Pregnancy stretch marks are one of the topics I get asked about most, often with a bit of worry. Your belly grows, your skin feels tight and itchy, and on Black or mixed-race skin, darker lines can sometimes show up within a few weeks. As a nurse for more than 10 years, I'd rather be honest with you: no cream can guarantee you won't get stretch marks. What a gentle, consistent routine can do is help your skin stay supple and comfortable, and keep you away from habits that irritate it. Here's how to care for your skin during these nine months, and after.

Why stretch marks appear during pregnancy

A stretch mark is a kind of scar in the deeper layer of the skin (the dermis): collagen and elastin fibers stretch and then break when skin expands too quickly. During pregnancy, several factors add up:

Rapid skin stretching, especially from the second trimester on, on the belly, breasts, hips and thighs.
Pregnancy hormones, which change the quality of the fibers in the dermis and make them more fragile.
Genetics: if your mother or sisters got stretch marks during pregnancy, your risk is higher.
Other common factors: fast weight gain, a first pregnancy at a young age, a larger baby or carrying twins.

Stretch marks are very common in pregnancy: most pregnant women get them. They are not a sign that you didn't take care of yourself, or that something is wrong with your health.

Pregnancy stretch marks on Black skin: what they look like

On Black and mixed-race skin, stretch marks don't always look pink or red like the textbook pictures. At first, they're often dark brown, purplish or almost black, slightly raised, and they may itch. Over time, usually in the months after giving birth, they get thinner and turn lighter than your skin tone, sometimes with a silvery look. That contrast is what makes them more noticeable on darker skin. I explain both stages in detail in my article on stretch marks on Black skin.

Pregnancy also changes pigmentation elsewhere: a dark line down the belly (linea nigra), darker areolas, underarms or inner thighs, and sometimes patches on the face. These changes are hormonal and often fade gradually after delivery, although they may not disappear completely. To understand where dark spots come from on darker skin, read my guide to dark spots on Black skin.

My gentle pregnancy skin routine, step by step

The goal isn't to "erase" anything, but to keep your skin well hydrated, supple and less prone to itching.

Take short, lukewarm showers with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser. Very hot water dries out skin and makes itching worse.
Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing, especially on your belly.
Moisturize while your skin is still slightly damp with a simple, well-tolerated lotion. Our body lotions contain glycerin, lactic acid and grape seed oil.
Nourish areas that feel tight (belly, breasts, hips, thighs) with a rich butter. Our body butters combine shea butter and cocoa butter. My tips for using butter without a greasy feel are here: body butter for Black skin.
Massage gently for 2 to 3 minutes, using slow circular motions, without pinching or pressing hard. This won't guarantee you avoid stretch marks, but it helps keep your skin comfortable, and many moms-to-be turn it into a real bonding ritual with their baby.
Repeat morning and evening if your skin is very dry. Consistency matters more than quantity.

Before using a new product, patch test it on your forearm: skin is often more reactive during pregnancy. For the basics of effective hydration on darker skin, read my routine for dry Black skin.

What about body scrubs?

A gentle scrub can still feel nice on your legs or arms, but scrub less often and skip your belly if it feels tight, irritated or itchy. You'll find frequency guidelines in how often to exfoliate your body. If your scrub contains an acid (such as glycolic acid), check with your OB-GYN or midwife first.

Ingredients to avoid or double-check during pregnancy

Retinoids (retinol, retinal, tretinoin...): avoid them during pregnancy and ask your doctor before using them while breastfeeding.
Skin-lightening products, especially hydroquinone or bleaching creams sold outside regulated channels: stay away from them.
Essential oils: some are not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Ask your midwife, doctor or pharmacist before using a product that contains them, including scented body care.
Strong fragrances if your skin becomes reactive or scents bother you: stick to simple textures.

Mistakes to avoid

Believing miracle promises: no product can guarantee zero stretch marks. Be wary of claims that sound too good to be true.
Scratching: on Black skin, scratching can leave long-lasting dark marks. Apply a moisturizer instead, and if the itching is intense, talk to your provider.
Rubbing hard or using a rough brush on your belly: skin that's already stretched doesn't need extra friction.
Trying procedures (laser, microneedling, chemical peels) during pregnancy: these are options to discuss with a dermatologist afterward.
Blaming yourself: stretch marks depend largely on factors you can't control.

When to see a doctor

Contact your OB-GYN, midwife or labor and delivery unit promptly if:

You have intense itching, especially on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, often worse at night, particularly in the third trimester. This can be a sign of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver condition that needs prompt medical care.
Itchy red bumps or patches appear in your stretch marks or on your belly, or you notice blisters.
Your skin oozes, bleeds or shows signs of infection.

After pregnancy, if your stretch marks bother you, a dermatologist experienced with darker skin can walk you through suitable options, taking breastfeeding and the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation into account. You can also book a skin care consultation to build a routine that fits you.

FAQ

How can I avoid stretch marks during pregnancy?

There's no guaranteed method. Moisturizing and massaging your skin every day from early pregnancy helps keep it supple and comfortable, and gradual weight gain, monitored with your OB-GYN or midwife, limits sudden stretching.

When do pregnancy stretch marks start?

They most often appear during the second and especially the third trimester, when your belly grows fastest. Some women only notice them after giving birth.

Do pregnancy stretch marks go away after birth?

They don't disappear completely, but they fade noticeably over time: they become thinner, flatter and less contrasted over a few months to a few years.

What oil or butter is best for stretch marks during pregnancy?

A simple, well-tolerated product is enough: shea butter, cocoa butter or a plant oil, applied to damp skin. Consistency is what matters most. Avoid products containing essential oils unless your midwife or doctor says they're fine.

Why does my belly itch during pregnancy?

Stretching skin and dryness often cause mild itching. But if the itching is intense, especially on your hands and feet, call your provider right away.

In short

Pregnancy stretch marks are common and largely linked to genetics and rapid skin stretching. On Black skin, they start out dark and become lighter over time. A gentle routine (lukewarm showers, lotion on damp skin, a rich butter and massage) keeps your skin supple and comfortable. Skip retinoids and skin-lightening products, ask before using essential oils, and get checked quickly if you have intense itching on your hands and feet.

Written by Aissatou, a nurse for more than 10 years and founder of WITH CARE.