As your uterus grows and stretches the skin over your abdomen, you may experience tears and scars in the underlying layers of your skin. This constant stretching may eventually cause the skin to become less elastic, breaking the connective fibers of the skin. When these fibers break, they form what is commonly known as stretch marks on the skin. Stretch marks (striae gravidarum) appear as pink or purple bands on abdomens, breasts, thighs and buttocks.

More than 90% of women will experience some kind of stretch marks during their pregnancy. If your mother had stretch marks, you are more likely to get them yourself. Fair-skinned people may be at a higher risk as well.

• Keep your skin moisturized using creams and lotions designed to prevent stretch marks.
  
• Lotions, creams and exercise can help prevent the stretch marks from developing.
  
• Drinking lots of water to keep hydrated will help your skin stretch.
  
• Eat a healthy diet and gain weight at a controlled, steady rate.
  
• Massage areas prone to stretch marks with a washcloth or loofah to increase circulation to the area.
  
• Using retinoid products can be used to help fade marks, but some silvery discoloration will usually remain.
  
• Lose weight at a steady rate without any rapid changes
  
• Specialized creams designed to help repair the collagen and elastin growth will help rebuild your skin. These creams usually contain lanolin, wheat germ and cocoa butter.

About the Author
For more great information about expecting and parenting, visit MomRecommended.com, a site for moms by moms. Annie Valle is a freelance writer and has been designing projects for crafters over 15 years. For more information, great free projects and ideas, visit http://www.momrecommended.com.