Is it possible to prevent striae gravidarum?

Abstract Background Striae gravidarum (SG), commonly called stretch marks, is an important cosmetic problem which is not treatable, although preventive measures might be effective. The aim of this study was to determine individual risk factors causing SG and the degree to which preventive measures could be effective. Methods This prospective observational study included 211 singleton primiparous pregnant women who were hospitalized for birth and who did not have systemic diseases or other risk factors, like drug use or polyhydramnios. Patients were examined and divided into two groups with respect to whether or not they had striae. Individual features were compared between the two groups. Results While 159 patients (75.4%) had SG, 52 (24.6%) did not. Patients with striae had a significantly lower mean age and higher mean preconceptional body mass indices than ones without striae ( p