Are stretch marks a sign of pregnancy?

While stretch marks are commonly associated with pregnancy, it's important to remember that not all women who are pregnant develop stretch marks, and they can appear in those who have no pregnancy-related factors. Stretch marks are primarily influenced by genetics, skin elasticity, and the level of stretching involved. Pregnancy is one instance where the skin experiences significant stretching due to the growth of the uterus and the expanding abdomen, which can increase the likelihood of stretch mark formation.