As many as 90% of pregnant women deal with at least one type of stretch marks.1 But not all stretch marks are the same. Getting more specific about the types of stretch marks during pregnancy lets you be way more targeted in how you treat them.
We’re going to help you understand the many different types of stretch marks in pregnancy and share tips on managing their appearance. From stretch mark serum to professional treatments, find tips on supporting your skin through every trimester below!
Key Takeaways
- Striae gravidarum is the medical term for stretch marks that form during pregnancy.
- Striae rubrae are the first stretch marks to form. They’re red or purple, and still treatable.
- Striae albae are the white or silvery marks that form as striae rubrae become permanent.
- The earlier you address stretch marks, the better chance you have of minimizing their appearance through topical treatment.
- Genetics, hormones, and rapid weight gain all dictate the extent to which you develop stretch marks during pregnancy.
- 8 Sheep Organics makes the best stretch mark cream for pregnant women.
Different Types of Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
We know what you’re thinking - why do the different types of stretch marks during pregnancy even matter? Stretch marks are stretch marks, right? Nope. The specific form you’re seeing tells you how new they are, and thus, how easily you can treat them via topical solutions.
Striae Gravidarum (or Striae Distensae): Pregnancy-Specific
All pregnancy stretch marks fall under the umbrella of striae gravidarum, AKA striae distensae. They’re most prevalent on the belly, breasts, hips, and thighs. Your skin is stretching as your body makes room for new life inside it.
The early signs of stretch marks are your skin starting to itch or feel tight in any of those problem areas. Research says anywhere between 55% and 90% of all pregnant women end up dealing with striae gravidarum.1 It’s best to brace for them and plan on addressing them before they start showing up. That gives you a better chance of preventing them.
Striae Rubrae: Earliest Form of Stretch Marks
Striae rubrae are fresh stretch marks. They show up as red, pink, or purple marks. This is because the skin is still inflamed and blood is actively flowing near the surface. They might feel a little raised or have a different texture from the rest of the skin.
The good news? They’re still treatable at this stage. Dr. Frank Wang of University of Michigan says that “it may make more sense to focus on preserving the elastic fibers you have rather than repairing damaged ones within stretch marks.”3 In other words, catching things earlier gives you a better chance than treating them later.
Striae Albae: Mature Stretch Marks
Striae rubrae slowly but surely turn into striae albae, as that red/purple color fades into a white, silvery mark. Meanwhile, the texture becomes flatter and the marks may even settle beneath the surface of the skin.
They’re less visible at this stage, but they’re permanent. At least, they’re much less responsive to topical treatment. These are the types of stretch marks during pregnancy you really want to try to prevent.
What Causes the Different Types of Stretch Marks in Pregnancy?
All types of stretch marks in pregnancy can be traced back to the same thing: your skin being stretched to its literal breaking point. This makes sense. Your belly is expanding fast. But let’s take a closer look at some of the more specific causes.
Your Skin is Literally Getting Stretched to the Limit
We think Dr. Erum Ilyas, a board-certified dermatologist, put it really well.
“The stretch on the skin is similar conceptually to a balloon that is expanding. While stretching, the skin will thin and experience excess dryness as it becomes more challenging to hold onto moisture. Then, the elastic fibers in the skin may break down and collagen thins out.”4
Most of this happens during the second and third trimesters.
Hormones, Genetics, and Other Factors
Stretching is inevitable during pregnancy. So why do some women develop fewer marks, or none at all? Because stretch marks are genetic to some extent. You’re more likely to end up with them if your mother had them. In fact, research shows that women whose mothers had stretch marks are more than twice as likely to develop them as well.5
There are hormonal factors at play, too. Cortisol is higher, and that weakens the elastic fibers your skin needs to stretch and bounce back. Less elastin = skin that’s more prone to tearing. This happens deep within the dermis layer. Meanwhile, relaxin (the hormone that loosens your joints for delivery) also loosens your connective tissue throughout the body.
Younger maternal age, higher pre-pregnancy weight, and more overall weight gain are all risk factors as well.1 But that doesn’t mean you are undeniably destined for stretch marks.
How to Handle Pregnancy Stretch Marks (Prevention and Treatment)
You know the different types of stretch marks during pregnancy. Now what do you actually do about it? You have more options if you start earlier.
Nourish Your Skin With a Stretch Mark Serum
Hopefully you’re doing your research into the different types of stretch marks during pregnancy before you actually notice them forming. If so, you can order a pregnancy stretch mark oil or cream now and start nourishing your skin before it begins stretching.
But not all products are made equal. Most “stretch mark products” are glorified moisturizers. Centella Asiatica (AKA Gotu Kola) is one of the only ingredients with real clinical evidence. Women who used it in one study ended up with fewer stretch marks than other women.2 It’s one of the only ingredients endorsed by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for stretch marks. The other one we recommend is hyaluronic acid.
8 Sheep Organics is one of the top-rated stretch mark creams on the market. It’s made with pregnancy-safe ingredients so you can apply it with peace of mind. Most importantly, it’s backed by our 100-day money-back guarantee.
Hydrate Your Skin From the Inside Out
Your stretch mark serum works from the outside in. Drinking enough water will help minimize stretch marks from the inside out.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah says, “The most important thing that you can do for your abdominal skin is really to keep it hydrated. If the skin is hydrated, it can better maintain its elasticity, which can certainly help combat some of the stretch mark development.”6
The Dietary Side of Things
Your skin needs the raw materials to stretch and repair. Some of the most important nutrients are:
- Vitamin C for collagen synthesis
- Vitamin E to protect skin cells from oxidative damage
- Zinc to help repair damaged tissue
- Omega-3 fatty acids to support skin elasticity
Eat plenty of citrus, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and fatty fish to get these nutrients.
Support Your Skin Through Each Trimester With 8 Sheep Organics
Regardless of the types of stretch marks during pregnancy you’re dealing with, consistent early care matters most. Our advice on when to start using stretch mark cream during pregnancy is as early as possible.
So, pick up 8 Sheep Organics True Belly Serum today and give your skin the support it needs. We bring together Centella Asiatica and triple-weighted hyaluronic acid in one pregnancy-safe formula. Every batch is handmade in the USA and backed by our 100-day money-back guarantee.
Get yours today and see what keeps pregnant women coming back for more, even postpartum!
Frequently asked questions
What month of pregnancy do stretch marks appear?
Usually during the late second or early third trimester. Months 6-7 are when we see the earlier types of stretch marks in pregnancy. Some women may see stretch marks on their breasts as early as the first trimester, though.
Is it even possible to prevent pregnancy stretch marks?
You can definitely reduce the likelihood and severity of stretch marks by nourishing your skin with the right stretch mark serum in advance, but there’s no guarantee. Genetics plays a big role.6 That doesn’t mean you should just accept defeat, though.
Do pregnancy stretch marks ever go away?
The types of stretch marks during pregnancy that respond best to prevention are the earlier ones - striae rubrae (red/purple marks). Striae albae (white/silver marks) are more permanent and may require professional treatment.
References
- Farahnik B, et al. Striae gravidarum: Risk factors, prevention, and management. International Journal of Women's Dermatology. 2017;3(2):77-85. PubMed
- Mallol J, et al. Prophylaxis of striae gravidarum with a topical formulation. A double blind trial. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 1991;13(1):51-57. PubMed
- Wang F. University of Michigan Health System. 2015. ScienceDaily
- Ilyas E, quoted in NBC News Select. 2023. NBC News
- Chang AL, et al. Risk factors associated with striae gravidarum. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2004;51(6):881-885. PubMed
- Shah S, quoted in NBC News Select. 2023. NBC News
