Stretch marks - what would you recommend in an attempt to prevent them?

[BettyButterknife]

I got terrible stretch marks during my first pregnancy despite using expensive Mamma Mio oil and almond oil throughout.

This time, I still want to use something but can't afford 22 quid a pop. Can anyone recommend something good and cheap?

I just don't want any more!

It's genes/luck of the draw.

I had them as an adolescent on the tops of my thighs (still got 'em but they are really faded) but despite whacking on a stack of weight when I had my DD, I had none with her. I used Bio-oil sometimes, but I think it is just moisturising or helps with existing ones.

No personal experience of this (TTC No.1 atm) but my personal trainer swears by getting your abdominal muscles (esp core ones) in as good a shape as you can pre-pregnancy.

Apparently this 'holds in' the bump so that you don't end us as big, hence fewer stretch marks.

I only got 2 very small ones on my belly by the bikini line.

I had a lot when I was a teen and my mum had loads when pregnant.

I do not know if it's the cream or luck but I used this one from Boots - Derma Mum Stretch Mark Cream since I've learnt I was pregnant until delivery.