Severity of striae gravidarum and it's related factors in primiparous women

Striae gravidarum (SG) is one of the most common connective tissue changes during pregnancy that may cause some concerns. The purpose of this study was to determine the severity of SG and its possible associations with the characteristics of mothers and their newborns.

It was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was carried out among 182 primiparous women in Kosar hospital (Qazvin، Iran) in 2012. Sampling was done using convenience sampling method. The data were collected through a questionnaire and physical examination. Severity of striae was evaluated by Davey’s score. Data were analyzed using independed t-test، Chi square and Pearson correlation.

The mean score of striae sverity in breast، abdomen and thigh was respectively 1. 08 ± 1. 55، 4. 31 ± 2. 2 and 1. 76 ± 2. 02. The severity of striae gravidarum had a reverse correlation with maternal age، body mass index and age of striae onset، and a direct correlation with weight gain during pregnancy.

Although there are some non-modifiable factors such as family history striae، birth weight and gestational age at delivery; but adjusting other factors such as body mass index before pregnancy، weight gain during pregnancy and increased fluid intake are modifiable factors.