Terrible stretch marks

[stretchytiger]

Hi everyone...
Just wanted to vent as I think I have the worst stretch marks I have ever seen. I keep searching for similar but the people who say they have it bad seem to be way better than what I am showing.
And there are plenty of people who say they just got lucky or have good genes or their moisturising was the trick.

I have the perfect storm of hypermobility (lax collagen disorder) and carrying twins.
I used the bio oil, mothers balm, eucerin...but it's a war zone. I have done it all. And under the belly button my skin is like a dry river bed; so bumpy and gross and painful. The doc says there's even oedema there so it's making the skin swell and droop.

I'm really sad. Here is a pic of my skin.
I know it's meant to fade...and it's great my body can carry these twins....but I haven't seen anything like this online and I feel so depressed. Or maybe there are lots of ladies with these tiger stripes who are quietly out there!

[RedPandaFluff]

Hi @Stretchytiger - I know how you feel. I've just had my beautiful DD after four cycles of IVF and she is completely precious to me.

HOWEVER.

I do not love the horror show that is my boobs as a result! Stretch marks all over, and big blue and purple veins. They're horrible and it has definitely affected my self-esteem, especially as DH has shown very little interest in me sexually for months!

But I guess, as you know and you've said, it's about keeping things in perspective. I'm trying to see them as badges of honour . . .

[AlexaCanBuggerOff]

You look fucking awesome OP and even if I knew how to get rid of them I wouldn't want to tell you! Tell the people who look horrified to fuck right off to fuckoffland and when they get there, fuck off some more.

Gonna go wash my mouth out with soap now.

[stretchytiger]

I know I'm very lucky to carry these amazing babies- I just need to keep perspective! Thanks. 💪

[stretchytiger]

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement!

I know I'm super lucky to have these twins; they are much wanted IVF babies after all. So of course I don't have regrets per se, it's just tough with all the 'perfect' twin bumps around. Even the doctor comments on how I have a lot of stretch marks!! The guy who has seen it all! 😂

During the first two trimesters i didn't mind at all. I think it's the new bumpy weird texture that is getting me down, and the fact that my mates and mum look so horrified when they catch a glimpse of the lower part- it's not their fault; they don't know any better- I don't have any friends with children.

It could be that people with mega stretch marks don't post photos! Hopefully mine will help others. And it also helps to know I'm not alone. Thank you everyone. Xx

[BeautyAndTheBump1]

So sorry you're feeling down OP.
So so soooo many women have stretch marks like these. Unfortunately it is due to genetics, just keep applying the oils/creams like you are to keep your skin as hydrated as possible. Drink lots of water too.

Once your pregnancy is over your skin will start to shrink back and they will shrink too, and then turn silver. Then if they are still affecting your mood you can look for treatments that help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

But don't worry, it's just a way of life and alot more people have them than those who don't!

[fibeee]

I’m sorry you’re feeling down about your body OP.

I think we all have insecurities about our bodies during pregnancy. I also have stretch marks from this pregnancy on my belly, breasts and thighs. As well as that my (not firm or perky to begin with) breasts just seem to be going further south as they get bigger.

When I start to feel down about my body I just remind myself how blessed I am to be able to carry a baby to full term. Unfortunately I know women who would give anything to be able to be in my position or even get pregnant in the first place. It puts the marks and weight gain in perspective for me.

Congrats on your twins and I wish you all the best.

[Mj2196]

I 100% understand , your not stupid and you know your body is doing something amazing but it still makes you feel crap. This was my first baby . 12 months after and -3stone later and they did turn silver , however I’m 26 weeks with no2 and they look worse than ever. to the point where I haven’t even took an uncovered bump pic this time . I also look around and wonder if I’m the only one !
Congrats & good luck on the twins X

[CheesecakeFactory87]

I got stretch marks in my first pregnancy. Gutted but got on with it.

Second pregnancy I thought, I'm already stretched. I won't get it anymore. I was very very wrong.

I have them on my breasts, stomach (up past my ribs) between my legs, in the public area. Just urgh.

But, this advice won't help you now but they fade very drastically so it won't look so angry.

Plus I've had huge success with a dermaroller. I couldn't afford private salon treatment or laser, but I purchased a 2mm dermaroller off amazon and some vitamin E gel to apply afterwards. No they haven't disappeared, but I even wore a bikini one year.

Yes my stomach still looks like it's birthed kids, but it was nowhere near as bad as it was before.

But be kind to yourself OP. Don't even think about it right now. When you're managing sleep and eating normally and life gets less hectic then maybe evaluate what's important with your body.

PS good luck with twins!

[Delbelleber]

I've got them all over the place

[Babyg1995]

I'm the same I even have them on my arms this time I've gained alot I'm worried how I will look after the birth I know exactly how you feel op mines go from the bottom of my bump up past my boobs I've no advice though as im struggling too with it but your not alone .

[pjani]

I gained a lot of weight in my early 20s and have stretch marks all over. Over the years I’ve learned to accept them. I’m sorry as I know it’s hard. You are doing an amazing thing but it’s ok to mourn your body as it once was.

[Mysocalledlifexx]

I couldnt read & leave.
You will learn to love your body & get used to stretch marks. I have on my tummy and legs my tummy diddnt bother me was my legs but as ive gotten older it doesnt get to me as much.
Dont be sad ,your doing a amazing job carrying your babies. Your beautiful with stretch marks or not.
Ive just had another baby havent even worried about my body yet.
Congrats on your pregnancy x

[Honeybee85]

OP I am sorry to see you’re so insecure about this.

Think of them as a much earned decoration for doing something extraordinarily: bringing 2 babies into this world. Keep using Bio Oil and remember that they usually fade after delivery and turn the colour will change into grey/ silver so they’ll be visible much less then they are now.

[stretchytiger]

If you click on the pic you can see the full under belly button bumpy horror!