Stretch marks (natural remedies)

What causes stretch marks in pregnancy?

Stretch marks are caused by your skin stretching as you put on weight during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones also soften the fibres in your skin, making stretch marks more likely. Most pregnant women get stretch marks (NHS Choices 2014).

Stretch marks usually appear as pink, red or purple-tinged lines on your tummy, bottom, thighs and breasts.

You may think you’ve escaped developing any stretch marks, only for them to appear in the last two weeks before your baby is born.

You are more likely to develop stretch marks if:

  • You are a young mum, especially if you are in your teens (Atwal et al 2006, Osman et al 2007).
  • You put on a lot of weight during pregnancy.
  • You are expecting more than one baby (Atwal et al 2006, Osman et al 2007).
  • You had stretch marks before you became pregnant, perhaps on your breasts.
  • Other members of your family have stretch marks.

Can I prevent stretch marks?

There's no way to prevent stretch marks. There are no products on the market that can stop them happening, despite manufacturers' claims. Creams that claim to work on stretch marks are applied to the external layer of your skin. But they won't reach the layer underneath, which is the part that stretches.

Massaging oils into your skin won't help stretch marks either, although it's beneficial in other ways. Massaging your skin may relax you, help you to bond with your bump and feel good about your body. But despite popular belief, smoothing on olive oil won't prevent stretch marks (Soltanipour et al 2014, Taavoni et al 2011).

Even so, there are lifestyle changes you can make to lessen the chances that you'll get stretch marks. Try not to put on too much weight in pregnancy. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, which includes plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Cut out high-fat or processed foods that contain additives, salt and preservatives. These make you more likely to retain fluid, leading to swelling.

Aim to drink at least 1.5 litres (2.6 pints) of water a day to keep your skin supple and well-hydrated.

Do stretch marks ever go away?

No, stretch marks are permanent. In the months following your baby's birth, they will probably become paler than they were while you were pregnant. How they look in the longer term will depend on your skin colour, but they will become less noticeable.

Many mums see the changes in their bodies as an emblem of what they've achieved by carrying and giving birth to a baby. Hopefully, tapping in to feelings like this will help you to be less troubled by any stretch marks that do develop.

Which complementary therapies could I try?

Aromatherapy and massage may lift your mood, helping you to feel good about the changes that are happening to your body. If you want to see a therapist, choose one who's registered, and experienced in treating pregnant women.

If you want to try essential oils at home, just use them occasionally – not every day. Stick to safe oils, such as neroli or sweet orange. Use two drops blended into a teaspoonful of grapeseed mixed with a small amount of wheatgerm oil. Wheatgerm oil is rich in vitamin E, which may help to nourish your skin (NHS Choices 2015).



NHS Choices. 2014. Stretch marks - causes. NHS Choices, Health A-Z. [Accessed November 2015]

NHS Choices. 2015. Vitamin E. NHS Choices, Health A-Z. Vitamins and minerals. [Accessed November 2015]


Soltanipour F, Delaram M, Taavoni S, et al. 2014 The effect of olive oil and the Saj® cream in prevention of striae gravidarum: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 22(2):220-5

Taavoni S, Soltanipour F, Haghani H, et al. 2011. Effects of olive oil on striae gravidarum in the second trimester of pregnancy. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 17(3): 167-9

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