Stretch marks

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Stretch marks are more common in women — especially pregnant women — than in men. Most pregnant women experience stretch marks by the end of their third trimester. Other risk factors include:

  • Younger women
  • Women with larger babies
  • Overweight or obese women
  • A family history of stretch marks
  • Corticosteroid medication use

DS01081

July 17, 2008

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