I Dont Want Bad Stretch Marks!!!

Hi J.,

That is so great that you are happilly married and expecting! How exciting!

I had many friends who have used simple cocoa butter lotion and did not get any stretch marks...some it didn't work for. The best thing is to continue to eat healthy and stay away from the fatty foods.

Good luck, you'll love being a mom! =)
B.~

Congratulations! I wish I had some advice for you but I used all the lotions mentioned and still got really bad stretch marks. My mother never had any when she was pregnant with me either so I guess it just depends on the person!

I would like to say however that even though they are still noticeable they have faded considerably as the years have gone by. So there is hope!!! =)

Good luck!

you can use vitamin E oil or you can use coco butter for stretch marks just as long as you are not allergic, use every day.

Wow!!! Lots of good responses. I think everyone has a good point, genetics are a big part, and the manner in which you take care of your skin can be a factor. I just had a baby 10 weeks ago, and I heard the Cocoa Butter, and every other piece of advice. I do not have ANY stretch marks, both my mom and sister got them BAD. This is what I did...

I used Olive Oil. That's it. It's 100% natural, very cheap at the grocery store, not much of a smell, and it's the most natural way to go. I used it as a total moisturizer, after reading about it in a pregnancy magazine. As a 1st time mom, I was ultra cautious about what I put in and on my body.

Give it a try...

J.,

I do have a product that can help, in addition to some things you can do. I even have before and after pictures that can verify. Contact me if you want to hear more. And Mamsource members get 35% off.

Just DON'T SCRATCH!!!! I was told that scratching causes a lot of the stretch marks when I was pregant. I avoided scratching with both pregnancies with a lot of "Belly Butter" (google it) and do not have ONE mark.

I wish you the best of luck with the baby and more!
M.

Hi, I used Palmer's Coca Butter religiously everyday all over my body, even toes. I was 110 lbs before pregnant, 150 lbs 9 mths pregnant. I did not get a single stretch mark. This was my first child. I want to let you know though that it still may happen but once that little one is in your arms you will not care if you got them all over. It is well worth any mark. Good Luck and Congratulations!

You've obviously received a ton of advice already, but I thought I would respond anyway. My mom, who never had one stretch mark after 5 children, told me to use olive oil every night. I did almost every night, just enough to cover the entire area and rub it in really good. You will still have a slight oily feeling, but I have no stretch marks. I was only 117 lbs at the start of my pregnancy and I got up to about 170 before I delivered, so I had alot of weight gain!! It could just be good genes and nothing to do with the olive oil, but my older sister had stretch marks after her first child and she did not use the olive oil. It's sounds weird, I thought my mom was a lunatic, but I can still wear a bikini when take my son to the pool!! Good luck.

Good luck.

I moisturized religiously in the morning and the evening and had the most soft, supple skin...complete with stretch marks after the pregnancy was over.

Some people get lucky and don't get them while other people are hit hard like I was.

It's sort of like breasts and breastfeeding. Some people keep the increase in size, some return to normal, and then some get flat, pancake boobs that hang their nipples in shame...like my girls.

Ahhh the price we pay for the children we have! If I had a chance to do it all again, I wouldn't change a thing.

J.,

I was told to rub Cocoa Butter on my tummy. There are lotions and a stick that you rub on. It was kinda smelly!!!! Unfortunetly, I got every stretch mark in the book on every part of my body (at least it seems that way). My advise to you is to start using it now and as much as possible. Also, rub it everywhere tummy, boobs, sides, butt. I hate to be a Debbie Downer but, I didn't have a stretch mark on my body till I was pregnant. Sucks but, I wouldn't change a thing in the world. Love the little rascal that game them to me.

J.

Nothing worked for me, or my sister. I think if you're going to get them(does your Mom have them?) it's inevitable. Good luck though!!!!

I heard the same things others are saying -- that it's all in your genes. I do believe your genes affect it, but I used the lotion from the Motherhood Store (clear bottle...white lotion, but I forget the name...sorry!). For my first pregnancy, I used it on my belly & only put it on my breasts occassionally -- and I got stretch marks on my brests. For my second child, I used it from the beginning until my tummy returned to normal and still did not get any strech marks on my tummy (and did not add any to my brests). I really think this stuff works! At least, it did for me. By the way, I gained 40 pounds with my first and 28 with my 2nd if that helps any. Good luck & congrats! It's such an exciting time!

it might be genetic, but you should do all you can anyway! If you end up w/ a big baby and/or gain a lot while pg and/or are really small stature, you're more likely to get them. wmn w/ twins get them rather easily b/c the skin is stretched beyond what would normally be expected! BTW, congratulations, it's SOOOO exciting! I hope you're feeling well, too. morning sickness (or all-day sickness) is hard.
anyway, moisturizing in the a.m. and at night is what I did to make sure the skin was a hydrated as possible. this helps reduce the chance of the marks. eating small meals thru the day vs. fewer large ones will make you bloat less, which also puts pressure on your tummy and can make your skin stretch faster than it should. i used Trillium Shea Butter. It's organic and all natural and comes in a ton of awesome 'flavors.' i think organic is important b/c that means that no chemicals are in it, nor was it processed with chemicals, which can seep into your skin and thus into your whole body and then into your baby. here's a write up on the product on safecosmetics.com, which labels it a "green" item (meaning "go"), vs yellow (caution) or red (should not use due to potentially harmful ingredients):
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/product.php?prod_id=92887

BTW, that's a great site to read up on what products to use for your baby!

i love the trillium products so much that i decided to start selling it at retail, so i have some available for sale. you can read about it on trillium's website (www.trilliumorganics.com) and see my site here for my pricing (cheaper than what Trillium sells it for on theirs):
http://bendickco.com/trillium_organics/
I do free delivery if you're near Naperville.

