Help me love my stretch marks!

[spannermary]

I'm 30 weeks and over the last couple of weeks have begun to develop horrible, bright stretch marks on the underneath of my bump.

I know it's normal - and really didn't anticipate minding - but it's really distressed me! I'm not even that vain, but for some reason they've almost brought me to tears several times.

Hormones, I know, but still!

Some women wear their marks with pride, and I want to be one of them - so MNers - can you help me love my stretchmarks?!

My dh calls my stretch marks my battle stripes!

I would say, learn to love them because there's nowt you can do about them. They won't always be that bright vivid colour though.

Focus on the positive. They are there because your amazing body is nurturing and growing your child - what a wonderful thing

If its any help they will fade and go silvery in time, at least you get a lovely new baby to show for them!

I have friends who have similar stretch marks to me after losing weight, and I am expecting my 4th baby in April!

Also, my eldest loves 'mapping' who caused which stretch marks! They really are to be loved, can't be avoided and although they look alarming now they will become part of the new 'mummy' you!

Stretch marks are simply a picture that our little ones draw for us to let us know that they are growing well :)

They're "go faster stripes" for birth

I think of them as the 'tiger stripes' of a strong tiger-like woman who's grown and born her babies (bit cheesy maybe, sorry!)

I also try to think of them as like tattoos - that's also marking your skin but has less negative connotations. Tattoos that show I am a Mother now

I can't link from my phone, but google shape of a mother. Wonderful website celebrating exactly that: the shape of a MOTHER. The life lived and babies born. Made me all teary and a bit proud.

Im going to tell LO they're leftover from my battle with a shark as they look like ive been gnawed by one.

I love all these posts! Thank you so much. Have googled that great website, and am now thinking of the little man drawing pictures on my belly. What a little star he is!

Your babylines are a beautiful reminder that you carried your baby in your tummy, living proof :-)

I got some small ones on my boobs and on my belly button area. but they faded after a few months, now expecting DC2, after having DD 15months a go. I really dont want them to stretch on top of what i've got but its true in no amount of creams or anything will prevent, keeping moisturised is always good, but can't prevent. well in my case!