Factors associated with the occurrence of striae gravidarum.

Abstract

SummaryA scoring system was used to study the occurrence of abdominal striae gravidarum in a group of 74 primiparae during the puerperium. The striae score was correlated with maternal age, height, weight, weight gain, abdominal skinfold thickness and with the birthweight of the infant. Striae were less common when birthweight was low and more common in the heavier, fatter women. The prophylactic use of olive oil to massage the abdomen was associated with a low incidence of striae.