Best of luck!

When I was expecting with both of my daughters I was faithful to put stretch mark cream on my belly everyday, however, it proved to be in vain! The stretch marks still came and they were really bad! I have heard that it is in your genetics, you will either get them or not get them. But don't worry, after you have your baby and lose the weight they won't be as noticeable, plus they will serve as a reminder of the wonderful time when your baby was growing inside you. :)

Hello J., and "CONGRATULATIONS"!
I am coming up on my 40th Wedding Anniversary, and had 3 Children, and always used something that cost very little, and always had around!
"Baby Oil" Your body is going to start going though so many changes, and you wouldn't want to put on anything that would upset your body or skin, so Baby Oil is the answer for that. I do not have one Stretch mark on my body, after having 3 Children, and putting on over 50 pounds for each of them. I also used it on my arm, legs, back then size 34 A, if you know what I mean, now 38 D and also my behind. You need the oil all over your body that is, and will start to Stretch.
Do not rub to hard because that will tear the skin, rub very softly, and OIL daily. I hope I helped you a little.
Shelly

I'm the gramma -my 4 babies are grown and I never got a stretch mark....cocoa butter works. I was never crazy about the scent, but it's worth it. Get a few of the stick kind. Every time you use the washroom, rub it on and massage it in, you'll be glad you did.

Everyone's right that it is mostly genetics. That being said, I used the Burt's Bees Mama Bee oil and have no stretchmarks. If you are strict about your caffeine intake while pregnant, avoid the cocoa butter.

I woudl recommend you check out my website

www.thebodyshopathome.com/web/faithjones

We have a great cocoa butter which is fabulous and some specific products for stretch marks. These have worked wonders for me!!

Make sure you moisturize your skin several times a day!

Take a look at the site! This is also a great business for new moms!! It allows you to earn an income AND stay home!!

I was lucky and I didn't really have stretch marks that were that bad. I never got them on my belly. I got a few on my hips and that was about it. You might get lucky and get very few or none at all. I had friends try lotions that contained either vitamins a and 3, just e or with coconut and it didn't make a difference. There may be something out there that might work for you though. Congratulations to you and your husband!

I think Avon sells a product that is suppose to be good, but I cant remember if that is for sure Avon. And also, there are creams out there that do work really good. I cant remember the name of them right now. Do you want me to ask my doula group?

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

Sorry...your can spent tons of money and it just won't help. It's purely genetic and all the research supports that. I've known people to buy $100 dollar creams and use them day and night and still get them something awful and my best friend didn't use anything and after three kids doesn't have a single mark. Just all in the Genes.

Drink lots of water!!! I have four children, drank mainly water with all pregnacies and have only ONE stretch mark right above my pubic line :) You can't even see it when I wear a bikini.

Reason: water aids in keeping your skin stretchy (like elastic). Without water your skin doesn't have the ability to stretch and return to its original shape.

Good luck!

I think stretch marks are genetic. I did nothing and have none but others I know rubbed all kinds of things on their tummies and have them.

The other key thing is to avoid putting on excessive weight. The most recent studies show that weight gain on the lower side eg.20lbs for a normal weight person is much safer. That translates to basically almost no weight gain in the first trimester, 12 lbs in second and 8lbs in third. Baby, placenta, blood etc is around 17lbs for an average size baby and the rest is just extra.

I've always been told that whether or not you get stretch marks or not is hereditary. I didn't settle for that and used Palmer's lotion just once a day in the morning ( I think it recommends twice daily) and it worked for me. It must be the one with Vitamin E, Collegan and Elastin in it and don't forget to apply to breasts, sides and/or back and thighs to avoid any fast expansion marks there.

Hi J.,

A couple of things: First, I agree with everyone that says it depends on your skin type and how fast you grow (which to a large extent you can't control), along with how long your torso is and how you carry the baby. Anyone who didn't get any and used something will tell you it's because of that product, but having used everything from cocoa butter to shea butter to straight vitamin e oil, I think they are really just genetically lucky. I had a baby who was almost 9 pounds and a TON of fluid, so I was huge. I also have a short torso and carry way in front, so my belly was out there. I didn't have any stretch marks until the last month and a half, and for awhile only had a couple. The last 3 weeks, they completely exploded. My son came a week and a half late and they induced because of the volume of fluid I had - he had so much swimming room, he didn't want to come out! :) Anyway, all of those things will be a factor. I also didn't get any stretch marks on my breasts until I began nursing. Despite the stuff I used, I still have really deep stretch marks on my belly, from around my belly button on down. It is something to be proud of! :)

The second thing is that if you have any allergies to grass, plants, etc, you should be careful with starting a new lotion. I tried a couple that gave me the worst rash of my life all over my abdomen and breasts - it was horrible! It was definitely an allergic reaction to the lotion I tried (it was some kind of cocoa butter mix that was sold especially for stretch mark prevention). So, if you have a predisposition to allergies, try a small spot before you rub it all over.

