Starting your stretch mark routine?

lavina2244 · December 2015

Anyone starting a preventative stretch mark routine yet? I know stretch marks are a crap shoot either way but what are you ladies using ? What about special body washes?? ...& with winter skin we could probably use the extra moisture anyway!
(I'm keeping it simple with organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Keep a giant bottle in my bathroom!)

CourtJack · December 2015

I have a roadmap on my belly already. No special regime here. I don't think anything you apply makes one iota of difference anyways.

I moisturize to keep the itching at bay, but that's it!

shainaellis · December 2015

I have heard SO many times that it's genetic and creams or oils won't help at all with stretch marks but....growing up I got stretch marks SO easily (boobs, a few on my hips and inner thighs) and my poor mother has a roadmap on her stomach so I thought I was doomed my first pregnancy. I thought for sure I would end up with tons of stretch marks but I didn't!! I used bio oil religiously and I'm convinced that it helped me a lot, I ended up with 2 small marks on my stomach and that was after being overdue by two weeks. I choose to not listen when people say it doesn't work because I really believe that it does haha

meggyme · December 2015

I started using bio oil, but already have stretch marks on my thighs. Mostly it just smells good.

VikingGirl12 · December 2015

I spent way too much $ on all that with DS and I don't think they could get much worse at this point. I'm not going to do anything special this time other than my usual run down with B&BW lotion.

vtr10 · December 2015

It's genetics. I have two LO's and never used a cream or skin regimen to prevent them. I have zero stretch marks.

Atlast111 · December 2015

Yup. I believe it's genetics too. My mother who is a tiny 5"2 used nothing and was as big as a house when pregnant. She has no marks. I have friends who used oil religiously and have severe stretch marks. It's all down to the skins natural elasticity.

HighFive16 · December 2015

I did use the Palmers in my last pregnancy on my boobs and belly and it helped with itching if anything. I'm prone to stretch marks because I got them in my teens but didn't get belly ones in my last pregnancy. I'm not going to spend too much money on it but it was a relaxing routine so might do bio oil if it smells good.

vulpini · December 2015

My boobs and hips are already striped from DS. I have a bunch of oils and creams on hand just for dry skin and itching that I use when I remember, but I'm not expecting any miracles.

Atlast111 · December 2015

Yes, good point about dry skin. Mine has been so dry, my legs are like snow globes!

angbhylt · December 2015

Since the day I found out I was expecting I've been using a stretch mark cocoa butter all over my body. Stretch marks will either happen or not but I figure I will do what I can to keep my skin hydrated.

Wyattnash00 · December 2015

I tried it all last time and around month 5 was so itchy that I switched to good old fashioned baby oil, it's All I'm using this time, agree on the genetics part too.

NicknShan · December 2015

I got a ton of stretch marks - but they fade! I was very good at applying different body butters, and creams, and all that jazz... but it wasn't in the cards for me to NOT get them :-)

This time around I am doing the same. Because hey - moisturizing can't hurt right? I'll use coconut butters and ItWorks cream for stretch marks (I love the stuff, and no, I don't sell it).

nicolesmith0624 · December 2015

Totally genetic. I'm on PG 4 and the only stretch marks I have are on my boobs from going through puberty.

goldie987 · December 2015

I've got a bottle of aveeno on my night stand, it'll hopefully keep the itching at bay as things stretch but that's all I really expect for it to do. No need to spend $$$ on fancy oils that won't change what your skin will genetically do IMO. I'd rather save that money to buy something nice to help me relax or get something to make life with a newborn a bit less chaotic.

likeabel · December 2015

With DS I started using a homemade sugar scrub around 35 weeks (coconut oil, sugar and lavender oil) and I stopped getting stretch marks at that point but it made my shower SO dirty! I just put a heavy lotion on my already stretched marked belly at night. If anything, it feels good!

