Self-Care Guidelines
There are numerous products on the market that claim to help prevent stretch marks, but there is no accepted consensus among specialists determining what is effective. Based on a review of the medical literature, there have been two studies that compare different products to placebo (in this case, using a cream that contains no active ingredients). One study found that massage with Trofolastin cream (containing
Centella asiatica extract, alpha tocopherol, and collagen-elastin hydrolysates) and verum ointment (containing tocopherol, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, elastin, and menthol) was associated with fewer women developing stretch marks. It is thought that the actual act of massage with any type of cream or ointment is beneficial to prevention of stretch marks, however.
When to Seek Medical Care
No therapy is necessary, as they will usually fade after delivery (postpartum).
Signs and Symptoms