Palmer's cocoa butter. slather that stuff on twice a day! Worked great for me. I didn't get even one line. plus it smells good :)

I think it really depends on each person. Some people get them and some don't and some will still get them even with trying all the lotions/etc. I had new horrible stretch marks (I had twins) but thankfully most went away... I wear by Palmer's Cocoa Butter "firming" lotion. You might want to hold off on the "firming" lotion until after birth and just lube up with Palmer's reg. cocoa butter a few times daily. You could also try stri-vectin but once you have had the baby and are done nursing. Unfortunatly, it is like the 'badge' of motherhood... among other things!

J.-

It is true strech marks are heritarey. I gained 40lbs and I am not a big person to begin with I did not have any stretch marks. Do however use a ton of coco buter cream on your tummy on your thighs on the sides of your stomach, on your girls-pretty much all over. Good Luck and try not to worry to much about it.

I have to add to all the wonderful suggestions that I got the small whitish marks eventually, However I didn't get the BIG RED scratches marks. All my sisters have those and the difference was I used Lotion EVERYDAY. From the very beginning. And MORE the bigger I became. I always put lotion on even when I wasn't pregnant. That would be my approach, lotion everyday. I did use Palmers also. But I also used straight Vitamin E oil on my belly. You need to have nice oily skin so it CAN stretch. Heres what my docter said, IF your belly itches.....YOU need MORE lotion.
Itching = stretching.
Good Luck! Just remember to enjoy this time in your life. It goes by so fast.

As much as science would love to say there is a cream or diet that will prevent stretch marks, 90% of the time it's genetics. It's a matter of the elasticity of your skin cells. However, you can try helping that 10% as much as you can and keep your skin moist with lotions and non-drying soaps. I personally know plenty of women who claim certain creams, some of which women have already mentioned in your other comments, and swear by them and say they had no stretch marks (they also said their mothers and/or sisters never had stretch marks, too...hence the genetics). However, I konw just as many women who claim to have used the same creams desperate to keep from getting stretch marks to no avail (usually they say they were desperate to avoid the marks their mothers and/or sisters had...again, the genetics factor).

Basically, try what you can, but also remember that throughout mommyhood (including the pregnancy) we don't have a whole lot of control over many things! :)

GOOD LUCK and CONGRATULATIONS!

Try Palmer's cocoa butter. A friend reccomended it to me and I used it evey day on my stomach. No stretch marks. Word of advice - don't forget your hips and chest. That all gets pretty stretched out too.

I really believe stretch marks are genetic. If your mother got them you probably will. I know someone whose mother got them & she didn't, but I think that's not the norm. Don't worry, they are just evidence of the miraculous thing your body is going through!

Congratulations!I am in my 13th week myself..logicaly..i know that stretch marks are genetic..but I am using the Palmer cocoa butter anyway! I did see a new product..i think it was Nutragena..cocoa butter gell..I deffinatly plan on trying it when I find it!
T.

I used the cocoa butter sticks from GNC with both of my pregnancies. I did not have stretch marks with either child and our last son was 9 pounds! I am currently 10 weeks pregnant with our third child and plan on using the same item this time around. Hope this helps!

You can try straight vit. E oil... however I don't know if you know that it really is not in your control. I understand that it is genetic... so look to your mother for the answer. And one really big important thing... don't worry if you do get stretch marks. You are going to change in so many different ways. Some ways are going to be physical and that needs to be OK with you... they are your changes to cherish and laugh at because you are extending into another part of yourself... be proud of them!!!!

Keeping your skin super moisturized is essential to helping ease the stretch of the skin. Cocoa butter is a faithful companion to pregnant women everywhere. I'm in the beauty business and when I was probably 10 or 12 my mother told me about cocoa butter and its effects on preventing stretch marks. I started using it right away and have ever since. Now I'm a fanatic so I'm not a good person to compare yourself to but keeping the skin oiled along with moisturized is really important. The higher the percentage of cocoa butter in the formula the better; 100% is best but hard to use because it's hard as a rock. Hold it on the skin until your body heats it up and start moving it around to get it to melt into the skin. Also, oiling yourself before getting out of the shower when you're still wet will help a lot. There is a cocoa butter liquid oil formula but be warned that it will smell up your towels and it's very hard to get this weird funky smell out. Finally, Clarins makes an oil blend that pregnant women swear by. Not sure of the name but if you call the Clarins counter at a department store, they'll be able to tell you exactly what it is.

Mostly is has to do with your skin's natural elasticity or its ability to stretch. It has to do with your body's make up of collagen, elastin fibers and also ethnicity can have something to do with it. But taking some extra steps to help prevent them can never hurt especially because if you do get them, they're your friends for practically ever.

i've heard there's nothing you can do if you are predisposed for them. i never got them and i'm 36-older skin ;-). i liked the body shop cocoa butter lotion. good luck. enjoy this time. pamper yourself. drink lots of water. keeps skin supple....

I am J. also, try Vit E oil. You can buy it in the vit section. It comes in like a 2 0z bottle. I did hear that it doesn't matter what you use it is in our genes. I know I didn't take any chances with my first and am not again now that I am having twins.

When I was pg with my first baby I used that Palmers cocoa butter lotion. They sell it everywhere. I would just slather that stuff all over my belly and sides every day and never really got stretch marks.

