Do all pregnant women get stretch marks?

It is estimated that up to 90% of women are prone to developing stretch marks in pregnancy. In studies conducted over the years, the likelihood of developing them has been found to vary according to:

Skin type

Stretch marks tend to be associated more with darker-skinned women than with lighter-skinned women.

In a mixed race study, 77.8% of those with darker skin developed stretch marks in pregnancy, while only 45.2% of lighter-skinned women got them.

Age

Interestingly, it has been found that as you get older, you are less likely to develop stretch marks.

Family and personal history

In a study conducted in 2004, it was found that of the women who developed stretch marks in pregnancy, over half had mothers with stretch marks. In the same study it was found that 81% of the women with pregnancy stretch marks had pre-existing stretch marks.

Weight

Stretch marks depend on the extent to which the skin expands. As such it is thought that rapid or excessive weight gain can exacerbate their formation.

It is, however, better during pregnancy to focus on eating the correct healthy foods than to worry about how much weight you are putting on.

Skin and condition

Maintaining a nutritious diet and keeping skin well-hydrated will ensure that it is better able to stretch during pregnancy.

About the Author: Bio-oil has been trusted by pregnant women since 1987. For more information, visit www.bio-oil.com

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