Articles

Key takeaways

• Stretch marks are common and normal skin changes in pregnancy.
• They appear as lines, varying in colour, often on the tummy, breasts, and thighs.
• Hormonal changes and skin stretching cause them.
• Severe itching or a rash should always be discussed with your GP or midwife.

What are stretch marks and why do they appear in pregnancy?

Stretch marks are narrow, streak-like lines that can develop on the surface of your skin. They can be pink, red, purple, or brown, depending on your skin colour.

These marks usually appear on your tummy, upper thighs, breasts, hips, and buttocks. They happen as your pregnancy progresses and your bump starts to grow.

Stretch marks occur when the middle layer of skin (dermis) becomes stretched and broken in places. Your skin's fibres can soften during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. This makes your skin more prone to stretch marks.

Whether you get stretch marks depends on your skin type. Some people's skin is more elastic than others. You are also more likely to get them if your weight gain is more than average during pregnancy.

What can I do about stretch marks?

Stretch marks are not harmful and do not cause medical problems. There is no specific treatment for them.

Some creams claim to remove stretch marks once they have appeared. However, there is no reliable evidence that they work.

There is also limited evidence about whether oils or creams help prevent stretch marks from appearing. A normal moisturiser may make your skin feel more comfortable. There is no strong evidence that using creams or oils can prevent stretch marks.

Most women gain about 10 to 12.5kg (22 to 28lb) in pregnancy. However, weight gain varies a great deal from person to person.

The amount of weight you gain can be influenced by your weight at the start of your pregnancy. You are more likely to get stretch marks if your weight gain is more than average.

It is important not to try to lose weight by eating less when you are pregnant. You need to have a healthy diet during pregnancy. If you are worried about your weight, talk to your midwife or GP.

After your baby is born, the marks may gradually fade. They can become paler scars and less noticeable. They probably will not go away completely.

Many women describe their stretch marks as "tiger stripes". They see them as a sign of being a courageous mother.

When to talk to your GP about skin changes

Stretch marks are common in pregnancy, affecting around 8 out of 10 pregnant women. They are not harmful and do not cause medical problems. They might be itchy, but this is usually not harmful.

Mild itching around your tummy and breasts is common in pregnancy. This is because your skin is stretching around your growing baby.

Itching can also be caused by hormone changes. Mild itching is not usually harmful to you or your baby.

When to seek advice for itching

You should see a GP if you are pregnant and have itchy skin, and:

• The itchy skin is affecting your daily life.
• It does not get better after treatment from a pharmacist.
• It keeps coming back.
• You have eczema, as this can worsen in pregnancy.
• You have a new rash, lump, or swelling.

These symptoms are usually not harmful in pregnancy. However, a GP can offer advice and treatment.

Urgent advice for severe itching

Get urgent medical help if you are pregnant and have very itchy skin. For example, if it keeps you awake at night.

Also, seek urgent help if the palms of your hands or soles of your feet are itchy. The itching may also be worse at night.

These could be signs of a liver condition that can happen in pregnancy (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, or ICP). This condition needs urgent assessment and treatment.

Call your maternity unit if you have the phone number. If you cannot contact your maternity unit, call 111.

Itching with a rash

Contact your GP or midwife if you are itchy and have a rash.

An itchy rash on and around your tummy could be from a harmless skin condition that can happen in pregnancy (polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, or PEP). This usually occurs in the third trimester of a first pregnancy. Although uncomfortable, it does not affect your health or your baby's.

Another rare condition that starts as an itchy rash on your tummy is gestational pemphigoid (PG). This needs to be checked by your GP, as it can sometimes affect a baby's growth or cause labour to start early. It then spreads to other parts of the body, often with blisters on the skin.