But, you should know, doctors might tell you that nothing will prevent them... if you are going to get them, you are simply going to get them. But, us mom's really believe in stuff like that Palmer's lotion and it won't hurt to slather it on like butter every day! LOL!

Congrats and good luck:)

Ok here what I did and it really helped buy some Shea Butter to help with preventing them and if you get a few which you may go get anything that help with the apperance of scares and help them go away. It help with mine no I cant evem tell they are there until like Im PMSing with bloating

The best advice I can give you is to drink a lot of WATER....it obviously hydrates your body from the inside. You can even use a strech mark cream (white bottle with a silhouette of a pregnant woman) don't remember the name of it! But in the end it all has to do with your genes and how elastic your skin is.
Good Luck!!!!

Good nutrition is really the only thing you can control about stretch marks. The lotions won't do anything. You either get them or don't. Eventually you learnt to be proud of your "mommy tattoo."

Ive used Palmers Cocoa butter for both my pregnancies and I didnt get any stretch marks with my first but have it now after I had my second and she came a month early and weighed 6 lbs 3 oz so I dont think that really worked. I think if you are going to get it you will anyway and Palmers doesnt really help!

Hi J.,
I am the mother of one 16 year old son. I had a beautiful pregnancy and not one stretch mark. I used a cream called "Mother's Care." It worked beautifully. I also think that the condition of your skin plays a great part. I used cocoa butter and Vaseline also. Keeping the skin well lubricated is another good thing. Drink plenty of water and hey, if you get stretch marks your beautiful baby will be well worth it!

Genetics is the biggest part, go look at you momma. Along with your habbits of lotion = moisture. Not only moisturizing the outside with creams etc...but make sure you are a big water drinker....moisurize from the inside out!

Good luck.

A.

It was 20 years ago but I used cocoa butter everyday and I didnt have any strech marks!!! Good luck

Hi J.,

Congratulations on your pregancy!! So exciting!! Oh and you CAN'T be married to the perfect man, because I am!! heheehe!! and I'm still saying that after 15 years of marriage!! I hope you are too!!

Anyway, I hate to say it but if you were intended to get them, you will!! Don't bother spending your money on lotions that say they will help you avoid the stretch marks! THEY don't work!! I gained 55 lbs. with my first baby and only made it to 30 weeks gestation (can't imagine what I would have gained if I went full-term), I didn't get 1 stretch mark. (I do use lotion after every shower pregnant or not.) I gained another 35 lbs with baby #2 who was born 15 months after baby #1, and not 1 stretch mark! I have a sister who gained the recommended 25 lbs. and she was covered in them!! Her stomach looked like she had knife wound scars. This same sister spent hundreds of dollars (I may be stretching that amount a bit) but really spend A LOT of money on creams/lotions, etc. to avoid those stretch marks! and I just used my normal Vasaline Intensive Care lotion everyday. So my believe is....If you were meant to have them....no matter what you do...you will have them!

Hi Jess. Start walking, stay hydrated and regular cocoa butter will work wonders.

First of all, congratulations!! I remember being pregnant for the first time and how excited I was...it wasn't all that long ago, but it seems like forever! :)

To answer your question...no matter what anybody tells you...there is no lotion or cream or anything that will prevent you from getting stretch marks or even lessen them. I know that every brand out there "claims" that they can, but it's a lie. I learned this in my prenatal classes. Basically, it is totally genetic, so, ask your mom if she had stretch marks and how bad they were if she did. That will give you a good idea of what to expect. My mom had a road map of stretch marks...and so did I! Of course I was preggo with twins, so that only made it worse.

You will need lotion because as your tummy expands, it tends to get itchy. Also, it is a great thing to do tummy massage throughout your pregnancy...it's relaxing and a good way to bond with your baby! I really liked Suave cocoa butter. The smell wasn't overpowering and it was cheap. Now, I am using a great lotion called, "Renew." It is comparable to Eucerin, and I really like it too.

Good luck with your pregnancy and ENJOY it, because it flies by really fast!!!

With both pregnancies I used 100% cocoa butter every day, twice a day. I never got any stretch marks!

I used Clarins Huille Tonic or Tonic Oil. I have read that even Madonna has used this. This is what they even have their girls use when they go through growth spurts so they won't get stretch marks growing up. I got NONE on my belly or hips, just a few on my breasts and I probably wasn't that diligent in that area. I used it during and after pregnancy until I was back to about prepregnancy size. Good luck!

Hi J.,
Congrats on your pregnancy, I know it is such a wonderful experience. I am the mother of two ( Ihad them really close only 14 months apart and not one strech mark) and I found that MUSTELA 9 months cream worked great for me. However, You really have to try a few some creams have a fragrance and if your hormones are acting up you may not be able to stomach some of the smells. You can find Mustela products in Babies r us stores or try a specialty baby store or o.nline as well. Good luck!

Stretch marks are genetic.......either you are predisposed to them or not. Cocoa butter is supposed to help a little but you really can't stop them. Just moisturize everyday...but for those who are predisposed to them they are really just inevitable.

Hello Jess iam a mother of one and i used olive oil. my grandmother told that it works wonders every night i rub olive oil on my tummy the entire pregnancy and it worked i guess those old remedies really works but if you just so happen to get them it won't matter once that little bundle of joy is in your arms congrats!

