During pregnancy, your body gives its best. Feeling your baby grow inside you and watching your belly round out day after day is a unique experience. For 75% of pregnant women, stretch marks are an unwanted side effect. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about pregnancy stretch marks, including what causes them, how to prevent them, and how to reduce their appearance.

How do stretch marks develop?

Not only does your belly become increasingly round to make room for your growing baby, but over the course of nine months, your breasts also change in size as your body prepares for milk production. Additionally, water retention can cause your thighs and buttocks to increase in size. As a result, your skin stretches significantly in these areas—and it happens over a short period of time. Sometimes, the deeper layer of the skin can tear, and small, shiny, bluish-red lines appear underneath. These are called stretch marks, or Striae Gravidarum in medical terminology. Whether you develop stretch marks is largely genetic and mainly depends on your skin’s elasticity. However, factors such as very rapid weight gain can also promote their development.

How to reduce stretch marks?

First of all, it is completely normal to have stretch marks during pregnancy; there is no reason to be ashamed of them. They are often unavoidable, and their severity varies from woman to woman. They are also completely harmless to you and your baby. However, there are a few tips to help prevent and treat these skin fissures:

1. Good care

From the very beginning of pregnancy, you can care for your skin and help prevent stretch marks. With massages and gentle, regular exfoliation, you stimulate blood circulation and support your skin’s elasticity. Because dry skin is more prone to tearing, it needs extra hydration: daily care with creams or rich oils such as the , helps protect your skin from dryness. Natural oil can be applied in circular motions to areas typically affected by stretch marks. Since abdominal massages can trigger contractions, you should be especially gentle toward the end of pregnancy. A small tip: apply oil directly onto damp skin so it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film.

You may come to enjoy these little moments of tenderness and connection with your baby even more. These massages are also a wonderful opportunity for your partner to feel close to your little adventurer.

2. A healthy diet

A healthy diet with plenty of whole foods, fresh fruits, and vegetables can also support your skin. Vitamins A, C, and E, in particular, contribute to stronger connective tissue. Vitamin A is found in foods such as spinach, carrots, broccoli, parsley, and peppers, while vitamin C is mainly found in citrus fruits. Finally, vitamin E is provided by fruits, vegetables, and nuts. If you're not sure how to get enough essential vitamins and minerals during pregnancy, discuss it with your doctor.

3. Drink plenty

Drinking enough helps your body regulate its water balance and supports your skin’s elasticity. Therefore, it is highly recommended to drink 2 to 3 liters of water per day.

4. Sport

Physical activity can also help prevent stretch marks; in fact, women who exercise are often less prone to them. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should start training for the next marathon during pregnancy. ;) Sports like swimming, cycling, dancing, and yoga are generally suitable during pregnancy without harming the baby, and they can also help strengthen connective tissue. The rule is: listen to your body, and talk with your midwife or doctor about how you can keep moving as your belly grows. You will find more information in our article: « ».

5. After birth

Even with proper care and a healthy diet, stretch marks can remain after pregnancy. But don’t worry—the bluish-reddish streaks usually fade over time. Only the white stretch marks remain visible on the skin. Even after your baby is born, you can continue caring for your skin by massaging it regularly to support healing.

Moreover, many moms proudly refer to pregnancy stretch marks as tiger stripes. After all, they are a sign of what your body does best in nine months: giving life. At birth, you hold the most beautiful reward in your arms. With all this happiness, stretch marks take a back seat! :)