In general, stretchmarks start developing in the late 2nd to 3rd trimester. Not all women develop stretchmarks.
Some risk factors for the development of stretch marks include:
- Greater weight gain or distension of the abdomen, such as in multiple pregnancy or large fetus
- Genetic predisposition
- Greater melanin content in skin.
Avoid putting on too much weight too fast!
Various creams are on the market to prevent stretch marks. Unfortunately there is no clear evidence that individual topical agents necessarily work for the prevention of stretchmarks.
However keeping the skin well moisturised and supple might reduce the likelihood of stretch marks. They will look the most prominent initially, and generally will fade away over the next six months to a year after delivery.
