Recommendations for stretch mark preventions?

[Lzgs]

I was recommended bio-oil but wondering if the price is worth it. Any tried and tested affordable alternatives? Can I use any natural oil instead?
TIA

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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!

I do think it has a lot to do with genetics and each body and how quickly you put weight on etc but saying that I’ve used the cheap stretch mark oil from B&M it’s like £3 since around 12 weeks (currently 33 weeks) twice a day and not got any stretch marks (so far!)
I read that drinking a lot of water keeps skin hydrated and that also helps prevent. I’ve always drank around 2-3L a day and had good skin so I also think that’s helped with prevention as well.

Sorry oil was from home bargains not B&M

Honestly I think it’s down to genetics. I used normal moisturiser once daily all over, same as before pregnancy, and no stretch marks. I know people who used bio oil frequently who have lots of stretch marks.

@Lzgs my GP friend said it's mainly hereditary / genetics. I have quite a few friends from West Africa and they all swear by raw shea / Shea butter.
I bought this:

www.tourecosmetics.com/collections/butters/products/pure-shea-butter

It's lovely.

Thanks for the advice all. Interesting that it’s mostly genetic! That saves me from forking out on expensive gimmicky products. I’ll still to just keeping it moisturised. Staying hydrated is difficult atm with HG but hopefully by the time bump is growing more I am able to drink more water.

It really is all down to genetics. Don't waste your money on expensive stuff.

Don't waste your money, I did and my belly is full of them! I have heard that it's not the product it's the massaging of the skin so if you just use a good moisturiser during and after pregnancy this is meant to help.

A belly band and mama mio oil.

Stretch mark prevention method one: have the kind of skin that doesn’t get stretch marks (genetics/blind luck)

Method two: do not actually live in/enjoy your body. Never gain weight or have a pregnancy.

I’d try to not worry about it too much and rest easy in the knowledge that it’s not something you can control, so you may as well spend the bio oil money on something lovely for yourself instead.

I used coconut oil throughout my pregnancy and I have one tiny stretch mark near my belly button. My mum was covered after having myself and my brother so was expecting a lot more so I’d definitely use it again. Also handy for if little one gets cradle cap, clears it up in no time.

I don't think there's much you can do. You'll either get them or you won't, it seems to be genetic. My friend applied expensive treatments and oils throughout her pregnancy, her bump wasn't even particularly big and she has lots of stretch marks. I was huge (due to excess amniotic fluid) and didn't bother with anything like that. I didn't even use standard moisturiser much, as I was pregnant during a heatwave, and I don't have a single stretch mark. I really wouldn't waste your money, because if youre going to get them you will regardless of what you do or don't use.

What @Verbena87 said.

I didn't get any stretch marks during any of my 4 pregnancies. I used bio oil for my first (although sometimes it went a bit flaky) but didn't really have time in subsequent ones.

I did, however, get masses post partum. Which is part of the reason I didn't bother using oils after DC1.

Am fairly sure it's luck of the draw.

I've always been at the low end healthy weight BMI. I had stretch marks on my thighs and the sides of my belly since puberty. I don't think they can be prevented really but if the moisturising is relaxing do it, if it just feels like another chore when you could be lying down then don't bother.
I bet if you only did one half of your belly they would end up the same in the end!

It's mostly down to genetics and how quickly you gain weight. Try to find out if your female family members ended up with any.

I never used any products at all and didn't get any with either pregnancy. My mum didn't either.

Sorry but nothing works to prevent them.

The damage occurs in the deepest layers of the skin where no lotions or potions can get to. Best thing to do is moisturise with your usual cream or lotion, stay well hydrated and hope for the best.

I'm covered in them, had some huge pregnancies though with big babies and a set of big twins. The overhang bothers me more than the stretch marks, my 6 babies were worth it.

I had zero stretch marks in my first 2 pregnancies and had 1 single small one throughout my 3rd. I used bio oil and palmers cocoa butter religiously. Like a PP I then got a load post partum on my stomach hips and thighs. Very annoying and if they had shown when pregnant I’d have been devastated but in all honesty im now so past giving a damn def agree it’s luck of the draw

I used Fantastic Skin Elastic by My expert
Midwife and didn’t get any stretch marks until week 34 🙈however they are only on the bottom of my stomach and a couple on my hips and top of thighs.

It is a lovely smelling lotion but I think stretch marks are just part of the deal unless you’re really lucky!

Nothing will prevent them. Either you get them or you don't (I thought I'd got away with it and then got them at 39 weeks )

It’s purely genetics so definitely don’t go out buying expensive creams/oils. I didn’t use anything at all during my pregnancy and didn’t get a single one (neither did my mum). A friend of mine used everything under the sun and still got lots. It’s luck of the draw unfortunately, just stick to your usual moisturiser and hope for the best.