TunieBee · December 2015

I'm sure its a crapshoot but still...I used Palmed's stretch mark cream and lotion lady time and am using it again. I'm lucky if I remember 3x a week.

taluce · December 2015

I use honest co shea butter and love it !!

ice_queen91 · December 2015

I tried everything with DD, and I though it was working until I hit 36 weeks and woke up one morning with what looking like sharpie marks all over my stomach going down to my vagina (sorry for TMI). My advice - use whatever moisturizer makes you feel good

sorarose · December 2015

I believe Bio Oil has retinol in it, so I wouldn't recommend using it. Nothing is really going to work, sorry...wear them with a badge of honor. Cocoa butter helped me with the itching.

HBamama2B · December 2015

Am I weird to be more concerned with itching? Not sure if i will get stretchies, but more sure I won't care? I have some on my hips from a growth spurt as a teen and I kinda dig them. Yup, totes I'm weird. I'll just be a tiger mom, rawr!

I do use cocoa butter cream for the itches and nuetragena sesame oil in the shower Bc my skin has become dry af with this Pregnancy.

Thanks @sorarose the bio oil sounded interesting due to smell, but after looking into ingredients, (not the retinyl vitamin A, but others) I'm not super keen. Found this blog: https://www.thebeautyblogger.net/2010/01/whats-in-it-wednesday-bio-oil.html?m=1 *zero clue on how accurate it is in the concerns. Any one have more info?

mrsb8244 · December 2015

I have stretch marks on my thighs from teen years but I just bought some Palmers cocoa butter because it smells amazing and it'll make me mentally feel like I'm preventing stretch marks ha

SouthernVOL · December 2015

I'm just hoping that since DD did so much damage to my thighs and stomach, the stretch mark gods will have mercy on me this time. They were horrid. Plus, I gained 50+ pounds with DD. (Most of it water that kept me from wearing shoes at the end) I'm hoping my water intake and more healthy choices will help my belly from ballooning.

alsbaldwin · December 2015

Didn't use anything with DS and didn't get any. I'm only using lotion this time to combat itchy winter skin.

mrsschmity · December 2015

I'm no expert by any means, but along with genetics I think skin elasticity and how quickly your belly grows has a lot to do with stretch marks. The more hydrated and elastic your skin is, the better. Hydrating from the inside out (aka DRINKING WATER) is part of my plan.

Tawny87 · December 2015

I'm so scared of this! I don't care about the marks, because my stomach skin is already scarred from PUPPPS with my twin pregnancy. I'm so scared of the burning and not being able to put anything on it, and that I will get diastasis recti again : (.

sthomas1222 · December 2015

I don't care about stretch marks & they're genetic anyway so no preventing them. But I'm horribly itchy & use Mother Love Pregnancy balm. It's the best. Horribly oily which drives me bonkers but stops the itching.

HBamama2B · December 2015

It's official. Noticed my first stretch marks on my breasts today. They've grown another cup size just this week, so not super surprised. My mom had four kids and has none. Do I blame my dad or my 'advanced maternal age'? Lol. Here we go!

ufsandra85 · December 2015

I gained 75lbs with my first, did absolutely nothing and have zero stretch marks. I plan on doing nothing again

jsl82 · December 2015

I've heard it genetic too- but I also have super dry skin and the thought of it being pulled and stretched across a growing belly is making me itchy now. My skin is already a bit dry so I have bought coco butters to start using after showering- but the smell gets to me so I might start stalking up on oils. It can't hurt.

CopperLane · December 2015

I've read in my pregnancy books that it's genetic. My mom didn't get any stretch marks with all three of her pregnancies and I haven't had stretch marks before. I'm still applying moisturizer just in case

She also didn't tear with any of her births...so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that's genetic too but will still be doing everything possible to prevent tearing. Mom, I hope you gave me your super strength and elastic skin!!!!!!

alysemci · December 2015

CopperLane said:
I've read in my pregnancy books that it's genetic. My mom didn't get any stretch marks with all three of her pregnancies and I haven't had stretch marks before. I'm still applying moisturizer just in case

She also didn't tear with any of her births...so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that's genetic too but will still be doing everything possible to prevent tearing. Mom, I hope you gave me your super strength and elastic skin!!!!!!

