Belly Cream/Stretch Mark Prevention

RockStarCowGrrl

I just picked up some Motherlove Belly Salve from Whole Foods to help prevent stretch marks.  I'm currently at about 18-19 weeks and being short (5' 2") - the little bugger has nowhere to go but out! 

Does anyone have any salve recommendations? The stuff I got from Whole Foods is fine, but it's really greasy (it's more of a balm rather than a lotion) so I'm not totally sold on it.  I'm open to suggestions.  Thanks! 

bellre

This gets said all the time on here, but you can't do much to prevent stretch marks. You'll either get them or you won't. With that said, I love BioOil or Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter.

I_love_cupcakes

Ditto PP.  I'm pretty sure it's genetic.  But, my go-to everyday body lotion is the Dove Cream Oil.

hpoff33

It probably does all come down to genetics, but I really like Nubian Heritage Shea Butter.  I can find it at Wegman's (a grocery store on the East Coast) or you can buy online at vitaminshoppe.com

It is a bit greasy, but I love how soft it makes my skin and I adore the coconut/papaya scent.  Especially for the summer.

*LrCg*

I'm 5'1 and this is our 3rd baby and I never got stretch marks.  My mom, sister and aunt had them very badly so I thought I would to.  I gained a healthy amount of weight (never had big gains), eat healthy, stayed hydrated and I used Udderly Smooth **THIS IS SPAM** Cream which is what I use when I'm not pregnant as well (so I'm not saying that the cream did it). 

apegg23

There really is no way to prevent stretch marks. Like the PP said, stay hydrated, try to avoid rapid weight gain and put lotion on.

sycheh

Palmer's Cocoa Butter!

jessican08

I like the Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Balm. As others have said, the lotion is more for comfort for your stretching, itching skin than for actually preventing SMs. 

Randa&Jerm

MandJS:

Sadly, it's mostly genetics. If your mom has stretch marks, chances are you will too. If she doesn't, you're probably in the clear. I've heard good things about Palmer's cocoa butter, but I've never bothered, myself. 

This, only Palmers has an atrocious smell and I couldn't handle it.  I like Burts Bees.

BabySmiles31

I work in Radiation Therapy and we tell our patient's to use Aquaphor on their skin to prevent breakdown and irritation. I've been using it since about 10 weeks, and haven't gotten any stretch marks. My mom also didn't have any though. Aquaphor doesn't smell at all, but it is really greasy, so I only use it at night. It's like vaseline, but has more healing properties. It's great as a lip balm or for your cracked heels too!