Clarins Body Treatment Oil (firming, toning - the one made specifically to prevent stretch marks).. Worked great for me and now I'm using it for the second pregnancy, so we shall see. This, though, is expensive so if you want to save some $$ I'm sure coco butter and olive oil work just as well! Be sure to also slather it in areas where you also may stretch, like near your arm pits and on your lower back / bum... even thighs if you will gain there.

I was told by a doctor that, unfortunately, if you are prone to stretch marks you will get them no matter how much lotion you slather on. I used lotions several times daily, and in the end I still got stretch marks (and I only gained 26 lbs). Not only that, but my tummy and belly button stretched out and are not the same as before pregnancy. I hate the way it looks, but the perfect little girl I have makes it so worth it! Congrats and good luck!

Unfortunately (as I read Julie's post I had to disagree entirely) stretch marks are a genetic component of pregnancy symptoms and it actually does not have to do with weight gain. There are many women who gain 40+ lbs and do not get the marks and others who gain nearly nothing and get railroad tracks across their entire abdomen and breasts. If you get them do not freak, they are not bad and they get light enough that you barely see them. Personally, I gained 10 lbs with my 1st and got tons of stretch marks and this past time around I gained 50 lbs and got almost NO stretch marks. Go figure!

cocco butteer , they sell it in sticks at walgreens. worked well for me.

If you decide to use something, you may develop an allergy to it. I used Palmers starting at about 5 months and by 7 months I started breaking out. I broke out with ittle red bumps that itched horribly all over my stomach. One of the docs in the clinic, not my regular one, said it was PUPPS. I tried switching to another lotion on the off chance. The rash went away for a while until I became allergic to that one.

Something to keep in mind if this happens. Just have to love those hormones.

It really depends on the amount of weight you gain. I used Tummy Honey and it worked well. Only a few faint mark too low to care about.

I use Palmer Cocoa Butter for stretch marks and drink lots of water. Avoid things that make you dehydrated like soda because that will dry out you skin, thus causing stretch marks. If you live in an area where it gets dry in the winter use a humidifier. I think alot of it is in your genetic make-up as well, but it doesn't hurt to do whatever you can to avoid getting them.

Best wishes to you & your growing family!
I've gone through 3 pregnancies, using ALOE based (all natural) creams. I have no stretchmarks. Additionally, I've known other women who used lotions with Vitamin E successfully. Alot depends on your skin type, weight, good nutrition, etc. Consult your doctors as well as a good dermatologist. Exercise daily if your healthy enough to do so.
R. M.

I hate to burst your bubble, but I honestly believe that you can't stop your body from getting stretch marks if you are supposed to get them. I was fortunate enough not to get a single stretch mark. My first daughter I used the coco butter 3x's a day all over my tummy and backside. I didn't get a single stretch mark. My 2nd child I wasn't on top of putting the lotion on everyday 3x's a day, and I still didn't get stretch marks. So that shows me that the lotion didn't have anything to do with getting stretch marks or not getting stretch marks. I think stretch marks are a hereditary thing. I also think the more weight you gain the higher chance you will be to get some.
But as an example it's not always the case. I had a friend who gained over 60 pounds on her first child and came out with zero stretch marks. I had another friend who only gained 25 pounds and she came out with tons of stretch marks.
It's unpredictable. The reason they suggest lotion is to keep that area soft. The softer the area is the more chance you will have NOT get stretch marks. But I think that's a wise tail personally.
Good luck and pray you don't get stretch marks. And if you do, it's not the end of the world.

Congratulations! Unfortunately the stretch mark issue is not so easily avoided. It really all depends on the person and no matter how in shape or small you are, you too can get stretchmarks. Some people seem to be more prone to them, while others get away without having those wonderful fire strike lines. Gain your weight gradually and watch what you eat. keep the weight down and that will help somewhat. But it is ok if you get them, there really is no magic cream that makes you avoid the lines! (If there were, i would have been slathering it on like nobody's business!!!) Good luck though!!! =)

Palmer's Cocoa Butter worked for me, and I gained 40 pounds with my son. That is what was recommended to me when I had the same question. Good Luck!

Hi J.,

How about Mustela? You should be able to purchase at Babies R Us or Nordstrom. I hear it's pretty good. I didn't get a chance to really notice the difference because I was already on baby no. 2, but I heard and seen that it really works.

Good Luck

C.

Hi J.
I'm K., I was always told to rub coconut oil into your skin to help with stretch marks.

I have a friend that used Cocoa Butter for all five of her pregnancies and swears that's why she doesn't have any stretch marks. HTH.

Stretch marks are heridetary. There is nothing you can do to avoid them if they are going to happen. The only thing that truely makes them less noticeable is time. I have heard that Strivectin SD works but it's $130 for a regular sized tube and the few people I know who spent the money still have stretch marks, though you can barely tell now and it's been about two years since they started using it.

Cocoa butter lotion. It doesn't have to be the expensive kind. Just make sure you rub it all over, not just your tummy. You can get stretch marks anywhere. Unfortunately, I don't think it's a cure all for stretch marks. I've heard that if your mom has them, you will too. It's true for me and most of the women in my family. However, lotion can never hurt anything!

Cocoa butter rubbed in every day is the answer. And it definately works. Even on scars. But you have to do it EVERY DAY. Youll be surprised at how little they appear if they show at all. You can buy it at the Dollar store. Works wonders.
Stay with it, M. D.

Well you can use cocca butter, but it doesn't always work. Stretch marks are genetic..plus it just all depends on how your skin stretches! good luck!

