Stretch Marks

victoria+james · February 2013

I've started researching how to prevent stretch marks and now I'm just even more confused. So I'm hoping maybe someone here has better info than I do!

I've heard that drinking lots of water, using bio oil, or using cocoa butter will reduce your chances of getting them. But then I've also read that it doesn't matter what you do because its just genetic.

Has anyone researched this or have experience if you've been pregnant before?

quidditchcapn1120 · February 2013

Getting stretch marks or not is much more dependent on your genetics than any lotion or oil you could use.

Do you have stretch marks from puberty? Did your mom or grandma get stretch marks when they were pregnant? If so, you're more likely to get stretch marks when you are pregnant.

No one in my family gets stretch marks. So I wasn't that surprised when I didn't get any with DS even though I never used any lotion.

FoxiePM · February 2013

I hear it is hereditary and my mother does not have them after two nearly ten pound kids.

FWIW, I used Bath and body Cocoa butter with shea butter. It is super thick and I applied it after my daily shower. I did not get stretch marks and the tattoo around my belly button went right back to normal after delivery.

victoria+james · February 2013

quidditchcapn1120:
Getting stretch marks or not is much more dependent on your genetics than any lotion or oil you could use.

Do you have stretch marks from puberty? Did your mom or grandma get stretch marks when they were pregnant? If so, you're more likely to get stretch marks when you are pregnant.

No one in my family gets stretch marks. So I wasn't that surprised when I didn't get any with DS even though I never used any lotion.

I didn't get any stretch marks during puberty, but my sister did. I believe my mom got them during puberty but not during pregnancy.
I know there isn't a surefire way to avoid them and if I do get them I'll wear my baby battle scars with pride, lol!

Tamma254 · February 2013

Two 8 pound babies, and the only stretch marks I got where on my boobs, azz and three around my belly button. The ones I did get aren't noticeable. The ones around my belly button are actually quite interesting, they kinda form an upside-down peace sign. lol

JuliaH21 · February 2013

As pp have said, the biggest factor is genes. Lotion and drinking lots of water can help with any discomfort involved, I've read vitamin C can help with that too, but generally I've read/heard, if your mom has them, you'll have them. My mom does and so I wasn't surprised to get them. I was surprised when I first saw them (they're under my breasts and the bottom of my belly, so hidden w/o a mirror) because I didn't notice any of the itching or pain my friends described. By a year pp, they're barely visible and they don't bother me at all.

ConfuzzledTrish · February 2013

I did lotion, and still have stretch marks from my daughter. I've also heard it's mainly genetic. I don't really care, though. Pregnancy changes your body in many ways, and the stretch marks are probably the least of it.

bdipaolo86 · February 2013

I think it's genetic. I'm covered in them and so is my Grandmother. It doesn't even phase me anymore. They fade over time. Mine are white now.

Bayme Darlin · February 2013

I've had strech marks on the inside of my thighs for as long as I can remember. Up until a year ago (when my thyroid became lazy) I've never had any weight fluctuation, I assume the strech marks are from growth spurts. I'm totally prepared to get a bunch of them if and when I get pregnant. My mom had them as well when she was pregnant with me. Damn genetics.

2Dash · February 2013

I wouldn't worry about it. I didn't get any and I didn't try to prevent them - and I was BIG by the end ............ moisturise but other than that I wouldn't stress

Stephanie2167 · February 2013

I used Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter and Oil when I was pregnant with DD. I started using it around 20 weeks. I didn't get any crazy stretch marks, but I do have some. Mostly on places other then my tummy. I have them on my hips, ass and inner thighs. Places I neglected.

I don't think there is anything wrong trying something.

I'll use the Mama Mio Butter and Oil again. It smells great and made my skin real soft. I'll make sure to rub it on my ass and thighs though.

gscoville · February 2013

I got stretch maks from puberty, around my upper thighs and boobs, and just got more on my stomach with my pregnancy with DD. My mom had them too. I really don't care that I have them, they've faded and are just a part of me. Hubby doesn't give a shiiit either, and as I never have and never will wear a bikini in public, I really couldn't give a rat's asss if they're there or not as no one will see them anyways.

daisyrose85 · February 2013

I expect to get them. I got them during puberty, and my mom has tons after two ten pounders.

I will go into pregnancy knowing I will probably be covered, which is fine. It will just be a happy surprise if I don't get them.

swirl25 · February 2013

FWIW, my mom has a ton of stretch marks, and I've gotten a few over the years on my hips and what not. So I thought I was destined to be covered in them when I was pregnant. I know all the preventative creams are a crock, but I did religiously use BioOil on my tummy and hips, and I only got one tiny stretch mark by my belly button to show for it. Two years later and it's basically faded now! Maybe the BioOil did something, but I think I just lucked out somehow. Either way, it smells really nice and feels good going on your skin, so it's worth a try!

modernfairytale8709 · February 2013

I've got to be honest: stretch marks are the least if my worries about pregnancy. I just want a sticky, healthy baby. I figure my body was made to do this, and if stretch marks are part of the process, so be it. I do everything I can to be healthy, but I'm not overly concerned with my appearance.

huskymomma94 · February 2013

I think its mostly genetic--but it can't hurt to keep your belly moisturized. My mom didn't get any, and neither did I. I used various lotions throughout my pregnancy with DS (I loved the Aveeno cocoa butter lotion the most) and I didn't get any.

wearebirds · February 2013

I used cocoa butter and everything else mentioned religiously as a teen. I'm covered in stretch marks. Blah.

MrsKM82 · February 2013

I did everything possible to prevent stretch marks when I was pregnant and I still got them, especially in my third trimester. Some women get them and some women don't. A year later they have gone from an angry red to pale pink/silverish color so they are not nearly as notoicable.

ChristyML · February 2013

I have stretch marks in my groin area (my inner thighs, but waaaay up high) from puberty. They never turned red or purple, they were always white and silvery. I've heard that once your red or purple ones turn white and silvery, it's harder to get rid of them...

With DS, I gained about 25 pounds (probably a little more), but I wasn't tiny in the belly, I stuck way out (I couldn't get past anyone in tiny spaces without bumping into them).
I have stretch marks on my love handles, and some right above my butt crack (I call them my "tramp stamp stretch marks"). I also have very small ones on my breasts.

My mom bought me the Mederma Stretch Mark Therapy while I was still pregnant. I used it only a few times (and still do on the rare occasion), but I think even without putting it on religiously (like the two times a day I was supposed to), I saw a difference. They aren't gone, but they are definitely way less noticeable.

I haven't tried bio oil or cocoa butter, but I've had friends that do, and it works for them.

dorothyTX123 · February 2013

Tried all those... Did not work for me

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