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Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Pregnancy

Stretch marks!!!

19 replies

justhayley · 02/09/2011 14:05

ok so I'm 7 week and am starting to think of ways to avoid stretch marks! My mum didn't get a single one with me or my brother who was an almost 10lbs baby!!! I'm hoping I'm the same (nit producing a 10pounder) but want tips to avoid them!

Iv heard bio oil is the way to go? How early on should you start to use it?
Also apart from bump and boobs is there anywhere else stretch marks tend to come?

If anyone has any good stretch mark tips please share them!

Thanks Hayley x

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Walnut8 · 02/09/2011 14:15

I didn't get any until 38 weeks and the midwife said, at 37 weeks, that I was very lucky to have avoided them. Then they came out almost overnight in spectacular fashion.

I don't believe that you can avoid them. Use a lot of moisturiser and take a zinc supplement. I did both and held them off as long as possible. My bump was not huge and my baby was 7 ounces.

Get lasered afterwards if you are wealthy

Walnut8 · 02/09/2011 14:15

7 pounds!

justmee · 02/09/2011 14:17

i had no stretch marks what so ever untill last week 36 weeks pregnant i had one now this week my 2nd one has appeard :s stupid thing is i have bio oil but always forget to put it on then just never used it now im slapping it on but to late im guessing :(

notanumptyalways · 02/09/2011 14:18

I bought the Palmers stretch mark cream but had an allegic reaction to it. It seems to be work for most people in at least easing stretch mark discomfort but my skin is quite sensitive to new creams so I couldn't keep using it.

Course shea butter is the best thing and is available in any African beauty shop. Second to this I would recommend cocoa butter and thirdly coconut oil. Massage them in thoroughly at least twice a day.

The thing is it is genetic and my mum has had four kids with three being between 10 and 12 pounds (I was 11 pounds!) without getting a single stretch mark. My sister and I took after my dads side I assume as we both have stretch marks from pregnancy.

Hopefully you will take after your mum

I personally don't mind because they will fade. I still use the products I mentioned because you should keep your stomach and thighs/ hips constantly moisturised anyway to avoid discomfort and itching.

I might try Bio Oil after the birth but prefer natural products till baby is out.

edwinbear · 02/09/2011 14:19

I think it's in the genes, neither my mum, sister, nor I got any. But, just to be on the safe side, my sister and I both used The Sanctuary Mum to Be stretch mark oil which smells lovely. I don't know whether it's genetic or the oil but I'm not taking any chances this time round either!

Stogan · 02/09/2011 14:20

I'm 13 weeks and considering starting with bio oil this weekend as although I have no marks as yet I am growing rapidly( could be to do with my steroids but being a size 10 only 2 months ago bump and boobs are now struggling to fit in a size 14!!!).
Was just thinking of rubbing on boobs bump and my thighs as they seem to be growing too so I'll keep u updated but unfortunately I doubt anything can avoid them completely.

Hope u have a happy, healthy and stretch mark free pregnancy Hun xx

yummymango · 02/09/2011 14:21

I have used Palmers every day throughout this pregnancy and at around 30 weeks a lovely crop of stretchmarks appeared.
I think it's mainly genetic and down to your type of skin.

Stogan · 02/09/2011 14:23

Oh Edwinbear I didn't know the sanctuary did that I love their stuff.

A trip to boots is in order tomorrow thanks

PotteringAlong · 02/09/2011 14:25

I'm using the sanctuary stuff too! Got a huge tub for £10 and, even now at 29 weeks, got most of it left. Goes on
Really nicely and smells lovely!

PotteringAlong · 02/09/2011 14:25

I'm using the sanctuary stuff too! Got a huge tub for £10 and, even now at 29 weeks, got most of it left. Goes on
Really nicely and smells lovely!

edwinbear · 02/09/2011 14:32

Boots have it on three for two at the moment too. The Sanctuary have a whole range of mum to be stuff, they often stock it with the baby stuff rather than The Sanctuary stuff if you can't see it. It's purple rather than orange.

Stogan · 02/09/2011 16:14

Great thanks Edwin and pottering, that's probably why I have never seen it as all the baby stuff is upstairs in our boots and after our history of loss I'm scared to look at things yet!

Will venture there tomorrow thanks guys

MissRee · 02/09/2011 16:19

If you want bio oil, I do believe lloyds pharmacy have it at half price at the moment!

Stogan · 02/09/2011 16:25

Yeah missree they do atm but also aldi do their own version which is exactly the same for about half the price x

mumt1 · 02/09/2011 16:37

Can't avoid stretchmarks, if their going to happen theyl happen. But the best way is to keep the skin well moisturised.I have a few stretchmarks on my hips boobs and legs from my last pregnancy, they have near enuf disapeared! Anyone no if you get more with ur second?

wolfcubEm83 · 02/09/2011 17:11

Lol, i moisturised every day from 30 weeks (didnt have much of a bump until then).

When my waters broke i decided to have a shower (DD was 9 days early and i hadnt 'tidied up' my downstairs) and i remember thinking how lucky i was not to have a single stretch mark - the day i got home i had a bath and remember looking at my saggy tummy in the mirror and to my horror seeing 3 stretch marks at the bottom of my tummy!!! They must have happened whilst i was in labour as they werent there 24 hours before!!

I love them and show them to everyone (within reason of course)

aliceliddell · 02/09/2011 17:17

Palmers Cocoa butter massage cream for stretch marks - didn't get any
Palmers CB oil serum - faded dd's v. fast

slowshow · 02/09/2011 18:45

I am proof that slathering yourself in creams or oils does not work. I am COVERED in stretchmarks

I think it's just the way my bump grew. It's all out in front and pre-pregnancy, I had a small waist and a flat stomach (but it's not all good, I am a classic English pear shape!). I had no chance really!

My mum didn't get any stretchmarks either.

justhayley · 03/09/2011 07:57

Thanks everyone! I do hope it's genetic and I no there's nothing really u can do but keeping the elastaine in your skin by moisturising must help so I'm off to buy loads of stuff to soak myself in lol gona end up like a greasey sausage

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