I have no stretch marks. Really I think that most of that is genetic. I didn't really use any lotion, at least regularly. What I did do that I believe helped was drinking a ton of water. I drank 4-6 25.3fl oz. bottles a day. No soda. I also didn't take the prescribed prenatals. I took New Chapter Perfect Prenatal vitamins. They are a whole food vitamin that was so much easier on my system. I believe these are better for you, but I would not presume to know more than your doctor. These vitamin are expensive. They run $50+ per bottle. You can find them at Whole Foods/Wild Oats or on line. I am convinced that these 2 things are why I don't have stretch marks. Every other woman in my family has horrible stretch marks and they all hate me. Good luck and congradulations on the new addition to your family...

K.

I am sure this will come across harshly, and that is not my intention, but PLEASE save your thoughts and internal hopes for a safe baby, seamless delivery and healthy mom issues...

stretch marks are badges of courage if and when they happen. ..just look at them as proof of the journey you and your body have undertaken.

beauty is skin deep, ugliness is o the bone when we embrace it, and my stretch marks are NOT ugly because I make them part of me...and all the journey my children have taken me to.

C.

Yes I think it's true, it's all in the skin. The lotion might help fade stretch marks quicker if you do get them, but it won't prevent them. I have 2 kids and got stretch marks with both. I did not gain a ridiculous amount of weight, and i used lots of shea/cocoa butter. I still got them on my thighs, stomach, and boobs(just a little). They fade over time, but you will always have them. You won't notice them until the end of your third trimester when you strecth beyond belief. Unless you get bigger sooner as some women do and then taper off. My girlfriends bought the highest most expensice brands you could buy and still got them, others used nothing and didn't get any, so in my experience, lotion or not, you'll get them or you won't!

I can vouch that cocoa butter works. It has been proven to have special properties that heal the skin. I actually had stretch marks from growing too fast as a teen (I'm tall)so I know my body could get them. When I was pregnant I slathered myself in cocoa butter and I got ZERO stretch marks and I gained 50 pounds! It doesn't matter what kind. Just buy the kind with the highest content of cocoa butter and use liberally.

Hi,

I used Palmers Cocoa butter lotion for both my pregnancies...starting as soon as I found out I was pregnant. I have absolutely no stretch marks from either child despite the weight I gained. However, I spoke with my doctor (3 actually in the network) and they told me it is truly a matter of the elasticity of your skin. Genetics can play a factor, but not always. Whatever happens(I don't think there is any harm using the lotion)you truly (most likely :)) won't care because your baby will be the very most important thing in the world. Stretch marks are beautiful!
J.

P.S. My mother and grandmother (on both sides) have stretch marks!!!

P.S.S. I LATHERED the cocoa butter on every day (2X a day) from shoulders to ankles!

I used the Shea butter stuff from Bath and Body Works. I think it was called Blue. I've had two (although smaller) babies and have no stretch marks. Good luck!

I was pregnant with twins 4 years ago and I used Palmers coca butter and I did not get one stretch mark and I also used it with my last two pregnancy and I don't have one stretch mark to show for it. Hope it helps! :)
L. V

Unfortunatly I'm pretty sure that you either have elastic skin or you dont. I used with both pregnacy's, skin essentials with cocoa butter for stretch marks because you never know. I have a couple small one's around my belly button, but nothing too bad. I did ask my doctor that exact question and the answer he gave me was the one I gave you. Who know's, doctors aren't all knowing. The odds are good though. Your young and it's you first. Good luck

Hi J.,

I have 3 sons (ages 6,8 and 12). I tried cocoa butter with the first 2 and it worked a little. I still had stretch marks, but not as many as I probably would have had. Someone told me to use Mother's Friend, but I never did. I heard it works, but has a slight odor:) It's in a blue bottle.

first of all i beg to differ.....I think im married to "the perfect man"......hahah...
how r u.....i saw J. N and i immediately though of you...and it was......
@ albas babyshower she happen to mention that she got some lotion at babys rus, and she hasnt got strech marks.....

I think you can only hope to not get them....but i would try to put lotion on all day long, and hope they stay away.

J....

I enjoy reading all the funny things that first time mothers ask....

STRETCH MARKS.... NO WAY to AVOID, LIMIT, or REMOVE.... LOL...

I didn't get them until my 2nd.... I gained 80lbs with my first daughter and just 60 with the second....LOL

good luck....

E..... single mother of 2 daughters 1.5 and 4.5yrs....

still laughing....hehehehehehehehe.... not trying to be mean...but, when you have your next...you'll laugh too !!!

I wish there was a magic lotion I could recommend, but the likelihood of whether you get stretchmarks is determined by your internal cell structure, which is all about heredity. In other words some of us get them, some don't... no matter what you slather on the outside. You can get cocoa butter cremes to help with some of the itchiness that come toward the end of the pregnancy, but that's about all.

Like a lot have said it is hereditary. They also can be caused by rappid weight gain, poor nutrition and hydration. Most all the women in my family have stretch marks all over thier abdomans and very loose skin so I was scared. The advice I can give to you is to gain weight at a steady pace eat a healthy diet, keep hydrated excercise and use olive oil and or cocoa butter. I did all this with both of my pregnancies. I do have one 1/4 inch stretch mark on my belly button and the skin right above my bikin line is a little loose. So even though I did not avoid it all together I have no where the amount as all of the other womwn in my family. Hope this helps.

