Unii’s pregnancy and preconception expert spoke to Unii Babies about the evidence for stretch mark creams.

Stretch marks are a worry for many mums, particularly when it’s your first pregnancy, and we’re all vulnerable to cosmetics companies that promise up prevention in a bottle. In a recent episode of the Unii Babies podcast, our then-pregnant host, Dr. Saranya Ravindran, asked Unii obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr. Shree Datta, whether any of them are supported by evidence.

“In a nutshell, no. But there are ways in which you can manage stretch marks. There is a genetic component to developing stretch marks, and there's also hormonal components as well. How well moisturised your tummy is and how big this baby's growth influences quite how many stretch marks you actually do develop. And equally, the time [of life] at which you fall pregnant for your first pregnancy can have an impact on the stretch ability of the skin.”

“So, there are some individual factors, and then there are some background factors that will influence. What you can do on a day-to-day basis is simply make sure the area is well moisturised because you cannot change the hormonal changes that are going on or the balance, and you can't change your genes! So it is about working within the frame that you've been given effectively. And remember, some people are more prone to stretch marks than others, so you're going to have that individual variation. If you're really worried, go and consult a dermatologist. But again, the advice that they will be giving is certainly limited, unfortunately.”

Stretch marks can respond well to laser treatments after pregnancy, but these come with risks that should be carefully researched. Laser therapy is not recommended while pregnant but usually fine while breastfeeding.

Learn more about managing your pregnancy symptoms from Dr. Shree’s Pregnancy Journey video course.

Unii Babies is created and owned by London-based family wellbeing educational platform Unii.com, which offers hundreds of episodes of expert-led video courses and a library of medically reviewed articles devoted to improving both baby and child health and your parenting journey. We can also have your parenting questions expertly answered. Contact us with what you want to know, and you may see one of our experts discuss it on our podcast or Unii.com: Because Family Matters.

This podcast is for reference and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific medical advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking or deciding not to take any action.

Dr. Shree: Is there an evidence-based way to prevent stretch marks? In a nutshell...

Dr. Shree: Is there an evidence-based way to prevent stretch marks? In a nutshell...