When do stretch marks start to grow? Analysis of hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days
Stretch marks are one of the concerns of many expectant mothers during pregnancy. With social media buzz and medical knowledge spreading, the conversation about stretch marks continues to heat up. This article will combine the hot topic data of the entire Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the appearance time, influencing factors and preventive measures of stretch marks, and provide structured data reference.
1. Causes of stretch marks

Stretch marks (also known as "stretch marks") are formed due to rapid stretching of the skin, which causes the breakage of collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis. Weight gain during pregnancy and hormonal changes (such as increased cortisol levels) are major triggers.
2. When do stretch marks usually start to grow?
According to discussion data on social media and medical platforms in the past 10 days, the peak periods of stretch marks are as follows:
| pregnancy stage | Probability of occurrence | Popular discussion keywords | 
|---|---|---|
| Early pregnancy (1-3 months) | 5%-10% | Hormone changes, dry skin | 
| Second trimester (4-6 months) | 40%-60% | Rapid weight gain and bulging abdomen | 
| Third trimester (7-9 months) | 80%-90% | Tight skin, genetic factors | 
3. Key factors affecting the appearance of stretch marks
Combined with the recent hot search topics, the following factors were frequently mentioned:
| factors | degree of influence | Data source | 
|---|---|---|
| genetic factors | High (70% correlation) | Xiaohongshu, Zhihu hot posts | 
| weight gain rate | Very high (BMI increase ≥1.5/month risk doubled) | Popular science about Dr. Lilac | 
| Skin moisturizing care | Medium (reduce the incidence rate by 30%) | Weibo#pregnancy skin care topic | 
4. Inventory of popular prevention methods in the past 10 days
According to the content of the top 5 views on Douyin, Bilibili and other platforms:
| method | heat index | evidence of effectiveness | 
|---|---|---|
| Apply rosehip oil + vitamin E | 85,000 likes | Clinical studies show improved elasticity | 
| Alternate hot and cold shower | 62,000 collections | There is no medical verification, but it can relieve itching | 
| Laser Prevention (Pre-Pregnancy) | 38,000 discussions | Only suitable for people planning to prepare for pregnancy | 
5. Expert advice and refutation of rumors
In response to recent misunderstandings circulating on the Internet, an obstetrician and gynecologist from a tertiary hospital emphasized in a live broadcast on Douyin:
1.Rumor:“Stretch marks only appear on the belly” – in fact they can also appear on the thighs, buttocks, and breasts;
2.The truth:Once stretch marks form, it is difficult to completely eliminate them, but they are most likely to fade within 6 months after delivery.
6. Summary
Based on data from the entire Internet, stretch marks mostly begin in the second trimester (4-6 months) and reach their peak in the third trimester. Although genetic factors dominate, proper weight control and skin care can still effectively reduce the risk. It is recommended that expectant mothers obtain information through professional channels to avoid being misled by exaggerated marketing.
Note: The statistical period of the data in this article is from X month X to X month X, 2023, covering mainstream platforms such as Weibo, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu.
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