Palmer's Cocoa butter lotion, found in many drug stores, and in the past I have actually used any type of lotion that has extra moisturizer in it and used it daily, sometimes twice a day. Hope this helps.

Hi J.

If you have stretch marks on your breast,most likly you will have stretch marks. What ever you decide to use; don't use mothers' friend!!! I didn't have them until I use that lotion. Now I'm stretch from the rooter to the tooter.

I'm 41 and had my first baby at 39 and second at 40. I didn't develop any stretch marks and think it really has to do with genetics, weight gain and what type of skin one has.
I do swear by a simple Mediterranean product - plain old olive oil! It's completely natural, no chemicals and the best thing for all skin types. You can mix it into a scrub with sugar for an exfoliant or use plain oil. I did this all the time and continue to use it after my pregnancies.

I used Skin So Soft every day. Not one stretch mark! :)

Hi J.,
I've had 3 babies 2 within 13 months of eachother, But I swear by it, Palmers Cocoa Butter is what to use, don't buy the cheap stuff even though it's got way more in it. Buy Palmers Cocoa Butter and put it on in the AM and in the PM. If you don't use it you'll feel your skin itching, that's how you know you're growing. Enjoy your pregnancy, it does go very fast. When you're experiencing it, it might not be so fun, with all those side effects and everything, only a mom knows about, pretty soon, you'll forget all about it so enjoy this time!

J.,
Well, I wish there were some magic cure. The unfortunate reality, however, is that stretch marks are a genetic occurrance. If the women in your family got them, chances are likely that you may also. The lotion industry would have you believe that their products are miracle creams, and many women would swear that they are, but the fact is that lotion or not, these women wouldn't have gotten stretch marks anyway even if they hadn't used the lotion. I know it sucks, but it's true. I say if it makes you feel better (as it did for me) find a lotion or cream that appeals to your senses and lather it on at will. It might not help, but it couldn't hurt!
Good luck and best wishes.
jules

every health care professional i talked to told me that they are genetic. the stretch mark cream is really rich though and feels good on your itchy skin when you start to really get growing. i still put it on throughout my pregnancy because i imagined my baby being able to feel the little massage, it's really fun to rub your big belly!

I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but there's really nothing you can do. I know you will get all kinds of responses from people who swear by a product or vendors trying to sell you things. Stretch marks have been PROVEN to be genetic. Did your mom get them? Do you have them from puberty aroun dyour hips or breasts? Then there is a VERY good chance you will get them on your belly.
You can take Vitamin E, use lotion, rub oil in to your skin and tell yourself it's helping, but it won't:( However, of course keeping your skin well hydrated is important. Drink lots of water and do use lotion all over as usual. Just don't use lotion on your breasts - they take care of themselves in preperatoin for nursing.

Just remember, the important thing here is that you get to go through it all and give your baby life, not what you look like while or after you do it.

J.-
Mary Kay Cosmetics has a lotion-
Visibly Fit that is great for what you
are needing. It is $22.00.
As always their products come with
a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Have a GREAT day :)
K. Ogle

I used lots of lotions all the time with my first daughter and got lots of deep stretch marks, even on my breasts. Oddly, though, with my twins, I just got two tiny ones. It all depends on your skin and how much you grow and how fast. Believe it or not, I was actually bigger with my one daughter than with the two! Lotion can DECREASE the APPEARANCE of stretch marks but to my knowledge, nothing can actually stop the process (except going the Hollywood route and getting a surrogate, but that takes all the fun out).

a good source to help with stretch marks is sesame oil. You can get it at a health food store or neutrogena puts out a good one too (it's a little pricey, but worth it). Use it every day. Goodluck

I really hate to tell you this but i used all the lotions out there from the moment i found out i was pregnant and now i am blessed with all kinds of stretch marks..EVERYWHERE. So i researched why..well i knew my mother had lots of stretch marks from having 2 kids and she is as skinny as she was in high school, 115 lbs but she still has lovely stretch marks. So basically, its all in your genetic make-up whether or not you are going to get stretch marks and how elastic your skin is. So good luck and just keep in shape during your pregnancy and don't pig out on junk!!! That will help as well.

I used Palmer's Cocoa Butter the whole time I was pregnant. I used it religiously 3 - 4 times a day all over my tummy, breasts, thighs and don't forget around the lower back area, too. I didn't get any stretch marks during my pregnancy. Good luck with your pregnancy, it's so joyous!!

honey, i hate to say it but... good luck!
i personally think of stretch marks as an unavoidable part of pregnancy... cocoa butter is the most highly reccomended... but regardless (especially if youre really thin) stretch marks will happen...
just embrace them as part of this wonderful experience that you are going through.
plus... youre already married, your husband loves you for who you are, theres no reason to worry about it, honestly, after that little baby comes, it wont even matter because in the end it will ALL have been worth it, stretch marks and all :-)
hope this helps... (but seriously, get the cocoa butter, once you get bigger the skin on your tummy will itch because your skin is being stretched... so any lotion will help that, everyone is different though.)

rub your belly down a few times a day with coco butter, my two kids are 19 1/2 months apart and I do not have any stretch marks. I used coco butter with both of my kids. It worked for me...good luck :)

Don't listen to the fact that stretch marks are genetic. Maybe they are, BUT both my mother AND my sister have HORRIBLE stretch marks, I mean AWFUL ones, and I did not get ONE, not even a tiny one anywhere on my body, and I've been through two pregnancies. I honestly think that it all depends solely on how much weight you put on. If you eat everything in sight and put on a bunch of weight, more than 40 pounds or so, then you will possibly get stretch marks. Watch what you eat for sure! I only gained 27 pounds with my kids.

