Terrible stretch marks post pregnancy

[GeminiWarrior]

My DD was born 6 months ago. I put on slightly more weight than anticipated during pregnancy but really nothing crazy, and I managed to completely avoid stretch marks until the last 4 weeks when they just appeared everywhere- tummy, thighs (inner and outer), bum, calf, boobs. Some are really deep and others less so. They’re still very red.

My dd was ill when born and has been a handful since and it’s only really in the last month I have got round to assessing the damage to my body... it’s not looking good and I feel horrified at the thought of ever showing any part of my body ever again

I’m back at the gym to lose the weight (going well so far) but does anyone have any advice about the stretch marks? I’m using Neil’s Yard mothers balm at the moment.

It’s getting me down. I’m very very greatful for my beautiful and (now) chealthy baby but feel like I will never be able to feel good about my body again

*healthy

Are you using any oils/body lotions to help them go down?

Oh I feel your pain.
I went full force going gym hoping to have a beautiful six pack but I realised that even with a six pack, the stretched skin would never leave. That will always be there sadly. You can only make yourself look as best as you can, there's no harm in going gym and becoming more toned but I think there has to be an acceptance of change when you've had a baby, there's only a few women who truly bounce back, and they usually started with an amazing body in the first place!

You will feel better about them when they turn silver, tanning them makes me most confident. I am like a zebra from tummy button down. My Mum didnt get any.

I have loads of stretch marks due mainly to large babies, but they do fade, I've had mine so long I only notice if I get a spot in one

They go silver eventually so much less noticeable than when they are like tiger claw marks!

My main issue is stretched skin which I think can only be rectified with a tummy tuck once you have finished having children

They really do fade a lot in time, promise.

Some people seem to think derma rollers help, but I've never tried one.

Thank you.
I know weight loss won’t solve the mark problem but it will help with my self confidence.
I’m glad none of you are suggesting ‘miracle creams’ because I’d feel obliged to try them even though I know in my brain they don’t really help!

They will fade to silver and you won't notice them, mine were angry red for months though, they are silver now but I'm wondering if they will change again now I'm pregnant again

Hey op I'm very sympathetic I was devastated after dd1. She is 5 now and they will never go but they look so much better now. My only advice is ab exercises and a tan and time. I wore a bikini on holiday last year and I never thought I would do that again. Tummy was flat and I had a few sun beds before I went and I have a wonky c section scar too!

Thanks for the reassurance that they will fade :)
And for the spray tan tip- will remember that next time I go on holiday!

They do fade with time.
I only got a few but the skin is still pockmarked where they were (😫).
My friend was covered in angry red stretch marks and hers faded away over the course of a year to silvery white and you couldn't see them at all.