The skin and muscle tissues around the abdomen get stretched as pregnancy advances. These stretch marks appear as shiny white lines over the stomach. Often it is accompanied by acute itching. Scratching to relieve the itch increases the stretch marks. Once they occur, the stretch marks do not disappear. Therefore it is better to prevent their appearance which usually happens around the seventh month of pregnancy. Preventive measures have to start before this stage. There are many applications available which will prevent the occurrence of stretch marks. Whichever is used it should be gently rubbed off just as it dries and shrinks onto the skin, followed by a light massage with a suitable oil.