Recommendations for stretch marks

[Johnson10]

Currently 17 weeks pregnant. I’m aware my tummy is going to start growing A LOT ...

What have people used to help reduce stretch marks ? What works ? Any recommendations would be great.

Thanks in advance 😁

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MNHQ Update
This is an old thread, but if you’ve come across it while searching for advice or information on stretch marks our guide to the best stretch mark cream has been recently updated to reflect current availability and new releases. It includes a wide range of options from oils to butters, cream and balms designed for stretch mark prevention, relief and treatment. It’s been compiled using the advice of skincare experts as well as Mumsnet user recommendations. We hope it’s helpful!

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but the only thing that really works for stretch marks is your genetics and DNA. I’m sure someone will be along to swear by a certain lotion or potion but the long and short of it is that if they used a particular product and didn’t develop stretch marks chances are they were never going to in the first place! My first pregnancy I religiously slathered myself in palmers stretch mark coca butter (which incidentally smells amazing and makes your skin feel great so do go ahead and try it just for that reason!) and thought it was working as I didn’t have a single stretch mark until week 35 when they appeared from nowhere almost overnight. Good news is that they faded so much you could barely see them- skin elasticity never went back buy the colouration was fine. This time round I’m 30 weeks and will put moisturiser on whenever I fancy it or my skin feels itchy but I’m under no illusion that I’m not going to be covered in them again! All that said have a look at frank body snowy scrubs if you do develop them for helping them reduce down afterwards- I use the face stuff too and it does make a difference to my red skin tone.

I agree, sorry, you’ll get them or you won’t. My mum had 4 babies and hasn’t got a single one. I didn’t get any and was so hot during most of pregnancy I didn’t bother to moisturise very often.

Probably genetics as PP says, but also it’s good to apply something as skin gets very itchy.

I applied Bio Oil to my stomach twice a day, and didn’t get any stretch marks.

I know some years ago watch dog compared several strechmark cream the decision was none helped get rid of strech marks, but biooil was a niece moisturiser.

I'm afraid it is all down to genetics. If you're going to get them you're going to get them.

I did find baby oil good for the stretchy feeling though. I applied it just after the shower before drying off, helped lock in the moisture

I didn't get them until 36 weeks on my first. And about 38 on my second. Thought I'd dodged the stretch mark bullet but nope!

They do fade though. And hey, you might be one of the lucky ones

Prob just down to genetics like others say, but I am loving the smell of the bio oil and hubs likes smoothing it on, kind of bonding time with baby.

Accepting that you will get them and ignoring them is the best advice I can offer.

I had loads anyway from my teens. So getting them in pregnancy was guaranteed. Mine were never red and sore looking though, only ever silvery. I'm not overly self conscious about them. My post c-section fanny flap is another matter entirely....

Palmers cocoa butter. Every day. As I got bigger I put it on my boobs, back and bum as I didn't want them sneaking up on me. I didn't get any, and I was massive. Still am fairly massive though, so it didn't help with that. My mum had bad stretch marks so I'll be doing the same this time around too.

I agree with PP. I used palmers cocoa butter ever single day and though it worked wonders. I then hit 30 weeks and got so many stretch marks! If you're going to get stretch marks, there are no creams or lotion's that are going to prevent them in afraid. I hated mine at first, but my OH spends everyday telling me to embrace them, because they are another reminder of one of your biggest achievements, your beautiful child. 😊😊😊

I agree with everyone it is genetics. I am moisturisig with shea butter. I have both body shop and it is amazing. I alsonuse almond oil fro. Loccitane but that it is a big expensive. I alreayd have stretch marks on the thighs from teenage years and am not botheresd by them. I am 24 weeks and at the mo nothing on he belly.

I’m at the same stage as you and using the cowshed stretch mark balm which is making my skin soft at least! Hoping it does something but this is my first baby so no idea

Nothing. You'll get them or you wont. If you do they'll fade eventually but there's really no miracle product

i've been using MamaMio Body Butter - not cheap but excellent reviews. too early to know if it works but if feels great