The truth about stretchmarks

All the answers to those important questions about these 'badges of motherhood'.

Between 50 and 90% of women suffer from stretchmarks during pregnancy. So if you reckon your bump's looking a bit like a map of Britain's motorways right now, you'll be relieved to know you're in good company.

The marks usually appear in your third trimester, when your skin is literally at breaking point. They tend to be concentrated around your bump, but can also appear on your boobs, upper arms, hips and buttocks.

While they can look quite angry, the good news is they're not usually painful, although they may be tingly or itchy. With most pregnant women having their own stretchmark horror stories to tell, it can be pretty confusing to work out whether you're likely to get them, and how you can prevent them (clue: you can't).

But here, we'll answer your most common questions - and bust some of the myths you might have heard!

Q: Do stretchmark treatments really work?

As much as we'd like to tell you they do, your chances of getting stretchmarks are dictated by factors other than religiously rubbing your bump with a dedicated cream morning, noon and night.

The good news is, using a cream will keep your skin moisturised, which is the best thing for it, whether you get stretchmarks or not. It can also reduce the severity of the stretchmarks and help your skin heal more quickly.

Remember to pay attention to your boobs, arms, hips thighs and underneath your bump, too.

Q: Is it only pregnant women who get stretchmarks?

Anyone can get stretchmarks because they are caused by stretching of the skin, rather than pregnancy hormones.

Stretchmarks are common during puberty when sudden growth spurts put pressure on your skin's elasticity, and even men can get them if they put weight on quickly (so there is some justice in the world, then...).

Q: Does rubbing olive oil into your skin stop stretchmarks appearing?

Nope, even the most expensive extra virgin olive oil isn't going to stop them.

Some women do swear by it though, and, like using a stretchmark treatment, if it suits your skin type there is no harm in trying it. At the very least, it'll help to keep your skin supple.

However, if you have sensitive skin, you're probably better off sticking to a moisturiser designed for your skin type and saving the olive oil for the salad.

Q: My mum had stretchmarks, will I get them too?

There does seem to be a genetic factor in the likelihood of getting stretchmarks. But there's always a chance you'll get away with it if you haven't inherited your mother's skin type.

Dry skin's naturally less elastic than oily to normal skin, so if your skin's dry, your chance of getting stretchmarks increases.

Q: I had stretchmarks in my first pregnancy, does that mean I'll get them again?

It's likely you'll get stretchmarks with each progressive pregnancy, as your skin will be more vulnerable because it's been stretched before. You may find you just get a couple of new ones and that your old scars darken temporarily.

On the other hand, your old stretchmarks may not change at all, remaining faded - it really depends on your skin type.

Q: Does what I eat make a difference as to whether I get stretchmarks or not?

Feeding your skin from within is just as important as using a good moisturiser, and well-hydrated, healthy skin is much stretchier.

While a good diet won't change your fundamental skin type, eating healthily could give you an advantage in the battle of the stretchmarks (as well as being essential for you and your unborn baby's health).

You should drink at least two litres of water a day to keep your skin hydrated and eat foods rich in vitamin C and zinc (which help to maintain good body tissue). Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries and vegetables. You can increase your zinc intake by eating fish and poultry, oats, nuts and seeds. You can also try seasoning your food with ginger and black pepper too, which are good sources of zinc. 

Q: I've been told I won't get stretchmarks because I'm dark-skinned, is that true?

The colour of your skin has absolutely no bearing on whether you get stretchmarks or not, althoughblack women do tend to get fewer, and they're less visible on darker skin.

Q: Should I expect to get more stretchmarks because I'm expecting twins?

Stretchmarks are caused by rapid weight gain so it follows that if you're carrying more than one baby, you'll put on weight faster than if you're carrying a single baby.

If you do get stretchmarks, you'll probably get more of them and you're likely to notice them earlier on in your pregnancy. But a multiple pregnancy by itself does not mean you'll get stretchmarks - again, it's down to your skin type.

Q: Will my stretchmarks disappear after the birth?

Unfortunately, stretchmarks will never disappear completely. But they will flatten and become less noticeable as time goes on.

On white skin, the marks tend to become a silvery colour, while on darker skin they tend to become a couple of shades lighter than your natural skin tone. You can help any stretchmarks to heal and fade by using a body moisturiser.

Most women don't notice their stretchmarks after a while and learn to accept them as 'badges of motherhood'. In extreme cases, laser surgery can be a helpful option