Stretch Marks

Reddish brown, purple or dark brown streaks may appear on your belly and breasts later in pregnancy. Some women also get them on their buttocks, hips and thighs.

Stretch marks are caused by changes in the elastic supportive tissue that lies just beneath the skin. There are no proven remedies to keep them from appearing or to make them go away.

Keeping your belly well moisturized as it grows may reduce itching, however. Once your baby is born, some of these streaks will slowly fade in color.