My sister is an ob/gyn and she said DO NOT use ANYTHING with cocoa butter!!!!! It has been linked with fetal arrythmia and other problems. She says to use regular lotion. Anything with cocoa butter is proven to have potential to harm your baby. Use the cocoa butter products after the baby is born!

Try Coco Butter. It does help and makes your skin so soft. If you do get some marks, be proud. You will have earned every single one of them!

I used a product named "Utter-butter" purchased at Walmart
I did not receive one stretch mark.

I am on my 3rd pregnancy and still no stretch marks. I thought cocoa butter was the miracle cure and used it all through my first pregnancy. With my second I didn't use any and was told...if you're gonna get them, you'll get them. This time...I'm nervous and am using it again. Everyone says you didn't get them the first 2 times you won't get them this time, but it's nice to think I may be preventing them, even though I don't fully believe I am. Some women get them, some don't! Hopefully you're one of the lucky ones!
I also heard they are hereditary....I'm glad they're not, cause my mom had them.

CONGRATULATIONS!! I know how u feel. I just had a baby and thought I was gonna get them for sure. My Mom had really bad stretch marks from her 3 pregnancies so I thought I for sure was gonna get them as well. My friends told me to use these expensive lotions but I did not want to spend that kind of money. I read that if u put Lavender lotion on ur belly it will help, so I gave it a try. I found this lotion at Trader Joe's by AVALON ORGANIC BOTANICALS Hand and body lotion and applied it all over after shower every day and guess what?? No stretch marks. I don't know if it was the lotion or what, but I used it, it was only like $8 for a 12oz bottle and it worked!!! Good luck and have fun with ur pregnancy ;-)

J., stretch marks are usually a genetic thing and you either get them or you don't. I used cocoa butter every day, and only gained 25 lbs. My mom didn't have a single stretch mark and I thought I had her skin. I was wrong; I guess I have my dad's. That, and I also had a 9 lbs baby. They weren't too bad, though, just in my lower belly. On my next pregnancy I had twins, so that's another story.

In any event make sure to use lotion to keep your skin hydrated and also prevent your belly from itching (happens sometimes), but if you're destined to get stretch marks, you will. Good luck with the pregnancy!

J.,

It is said to be heridetary, but not always. I had a single and a twin pregnancy with no stretch marks, but I think one of my sisters got them. I used the cocoa butter and the Palmers Stretch Mark cream, but I do not think that was what helped. It does not hurt to keep hydrated and the skin soft though. I for sure thought I would get them with my twin pregnancy, but I was lucky.

Rub cocoa butter on your tummy, hips, back, and even your brests...EVERY NIGHT! My husband did that for me and it also felt so good! I think the trick is not growing too fast in a short period of time. I just had my baby December of 07 and another one the year before! No stretch marks! I also think good genes and having elasticity in your skin helps tremendously! But cocoa better helps! Good luck!

Try STRIVECHTIN - awesome!

Stretch marks come from damage to the collagen in your skin. It's much too deep for anything you rub into your skin to make a difference. That said, I really like the way the Brazil Nut Body Butter that the body shop sells feels on my pregnant belly. As your skin stretches it can get tight and itchy, and this really helps with that. Unfortunately, though, I don't think it will influence whether you get any marks. What will probably make MORE of a difference is eating well and staying hydrated.

Hi J.,

My daughter has 4 daughters the oldest is 8 and the youngest is 16 months. She has used Palmers mama stretch mark lotion for all of them. She swears by it. I know that you can buy it at Babies R us.....L.

I hate to also tell you either you will get them or you will not. Now you WILL get them if you don't try and take care of your skin. I lotioned EVERDAY from head to toe and made it to 37 weeks before I got stretch marks but i also did not gain alot of weight til the last 4 weeks. I think if there was a way to prevent them that is 100% everyone would do it. Good luck and congrats on the baby!

Palmer's concentrated stretch mark cream has worked well for me so far. I am 34 weeks pregnant and have no stretch marks other than what my bra hides. But I have been forewarned that in my last month, that will probably change. Also, if you are very itchy, Palmer's soothing oil is very nice. I only use it as night though, I don't want to get my clothes all oily.

I just read other responses as well. I WOULD NOT use baby oil. It is straight mineral oil and our skin does not absorb it very well. My sister actually told me to add olive oil to a bath (you can do this for baby too) because our skin WILL soak that up!

Hello J.!

I am a mother of 2 children of my own (15yrs & 2 1/2 yrs).
WIth both pregancies I used baby oil & cocoa butter cream.
I would add the baby oil to my bath water and then put the cocoa butter on after I dried off! And I loaded it on!!!
I would usually reapply several times aday!
I don't have a single stretch mark on my belly!
Unfortunately, I didn't think to put it on my thighs, butt or breast...so I did get a few in those areas! So....don't forget those areas!
Well....if you choose to use this...hope it works for you as well as it did for me! Just remember...lube up alot!!! LOL!
Good Luck and Congratulations!!!

Hi J.:

You ca use Coco butter. It works!