[Striae distensae in pregnancy: risk factors in primiparous women]

Striae occur in over 70% of pregnant women and tend to develop after 25 weeks of gestation. Despite the fact that their etiology has not yet been fully understood, it is accepted that a combination of genetic factors, endocrine alterations and mechanical stretching of skin play a significant role. Due to different results reported in the literature, the authors assessed commonly cited risk factors to determine whether they are associated with the development of striae in pregnancy.

To assess hypothetical risk factors for the development of striae in primiparous women.

This was a cross-sectional, observational, non-controlled, descriptive study with primiparous women. the study was conducted in a public maternity unit and Lasted for four months (from January to May 2008). 164 Primiparous women who had had a single fetus pregnancy took part in the study 48 hours after delivery. Fourteen Variables were recorded for each patient.

From the total sample, 59.8% developed striae during pregnancy. The association of maternal age range (p < 0,01), maternal weight gain during pregnancy (p < 0,01) and birth weight of newborn infants (p = 0,01) with the development of striae during pregnancy was statistically significant. The chisquared test of association was used.

Striae were more frequently observed in younger women, in those who gained more weight during pregnancy and/or those who had babies with higher birth weight. This study suggests that increased maternal age could be a protecting factor against striae during pregnancy.