When do stretch marks start in pregnancy? Causes and what actually helps

Pregnancy does many extraordinary things to your body.

• It grows a human.
• It creates life.
• It can also make your skin feel like it is working overtime.

For many women, one of the first surprises is stretch marks. You might notice faint lines across your bump, breasts or hips and suddenly wonder when they appeared, and whether you could have done anything about them.

One of the most searched pregnancy questions is whether stretch marks can be prevented -  and when they actually start to appear during pregnancy.

The truth? Stretch marks are incredibly common. Research suggests around 8 in 10 pregnant women develop them as their body grows and changes.

Understanding when they tend to appear - and what’s happening in the skin when they do - can make the whole experience feel a lot less mysterious.

When do stretch marks start during pregnancy?

Most stretch marks begin to appear during the second trimester, when the bump starts growing more rapidly and the skin stretches faster.

This is when your body’s growth really picks up pace.

Your bump expands more quickly. Your breasts may increase in size. Skin starts stretching faster than it did in the early weeks.

Stretch marks most commonly appear on:

• the stomach
• breasts
• hips
• thighs
• bottom

They often begin as pink, red or purple lines, before gradually fading to lighter silvery marks over time.

Why stretch marks happen in pregnancy

Underneath the surface, your skin is supported by a network of collagen and elastin fibres that help it stretch and bounce back.

During pregnancy two things happen at once.

1. Your body grows quickly to accommodate your baby.
2. Pregnancy hormones can also affect collagen and elastin in the skin, making it slightly more prone to stretching.

When skin stretches faster than those fibres can comfortably adapt, tiny tears form in the dermis (the deeper layer of skin). These appear on the surface as stretch marks.

It sounds complicated, but it’s actually a very normal response to rapid change.

In other words, your body isn’t failing you, it’s adapting so beautifully.

Why some women get them (and others don’t)

Stretch marks aren’t entirely predictable.

Some women develop quite a few, others hardly notice any.

Research suggests they’re more likely if:

• your mum or sister had them
• your bump grows quickly
• you’re carrying a larger baby or multiples
• your skin naturally has lower collagen density

Which means a lot of it comes down to genetics and biology.

But caring for your skin can still help it stay comfortable while it stretches.

What actually helps support stretching skin

No product can promise to completely prevent stretch marks.

But dermatologists widely agree that keeping skin well hydrated and nourished can help support elasticity and comfort as it stretches.

Well-moisturised skin tends to feel:

• less tight
• less itchy
• more supple

Which is why many midwives recommend regularly massaging safe oils or creams into the skin during pregnancy.

It’s one of those small habits that can make a big difference as your bump grows week by week.

Ingredients that help support stretching skin

The most helpful pregnancy skincare tends to focus on rich plant oils and nourishing butters that support the skin barrier and keep skin supple as it stretches.

Look for ingredients like argan oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, organic shea butter, horsetail leaf extract and chlorella extract - all known for helping support hydration, skin elasticity and overall skin resilience during pregnancy.

A small daily ritual many mums swear by

Pregnancy skincare often becomes more than skincare.

It becomes a moment.

A few minutes after a shower.
Before bed.
A pause in the day to check in with your changing body.

Many women enjoy massaging oil into their bump to help keep skin supple and conditioned. Bloom and Blossom’s Smooth Moves Stretch Mark Oil for pregnancy stretch marks contains naturally derived plant oils including argan, sweet almond and apricot kernel oil, designed to nourish the skin while helping improve tone and texture.

Others prefer the comfort of a richer moisturiser such as And Stretch… Stretch Mark Cream for pregnancy stretch marks. This deeply hydrating cream contains ingredients like horsetail leaf extract, which helps support skin elasticity, alongside chlorella extract to support collagen and organic shea butter to lock in long-lasting moisture.

Both support the skin in slightly different ways. Oils are ideal for massage and conditioning, while creams help deliver deep hydration and support the skin barrier.

Many mums simply use whichever feels best for their skin that day, while some enjoy layering both, applying cream first and oil afterwards to help seal in moisture.

When should you start caring for your bump?

Earlier than most people think.

Experts suggest using pregnancy skincare in the first trimester, even before your bump appears.

That way the skin is already hydrated and supported by the time growth accelerates in the second trimester.

Think of it as preparing your skin for the months ahead.

A little extra support along the way

Pregnancy can feel like a lot - physically and emotionally.

Your body changes quickly, your skin stretches in ways it never has before, and sometimes you simply want products you can trust to help you feel comfortable in it all.

We created the Ready to Pop Pregnancy Luxe Gift Set to support women through that journey, bringing together pregnancy-safe skincare designed to keep skin nourished, comfortable and supported throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Your body is doing something extraordinary.

A little care along the way goes a long way.