Stretch Marks, Genetics & Tall Mama's

abracdabra · January 2015

I know they say stretch marks are genetic and yes, my mom got a lot of stretch marks from her pregnancies but mom is 5'2" and I'm 5'9".

Both my sisters have had babies and they are both smaller than me...one got ZERO and is 5'6" but she gave birth at 20 so I'm afraid her youthful skin was on her side (I'm 31). My other sister is tiny like my mom and got a lot.

Am I foolish to think I can get away with none? Any tall moms out there not get any stretch marks even though her tiny mom did? Does height even matter at all?? I know this is such a silly thing to be worried about but I'm curious.

I'm 31w2d and no marks yet, also use tummy butter just in case.

Also, I was 140lb pre-pregnancy and have gained 20lbs so far.

MudLover · January 2015

I'm 5'8 and have stretch marks. They're a non issue for me. In my eyes, I earned those suckers.

ladycersei · January 2015

Either you get them or you don't. Height doesn't matter. Idk your DNA code to tell you whether they will come in the next 9 weeks or not. Tummy butter is great for dry skin but it doesn't do anything for stretch marks.

Amstreagle · January 2015

ladycersei said:

Either you get them or you don't. Height doesn't matter. Idk your DNA code to tell you whether they will come in the next 9 weeks or not. Tummy butter is great for dry skin but it doesn't do anything for stretch marks.

This and they may fade over time.

wittyacronym · January 2015

My mom and I are both short (5'2 and 5'1) She was 15 years younger than I when she delivered me. She got stretch marks and I fully expected to get them as well. So far, nothing but who next few days (or weeks) will bring?

tinktink20 · January 2015

5'10" here and I have stretch marks from growing plus pregnancies.

taahira · January 2015

Tall mama here, my stretch marks didn't show up till 36/37 weeks. I would bathe in lotion, it really won't make a differences. I agree with everyone else, you will either get them or you won't.

Jay_Cee · January 2015

I'm 5'11" and got tons of stretch marks with my first. This time at just about 39 weeks I don't have any new stretch marks and all my old ones are still faded. Genetics, man. That's why people get them. My mom is 5'6" and had tons.

jennypolkadots · January 2015

My view of stretch marks has always been to just take the best care of myself I can and if I get them, so be it. I've always expected them and have a few on my hips and breasts from puberty. I'm not tall (5'5'', average weight) and at 39 weeks I have none so far from pregnancy, which I am surprised by. My skin also never felt "tight" like I've heard others say. I have a raspberry like mark near my belly button from the stretched out scar tissue from having my naval pierced years ago, but it should lighted up and tuck back in after birth. My mom never got stretch marks, and she is 5'3''. I tell myself I likely will get some, just so if I don't it's a pleasant surprise. Stretch marks are not something to worry over or care about, they are just marks and will fade. Practically everyone has them somewhere.

Lrlynch04 · January 2015

And just FYI, sometimes you can't see them til the baby is OUT. I knew I had gotten some on my hips and back. Then when my son was born, I had a stretch mark circle around my belly button. Couldn't see them at all when I was about to pop at 39 weeks. Fun stuff!

(5'9" here!)

Tabithalister · January 2015

I lathered in coconut oil 2-3 times a day every day. I thought I was in the clear when dun dun dun.......I got a belly full of marks around 36 wks. Seems like it's out of our hands and lies within our lovely genetic coding.

abracdabra · January 2015

Thanks ladies, sounds like height doesn't mean squat and it's just a personal thing. I really don't mind getting them but was curious.

HappilyEver · January 2015

All genetics....

abracdabra · February 2015

Thanks everyone! Now 34w4d and nothing visible. But I had no idea they could just be hiding until after! The closer I get, the less I care about marks and the more I can't wait to meet baby

kwal · February 2015

Stretch marks actually occur deep in the fascia( not at surface, though you can see them there) So, the creams do nothing. I had none with my first and just woke up with one this time around at 38 weeks. Don't worry about them since there is nothing you can do to prevent them.