During pregnancy the skin will change, perhaps drastically. This change will be different for each person, depending on his or her age, and the changes will be due to two main factors. The major factor in the skin’s changing, is the physical strain it endures through the bodies growth and changes and due expansion as a new being is growing, being nurtured, and sustained within. The significant affect these second factors contribute is stretching. These factors all contribute to visible skin changes including various degrees of "stretch marks"; from mildly visible to raised and textured.

Even though stretch marks seem to be inevitable for many people, keeping the skin hydrated, moist, and elastic is one of the best ways to prevent them. Shea butter has soothing, moisturizing and protecting effects. It is very useful in the process of keeping skin hydrated and elastic during pregnancy or stressful times. To help reduce stretch marks, apply Shea butter a few times a day during pregnancy; preferably once in the morning and once at night.