Ever since my baby bump began to show, I have been paying very close attention to the skin on my belly. It became part of my daily routine to look in the mirror every morning and check every inch, searching for any signs of stretching. At the same time, I developed a habit of giving myself long “oil showers”, hoping that a little extra care would help my skin stay as elastic and smooth as possible. The fear of stretch marks is something many expectant mothers share, and I was no exception.

The appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy is usually tied to two main factors. The first one is purely mechanical and directly related to how quickly the body grows. As the baby develops, the skin is forced to stretch at a pace that is often faster than its natural ability to adapt. When this happens, the deeper layers of the skin can begin to tear slightly, and the marks that appear are the result of these small internal ruptures. Although completely natural, they can feel emotionally challenging for women who are used to seeing their bodies look a certain way.

The second factor is hormonal. During pregnancy, the body produces higher levels of certain hormones that affect how the skin behaves. These hormones increase the amount of water within the skin and loosen the bonds between collagen fibers. As a result, the skin becomes more vulnerable to stretching, even if you maintain stable weight and take good care of yourself. This combination of rapid physical changes and hormonal influence is the reason why stretch marks are so difficult to prevent entirely.

While there is no guaranteed way to avoid them, I focus on the things that support overall skin health. I pay attention to a balanced diet rich in nutrients, keep myself well-hydrated, stay physically active within safe limits and maintain a consistent body-care routine. For my skin, I continue using different oils, as their primary goal is to support elasticity and nourishment. I try to treat this ritual as a pleasant moment of connection with my changing body rather than a strict obligation.

Whether these efforts will make a visible difference, time will show. After the delivery I will be able to say more about the results. Once I see the full picture, I will share my experience with you. Stay tuned.