Most experts believe that stretch marks appear during pregnancy as your skin stretches and creates tears in its deeper layers. Depending on your skin tone they will be red or brown in colour. Then, as you go through your pregnancy, the marks will darken. A few months after you’ve had your baby, the stretch marks should become silvery white and more like your own skin colour. So if they look harsh now, don’t panic, because it’s quite likely they will fade.

Whilst you can’t stop stretch marks appearing, the good news is that there are things you could try which may minimise their effects:
 

• Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals, seeds and nuts.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Gain weight slowly and steadily if you can.
• Take regular gentle exercise to help control weight gain.
• Vitamin E helps the skin stay supple. You can massage your bump, thighs and bottom with a cream or oil that’s rich in Vitamin E.

There are no guaranteed ways of removing stretch marks. Even laser removal isn’t always 100% successful. Put simply, what works for one mum may not work for you. However, many therapists recommend daily massages with any of the following moisturisers, both during and after pregnancy:
 

• Wheat germ oil
• Almond oil
• Creams containing Vitamin E
• Cocoa butter