Stretch Marks

elidan

Any recommendations to prevent these?

mamayo26

There isn't much you can do, if you are going to get them they will happen. I got them in high school and they jsut appeared about 3 weeks ago with this pregnancy...once you deliver and your skin isn't streched to the max they will deminish...unless you are lucky one and never get them, but that is about all you can do.

nicoleami3

((lurking)) I feel like Im turning into a stretch mark..... And I haven't gained anything but baby... It's just genetic and I'm getting used to them. 

tigerlove85

https://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/body-products/lotions-creams/cocoa-butter-moisturizing-stick.aspx

Someone recommended this to me and I just got one yesterday, Body Shop, Cocoa Butter stick. Reviews are good on it too.

Jaxonsmomma2012

*Knock on wood* I have not gotten any stretch marks on my belly through my whole pregnancy. I just noticed a few on the bottom side of my boobs today but I wasn't too concerned about those..

Anyways..

Every single day I put on cocoa butter. I usually do it right after I take a shower and I slather it on really good. I was reading online that staying hydrated well and moisturized was key to preventing stretch marks.. But like PPs have said it can be genetic.. Although I may be one of the few that beats that odd because my mom got a ton and I've had none.

 

I had a friend's grandma who had 4-5 kids (I wasn't keeping track) tell me to use the cocoa butter every single day after a shower. She did and with all of her pregnancies she never once got a stretch mark. 

 

Never hurts to try  

MelissaFSU

In my opinion... genetics or not... i wasn't sitting around just waiting for them.   I have read some research that shows the creams, lotions, oils DO help while not completely preventing them.  I think it's a legitimate question to ask and I'm not sure why people on here are so quick to yell that nothing can be done. We're hormonal I guess.

That said, I put stuff on several times a day and I'm still stretch mark free except for 3 tiny ones on my butt.  I blame that on myself because I wasn't putting anything on it until those showed up.  I use Palmer's stretch mark lotion during the day because it dries/absorbs quickly and bio-oil and earth mama stretch oil in the morning and at night. 

 I'm not saying I won't get them... I have a few more weeks left and I know they could show up after, but I will say that I'm not itchy, my skin is SUPER soft and so far I don't look like I've been mauled by a tiger.  Its been time consuming and hasn't been cheap since the stuff I use isn't from walmart, but I wouldn't change what I've been doing either.

travnicek

Because people say they are genetic, I was certain I would get them with my first LO. My mom's tummy is still covered with them after all these years; Hers never faded at all, and she has so many!

With that knowledge, I went into my first pregnancy with lotion in hand. I didn't buy anything expensive though. I used (and am using now for this LO) regular Vaceline lotion (intensive moisture, or something). I just put it on every morning when I get out the shower once each day. Even after labor, I didn't get any stretch marks the first time, and so far (30 weeks) I don't have any this time.

Just stay hydrated and moisturize! 

gracielou314

Well, I'm in the minority. I've been slathering myself with cocoa butter since I found out I was pregnant, I've only gained 7 pounds and I drink un-godly amounts of water and just last week noticed a stretch mark on my belly. I was thinking I was in the clear, especially since my mom didn't get them.. I don't know if there's really aything you can do to prevent them. I feel like I've done the things that are recommended and yet here I am.I wish you the best! Hopefully you're one fo the lucky ones that stays stretch mark free!

anmile

I get that they are genetic, but I'm am giving myself the benefit of cocoa butter too.  I use palmers several times a day.  If anything it helps the itching, cools down the burning areas and also the bottle says "helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks"  So you may get them, but it can at least help "heal" them post baby.  I didn't get stretch marks until 37 wks with DS1 and 34wks with this LO.  After DS1, they faded to almost nothing.

acbfreire

Although genetics plays a big role, you should still take care of your skin to try to minimize the damage. Controlling weight gain and staying hydrated is extremely important.

I am applying sweet almond and lavender oil to my belly every day. Sometimes, when I am itchier, I apply it 2x a day.

It appears to be working, so I will keep on doing it!

elidan

I've been using promise belly butter.  I already had marks before I started but hopefully they will reduce over time.  I've heard they are harder to get rid of then they are to prevent. 

Promise Belly Butter

jasrun80

my mom had plenty & they still don't look bad,,, I got the big weird ones, but only about 6 & once my stomach got washboard flat again, they barely were visible! I think it's not necessarily related to genes or lotions etc, I think it's per person. the lotions & oils DO help you feel your best throughout pregnancy & if it helps, then yay!!! I used mama bee with my first & even though I got them I still use skinny girl tummy rub now. makes me feel better even about the ones I have,,, sadly I got mine at 39 weeks,,, and had him at almost 41. grr!!! lol

InfinityDreamer

The most effective thing you can do is to just take care of your skin.  Stay well hydrated and avoid excessive sun exposure.  Exposure to UV rays reduces the elasticity of your skin which over time causes wrinkles, but in the short term will effect your skin's ability to stretch and accommodate the pregnancy weight gain.  

JennyJensing

I'm in the camp that thinks that there's not a whole lot you can do about them. I don't know that I think they are genetic though...my mom got them, but my sister didn't. I've got some. Both of DH's sisters got them, but his mother didn't. I think it's more about weight gain. My doc says the best way to prevent them is to control your weight gain.

I using Vitamin E Oil on mine now and making sure to use a creamy lotion daily.