I think tearing has more to do with your birth but could be wrong. My son was 8.4 and I only pushed for 10 min, needless to say I tore so much. My best friend had a baby who was 8.1 and she pushed for 15 min and she tore a ton. She then had a second baby who was 9.9 and he eased out slower at an hour and a half of pushing and easing him out and no tears at all. My mom had the same experience tearing with a 7 pound baby, and easing out a 9.9 pound baby with no tears. I'm going to try not to push so fast and furious with this one in hopes of less stitches

malgal85 · December 2015

I haven't even THOUGHT about stretch marks yet!! Yikes. SOOO much to think about. I haven't had any kids, but it does seem like they are genetic! Although, to put my mind at peace I'm going to use some type of lotion or another...

But I agree with PP that drinking water and staying hydrated is the first step!

CopperLane · December 2015

alysemciver said:

CopperLane said:
I've read in my pregnancy books that it's genetic. My mom didn't get any stretch marks with all three of her pregnancies and I haven't had stretch marks before. I'm still applying moisturizer just in case

She also didn't tear with any of her births...so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that's genetic too but will still be doing everything possible to prevent tearing. Mom, I hope you gave me your super strength and elastic skin!!!!!!
I think tearing has more to do with your birth but could be wrong. My son was 8.4 and I only pushed for 10 min, needless to say I tore so much. My best friend had a baby who was 8.1 and she pushed for 15 min and she tore a ton. She then had a second baby who was 9.9 and he eased out slower at an hour and a half of pushing and easing him out and no tears at all. My mom had the same experience tearing with a 7 pound baby, and easing out a 9.9 pound baby with no tears. I'm going to try not to push so fast and furious with this one in hopes of less stitches

I'm just being hopeful

I haven't read anything about this being genetic. I was almost 9 pounds and came out so fast, the doctor almost dropped me. No tearing. She also had me while laying on her back, which I've heard is a position where the mom is more likely to tear. I was also her biggest and first baby. I do have no plans of delivering on my back if I decide not go get the epi and don't need to be laying down for any reason. But, like I said I'm just being hopeful and plan on doing everything possible not to tear. I'm not scared of the pain of birth at all, but I've never had stitches in my life, and stitches from tearing freak me out. I don't mind if I have a minor tear that needs no stitches. I have this irrational fear of dealing with stitches since they are so unknown to me.

Bear14+ · December 2015

CopperLane said:

alysemciver said:

CopperLane said:
I've read in my pregnancy books that it's genetic. My mom didn't get any stretch marks with all three of her pregnancies and I haven't had stretch marks before. I'm still applying moisturizer just in case

She also didn't tear with any of her births...so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that's genetic too but will still be doing everything possible to prevent tearing. Mom, I hope you gave me your super strength and elastic skin!!!!!!
I think tearing has more to do with your birth but could be wrong. My son was 8.4 and I only pushed for 10 min, needless to say I tore so much. My best friend had a baby who was 8.1 and she pushed for 15 min and she tore a ton. She then had a second baby who was 9.9 and he eased out slower at an hour and a half of pushing and easing him out and no tears at all. My mom had the same experience tearing with a 7 pound baby, and easing out a 9.9 pound baby with no tears. I'm going to try not to push so fast and furious with this one in hopes of less stitches
I'm just being hopeful I haven't read anything about this being genetic. I was almost 9 pounds and came out so fast, the doctor almost dropped me. No tearing. She also had me while laying on her back, which I've heard is a position where the mom is more likely to tear. I was also her biggest and first baby. I do have no plans of delivering on my back if I decide not go get the epi and don't need to be laying down for any reason. But, like I said I'm just being hopeful and plan on doing everything possible not to tear. I'm not scared of the pain of birth at all, but I've never had stitches in my life, and stitches from tearing freak me out. I don't mind if I have a minor tear that needs no stitches. I have this irrational fear of dealing with stitches since they are so unknown to me.

I just want to tell you to try not to worry so much about it all. I had a labial tear with my son and had some stitches and honestly, everything is so swollen and sore down there from birth that you don't even know about the stitches. You don't have to do anything to care for them and you don't even really feel them being put in.

