Can you really prevent stretch marks?

Olalala157 · May 2011

Anyone know if you really can prevent stretch marks using creams/oils etc? I have been reading contradictory information for the past week and I just cant come to a conclusion. I know there are a lot products out there that help minimize the look of them but even there I find positive and negative opinions. I even read that stretch marks are hereditary and if your mom got it so will you because it depends on the elasticity of your skin.

I guess what I am getting at is before I spent hundreds on lotions (they want you using it 2x per day every day, thats a lot of lotions!) I want to make sure I will actually be getting something out of it. What has been your experience? Are you using anything now?

diddlenation · May 2011

Did your mom get stretch marks? If so, chances are you will. No matter what creams you buy. You can't prevent stretch marks. I do think that you can minimize them though.

Edmondmum · May 2011

I don't think they do - I think the only thing that works is post treatment via laser, etc.

angiegail78 · May 2011

They're genetic, so if you're going to get them, you're going to get them.

I used regular lotion just because my belly was dry and itchy. I did get stretch marks, but they didn't show up until about weeks and they've faded for the most part. I think I must've just gotten lucky, because my mom and my sister both have them bad. I hold no illusions that they'll stay away this go round.

SuzJune04 · May 2011

I agree with previous posts but another thought to reduce chance of getting them is to avoid rapid weight gain. With my 1st PG, I barely gained anything the first 20wks and then eating the same way gained 2lbs/wk for the rest of the PG (once it started it wouldn't stop). So in the end I gained ~45lbs. My stretch marks on my thighs are the worst, I really wish I'd been able to have a healthier PG. Fingers crossed this time will be better (but the damage is done). Good luck!

klreese0213 · May 2011

personally, i have never heard of stretch marks being genetic- although it could definitely be true.

this is my first pregnancy - so i don't know from personal experience on my own body. However, my sister who is normally a very tiny size 0-3. she's currently on her 3rd pregnancy and always shrinks down to pre baby size fairly quickly. she SWEARS by coco butter and doesn't have ANY stretch marks from any of her babies. she didn't get real big with her first (pre mature, delivered at 2 months early) but her 2nd and now 3rd she's pretty big and still no marks. However, my mom has HORRIBLE stretch marks... so thats why i say in my personal family experience im not familiar with them being generic.

Jules08 · May 2011

angiegail78:
They're genetic, so if you're going to get them, you're going to get them.

This.

Lotions / oils help with the itching and dry skin.

vanessa11411 · May 2011

Nope you can;t prevent them. I like how the girl at Motherhood Maternity was trying to convince me that I needed some. I told her "No thanks, I already have a road map on my stomach." She then proceeded to tell me about a customer who was having her 3rd baby and came in crying cause she was in horrib;e pain cause her stretch marks hurt and she just needed some expensive stretch mark creme lol.

lkf041 · May 2011

I figure it can't hurt to lotion up! My mom got a ton of stretch marks however both me and my sister didn't get any. I'm on #3 and I feel like I'm pushing my luck and will probably get them this time... not the end of the world, it would just be an accessory to my csection scars Wink

RedCamaro · May 2011

diddlenation:
Did your mom get stretch marks? If so, chances are you will. No matter what creams you buy. You can't prevent stretch marks. I do think that you can minimize them though.

This! I got stretch marks just from growing into my "woman" body from childhood. I figured that I'd get with DD and I did. I have horrible (dry) skin. So I am doing more lotions this time around mostly because I don't want lizard skin.

azcobride · May 2011

I'm not sure if you can prevent them or not. I used cocoa butter last pregnancy (just a cheap one) and I didn't get any stretch marks. I'm using cocoa butter again this time around hoping for the same results. For what its worth in the genetics argument, my mom had 3 kids and never got a single stretch mark. My sister has had 2 kids and got really bad stretch marks. But my sister gained a TON of weight with both her pregnancies and never really got rid of it so who knows.

marissa422 · June 2011

my best friend swears vitamin e oil is the best (can be purchased right at walmart) - also, whatever you do use, use it within like the first 5 mins of getting out of the shower

this i deffinatly stand by as i had horrible eczema and after lotioning right after getting out of the shower my skin cleared right up!!

i didnt know it had anything to do with genetics but glad to hear since my mom didnt get any stretch marks, only has a scar from her c-section with my brother.

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