What are striae gravidarum commonly described as?

Striae gravidarum, commonly known as stretch marks, are often observed during pregnancy due to the rapid stretching of the skin as the body accommodates a growing fetus. They typically present as reddish or purplish streaks, particularly noticeable on the abdomen and breasts, where the skin is more prone to stretching. These markings arise from the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis as the skin is stretched.

The other descriptions do not fit the characteristics of striae gravidarum. Brownish blotches on the face are more associated with conditions like melasma, while purplish discoloration of the cervix is linked to increased blood flow during pregnancy but is not a description of striae. The black line running from the umbilicus to the mons veneris refers to the linea nigra, which is a hyperpigmented line also seen during pregnancy but distinct from striae gravidarum. Thus, the correct description of striae gravidarum aligns with the reddish streaks observed on the abdomen and breasts.