Usually between the 6th and 7th months of pregnancy most women will develop stretch marks. The colour severity and appearance of stretch marks will vary considerably between individual. At first, stretch marks tend to appear as raised red or purple lines on the skin however over time they usually fade to much less noticeable flat, silvery lines.

Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body where skin has been stretched over a period of time, but are more common is body areas where fat is stored, they are technically known as striae. Stretch marks are most likely to occur on the stomach area during pregnancy but can also appear on the breasts, thighs, buttocks and upper arms.

Stretch marks develop due to a loss of elasticity in the skin as a result of over stretching. The skin consists of 3 layers, the top layer (epidermis), the middle layer (the dermis) and the inner layer (the subcutaneous layer). The dermis layer's function is to support the skin and keep it firm; it also houses the blood vessels that transport nutrients to skin cells.

The dermis layer is made up of a vast network of elastic fibres that allow the skin to stretch with our bodies, but when the body expands greatly over a short period of time (such as during pregnancy), the fibres weaken and can break, resulting in the thinning of the skin. Stretch marks appearing is thus the exposure of blood vessel through a thin top layer of skin.

About 75-90% of women develop stretch marks on their pregnant belly. The exact factors contributing to their development is not known for sure, current thinking suggests that it is due to a combination of genetics, production of the hormone corticosteroid, hydration and nutrition. For example, those with darker skin are less susceptible to stretch marks, probably due to the higher melanin content of their skin. People whose bodies produce more corticosteroid, a hormone which decreases levels of collagen in the skin will have less naturally elasticised skin and thus are more likely to get stretch marks.

Prevent Stretch Marks and Treatment

Women who drink lots of water and consume a nutritious, balanced diet will also be less susceptible to pregnancy stretch marks as hydrated, healthy skin is elasticised better and therefore better prepared to stretch as the body expands.

There are several treatment options for stretch marks available however they usually will start to fade 6 months after birth. Laser therapy, plastic surgery and skin care creams are just some of the treatment options available. You should consult your doctor first for more serious treatments. And finally a few marks is definitely worth it for the new addition to your family