Stretch marks

[ttc2603]

Hi was just wondering when to start using oils and stuff on yourself I'm currently 15 weeks pregnant and have used oils some days but haven't kept it frequent. I'm very slim but my belly keep getting big and then back to small, so when do you think is a good time to start using the oils and what oils/creams did everyone use to prevent stretch marks please. Thanks

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MNHQ update:
This is an old thread, but if you've come across it while on the search for stretch mark treatment recommendations, our guide to the best stretch mark cream has been recently updated to reflect current availability. From lotions to oils, body butters and creams, it's made up of tried-and-tested options from Mumsnetters as well as skincare experts.
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I started straight away and used Bio Oil and Palmers stretch mark lotion. Have also used some Palmers Cocoa Butter.

I still developed stretchmarks on my lower belly at about 32 weeks, but they don't look too severe and since I spotted them I've just been using Bio Oil in the hope they don't get too bad.

You can use them pretty much any time however, a lot of it is hereditary. If your mother got them then you might as well.

The best utmost thing you can do for your skin is drink loads of fluids. The skin of the first thing to suffer with lack of water and it's the largest organ in the body. Doesn't get a good deal really.

Nothing prevents stretch marks, it's down to genetics and collagen.

I started at 25 weeks and use cream in the morning and oil at night

Hi @ttc2603 ,

I used a Secret Saviours band in my first pregnancy and didn't get any stretchmarks (only got to 37+2 though). I'm using one again now and hoping it stops them again this time. The band is supposed to distribute the load across the skin - stretchmarks tend to appear along specific lines of weakness in the skin - so there is actually a theory behind how the band works! I have marks on my upper thighs and bottom from puberty so expected to be susceptible on my stomach too.

Realised I didn't answer your question about when - last time the bump appeared around 25ish weeks (I'm slim but have strong abdominal muscles) and started wearing the band around 28 weeks.

I used a very expensive bump cream designed to minimise stretch marks from about 18 weeks. I had no stretch marks at all until about 34 weeks when I developed really bad ones all over my tummy. I was gutted for ages but they’ve faded now and I don’t mind them at all. I’ve actually learned to love them.

My mum had the same with her pregnancies so I expected to get them. It’s definitely down to genetics. If you’re going to get them you’ll get them no matter what!

Echoing what others are saying that it is genetics and if you are going to get them you will. I started using Palmer's about week 20 to help with the itching associated with the stretching skin, I still got a little itchy but keeping my belly moisturised did seem to help it not be as irritable.

I was young and very slim with my first pregnancy I got a couple of stretchmarks around my belly button and some on tops of legs and side of boobs. Can't see them now years later. I'm pregnant again and I am now 36 weeks and I haven't had one (maybe my belly fatter already) never used anything each time. I think there is no real preventing them. Luck of the draw but they do fade into silvery lines, mine did anyway.

Also forgot to mention I'm not too sure if genetically I will get them my mom had 4 kids and hasn't got a single stretch mark. I got stretch marks everywhere apart from my belly so worried in case I end up getting them on my belly as it's the only place I don't have them

Honestly it's mostly genetic whether your predisposed to stretch marks, also depends on how much weight you gain etc. If using oils/creams puts your mind at rest that you've tried then start asap and enjoy a belly massage :) personally, I have loads, but I'm pregnant for the 3rd time and the ones from previous pregnancies are really faded now and barely noticeable x

As others have said, there aren't any oils/creams you can use that would prevent them happening if they're going to! However, in answer to your Q, I used coconut oil from around 25 weeks mostly daily but mainly for the itchy skin feel (I don't have any stretch marks yet at 39 weeks but then my mother never got any either!) :-)

You can't prevent them.

I don’t think you can do that much to prevent them. Eating healthily so that you only put on a healthy amount of weight is the best thing to prevent them and obviously to feel as good as possible. Creams can help with itching and making your skin feel soft but not much else. If you do get them, they’ll fade. I only got a couple of stretch marks after 40 weeks with my second, she decided to be 2 weeks overdue. 🙄

Bio oil and Kojic san has been working for me