Topical preparations for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy
Brennan M
Published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of topical preparations applied during pregnancy for the prevention of striae gravidarum, with GRADE assessment.
Key Findings
Cochrane review of six trials (about 800 women) found no statistically significant difference in the development of stretch marks between women using topical preparations - including Trofolastin, Verum and cocoa butter - and those using placebo or no treatment, and no difference in stretch mark severity.
Conclusions
There is no good evidence that any topical preparation, including cocoa butter or almond oil creams, prevents stretch marks in pregnancy.
Limitations
Small number of trials, most at moderate to high risk of bias with unclear allocation concealment, heterogeneous products and application regimens, and inconsistent outcome definitions; certainty of evidence low.
Supplements Studied
We found no high-quality evidence to support the use of any of the topical preparations in the prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group institutional support
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