Just have a peri bottle for when you go pee and really, they heal so quickly. I really wouldn't be so scared of it all because it's not half as bad as you think it is. Promise! You'll be so preoccupied taking care of that little baby that it's the last thing on your mind.

AshNicole5 · December 2015

I have researched this til I swear my fingers could fall off, but everything I have read all points to what plenty of other PP's have said: it's genetic. Regardless, (to make myself feel better I suppose) I have been using pure coconut oil; both rubbing it on my skin and trying to incorporate a tablespoon of it into my diet each day. I have read plenty about all the amazing benefits of coconut oil, so I figure it can't hurt!

CopperLane · December 2015

Bear14+ said:

CopperLane said:

alysemciver said:

CopperLane said:
I've read in my pregnancy books that it's genetic. My mom didn't get any stretch marks with all three of her pregnancies and I haven't had stretch marks before. I'm still applying moisturizer just in case

She also didn't tear with any of her births...so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that's genetic too but will still be doing everything possible to prevent tearing. Mom, I hope you gave me your super strength and elastic skin!!!!!!
I think tearing has more to do with your birth but could be wrong. My son was 8.4 and I only pushed for 10 min, needless to say I tore so much. My best friend had a baby who was 8.1 and she pushed for 15 min and she tore a ton. She then had a second baby who was 9.9 and he eased out slower at an hour and a half of pushing and easing him out and no tears at all. My mom had the same experience tearing with a 7 pound baby, and easing out a 9.9 pound baby with no tears. I'm going to try not to push so fast and furious with this one in hopes of less stitches
I'm just being hopeful I haven't read anything about this being genetic. I was almost 9 pounds and came out so fast, the doctor almost dropped me. No tearing. She also had me while laying on her back, which I've heard is a position where the mom is more likely to tear. I was also her biggest and first baby. I do have no plans of delivering on my back if I decide not go get the epi and don't need to be laying down for any reason. But, like I said I'm just being hopeful and plan on doing everything possible not to tear. I'm not scared of the pain of birth at all, but I've never had stitches in my life, and stitches from tearing freak me out. I don't mind if I have a minor tear that needs no stitches. I have this irrational fear of dealing with stitches since they are so unknown to me.
I just want to tell you to try not to worry so much about it all. I had a labial tear with my son and had some stitches and honestly, everything is so swollen and sore down there from birth that you don't even know about the stitches. You don't have to do anything to care for them and you don't even really feel them being put in.

Just have a peri bottle for when you go pee and really, they heal so quickly. I really wouldn't be so scared of it all because it's not half as bad as you think it is. Promise! You'll be so preoccupied taking care of that little baby that it's the last thing on your mind.

This is EXACTLY what I'm hoping for if I do get stitches

thanks for putting these hopes into words. Not looking forward to the swollen, painful recovery but I hope there are a lot of posts on tucks pads and padcicles closer to delivery time. I'll take all the advice on recovery care I can get!! I have heard nothing but amazingness about peri bottles.

UseTheTriforce94 · December 2015

I'm only 13 weeks and I found my first tiny stretch marks on my hip/side-stomach area. I had a full-blown breakdown lol I'm just trying to drink a lot of water and remember to use my Palmers. I may look into other stuff later if they get too awful but I just have to keep remembering that a healthy baby is more important than my vanity.

Still ain't easy though lol.

photomama142 · December 2015

Palmer's Tummy Butter all over! My first two pregnancies, I used it on my belly and NO stretch marks, except on my hips (where I didn't use it, and excuse me, grew as well but NOT AT MUCH AS MY BELLY...I have no other explanation!) Why no marks on my belly where I used the Tummy Butter, and I DID get some on my hips where I didn't? Genetics was a crap shoot for me, my mother didn't get stretch marks, the women on my dad's side got HORRIBLE stretch marks...so I figured some lotion couldn't hurt!

If nothing else, it helps with itchy stretched skin! That and drink lots of water!

june2016baby · December 2015

I have too many stretch marks at this point to bother.

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