin and your genetic makeup , and that isn’t so easy to control. Did you know there’s a strong hereditary factor? If your mother had stretch marks during pregnancy, you may also get them during yours. To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy—or at least try to—we’re sharing these 3 tips:

1. Pay attention to your diet during pregnancy: We already told you in this article that nutrition during pregnancy is very important for taking care of both your health and that of your little adventurer. One helpful way to reduce the risk of pregnancy stretch marks is to avoid sudden weight gain. You can support this through a healthy lifestyle . Remember that a healthy diet is one that limits or eliminates ultra-processed products and is based on fresh, plant-based foods. If you’re not sure how to plan a healthy diet, we recommend consulting a dietitian-nutritionist to answer all your questions ;)

2. Hydrate your skin: From the moment you see a positive pregnancy test until several months after childbirth, make sure to keep your skin well hydrated. You can do this with a pregnancy stretch mark cream or an anti-stretch mark cream, but we recommend the LILLYDOO anti-stretch mark oil , made with high-quality rosehip oil and algae extract—two ingredients that promote skin elasticity and hydration. It’s important to establish a daily routine and to use circular massages when applying the oil, as this not only increases absorption but also improves blood circulation. Applying the anti-stretch mark oil is very easy: you can do it right after getting out of the shower, on damp skin. Don’t worry—it absorbs quickly and very well, so you won’t feel sticky or stain your clothes. It’s also a good idea to complement this hydration and massage routine with a gentle exfoliant once a week to help your skin absorb the product even better.

Isn’t it tempting? Enjoy this ritual and dedicate time to yourself.

3. Practice exercise: Sport is one of the pillars of a healthy life, along with nutrition. It helps you leave behind unhealthy habits and improves restful, healthy sleep. Exercise has an added benefit during pregnancy: it can help prevent stretch marks. This doesn’t mean you have to train hard if you’ve never exercised before, but it can be a great excuse to gradually introduce exercise into your daily life and enjoy all the benefits it brings. Pilates, yoga, walking, swimming, gentle strength exercises, dancing… There are countless activities you can do to stay active. If you want more information, we recommend reading the article dedicated to exercise for pregnant women.

Do stretch marks from pregnancy disappear?

You’ve done everything possible to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy, but they’re still there. Help! Wait a moment—there’s something else you should know. Some pregnancy stretch marks will fade over time : the reddish and purplish ones. Their color indicates they’re still in an early stage, and that it may still be possible to intervene at the skin level, either with the recommendations above or by consulting a specialized dermatologist.

When stretch marks turn white, they’ve moved past that initial stage. They can no longer be eliminated, but you can still improve their appearance . Continue taking care of your diet, keeping your skin well hydrated with an anti-stretch mark oil , and getting some exercise. If you think about it, these are three great habits to keep taking care of yourself once your little adventurer is born. You may not have much time and may be busier with their care than with your own, but taking a few small moments for yourself is sure to do you good—both physically and emotionally ;)