Stretch marks, or striae gravidarum, are lines that appear on the skin as slightly indented pink, red, or white streaks. They develop from the growth of underlying tissue and most often develop on the abdomen, but may also develop on the breasts and thighs.

Stretch marks may appear any time a person gains a substantial amount of weight. Almost all women get stretch marks during pregnancy.

Creams and oils do not prevent stretch marks. Although stretch marks never go away, they fade and become less obvious over time.