Creams to prevent stretch marks when pregnant

[LetsStartAgain111]

I know some people will say no creams prevent stretch marks but just thought I'd ask.

I absolutely love body creams but now I'm pregnant I'm really cautious of what kind of body creams I use.

I'm only 11 weeks and not sure really WHEN to start using a cream or oil to prevent stretch marks.

Is there any you would recommend that you feel has helped and when you started using it?
I've read online that you should start from the 1st trimester moisturising stomach, boobs, hips, bum and thighs!

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MNHQ update:
This thread is a few years old now, but if you've come across it while hunting for stretch mark treatment recommendations, our guide to the best stretch mark cream has been recently updated to reflect current availability. It includes a wide range of options from creams to oils, butter and lotions - all tired, tested and approved by Mumsnet users as well as skincare experts.
We hope it's helpful!

It is genetic, but my DM had loads from her pregnancy with me and I have zero from my pregnancy with DD1.

I used Elemis Japanese camellia oil throughout my pregnancy with DD, mainly just as a nightly ritual and it smells lovely. It was also a gift from MIL as it is quite pricey.

I would just use a lovely body lotion or moisturiser you like the smell off and feels lovely, it can't hurt to keep your skin moisturised

Just thought of something else! I always applied my Mama Mio tummy rub butter straight after a bath whilst my skin was still damp. Again I don’t know if that made a difference or not.

Mama oils and a belly band (bought a few to allow for washing) I used them religiously, but I enjoy messing around with skin creams and oils. No marks but as others said maybe I was lucky…
Drank a lot of water, ate very well/salads, walked for miles (have a dog). I also have fairly oily skin.
I put on about a stone and a half in weight. Had a very relaxed pregnancy really, I was in bed by 7/8pm.

Good luck

I've got stretch marks from puberty and my mum is covered in them from pregnancy so I was so so worried about getting them. I'm 4 weeks PP and didn't get one!! I used mama mio oil in the morning and bio oil at night, I also did a bump mask a few times. The products are expensive but look fantastic always had deals. Tbh I would have paid anything not to get them!

Oh also I used bio oil from about 9 weeks then the both together k think from my second trimester. I didn't get a bump until about 25 weeks so I prob started too early but id rather be too early than too late

@sageandbasil
I've actually just ordered some of the mama mío oil and body butter from look fantastic. And looking at a few others as well. They had good reviews.

@Icantrememberthenameoftheartis
I've literally just ordered this as I could see there were so many good reviews so I'll definitely be trying that! Thank you

You can't stop them I'm afraid. My mother never got a single stretch mark with four pregnancies, and I've just delivered my fourth child and am also stretch mark free.
The first two babies I moisturised like a bastard, trying to ensure I wouldn't get stretch marks. The last two I didn't bother and it's made zero difference, I still haven't got any. So I conclude that it's not down to any cream money can buy.

I used mama mio oil and butter, and I didn’t get any stretch marks. I had been expecting them as I have terrible stretch marks, much faded now, from puberty.

That should say stretch marks on my hips from puberty.
But nothing on my belly from pregnancy.

None. You either have good stretchy skin or you don't. Don't waste your money.

Moisturising won't help but won't do any harm either. Whether you get stretch marks or not is entirely down to genetics.

I've had three pregnancies, never used any creams or moisturisers and don't have a single stretch mark. It's pure genetic luck.

i'm 37 weeks and fingers crossed no stretch marks as of yet! although there is still time, i used baby oil and bio oil from the start! i put baby oil in bath for the last 15 mins and lay ( rub water over stomach and boobs) also be careful when getting out as can get slippy. i then apply bio oil to stomach, boobs, love handle area and top of legs when i am out. i use baby oil instead of bio oil in bath as was becoming too expensive! hope this helps

I used johnsons baby oil religiously everyday from around 10 weeks, I never got a single mark and have 3 children. My mum also had 3 and looks like a road map, her marks are awful. I was quite upset about ruining my body when I was pregnant the first time, I thought I'd get the same stretch marks, but nope not a single one. If you saw me in a bikini you'd never guess I had kids. No idea if it was the religious oiling (my boobs, but and bump) or just sheer luck! I did start off with bio oil but decided it was too ££, johnsons is about a quid!

@EatDrinkEatDrink
I was literally just thinking about baby oil! I do have bio oil that I was also going to start using but just remembered how I used to use baby oil after a shower (before being pregnant). That's also a really good option.